Cervical Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Cervical Spondylosis?

An orthopedic doctor (a bone and joint doctor) or a neurologist (a doctor who treats nerve problems) can treat cervical spondylosis. Most people get better with pain medicine and physical therapy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is wear and tear on the disks and joints of the neck. The neck has seven small bones called vertebrae. It is commonly called arthritis of the neck. It is a common cause of chronic (long-term) neck pain. More than 85% of people over the age of 60 are affected. Many people have no noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms

For most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. When symptoms happen, they usually include neck pain and stiffness. Looking up or down for a long time may make it worse. The pain usually improves with rest or lying down.

Other symptoms include:

  • Headaches, especially in the back of the head.
  • A grinding or popping noise or sensation when you turn your neck.
  • Numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers.
  • Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders.
  • Trouble walking, loss of balance, or weakness in the hands or legs.

If the spinal cord is pressed, some people lose control of the bladder or bowels. This is less common.

Causes and who gets it

Cervical spondylosis comes from changes in the spine as people age. These changes are normal and happen to everyone. As disks get older, they lose height and water content and start to bulge. The facet joints, small joints at the back of the neck, develop arthritis. The body may grow extra bone called bone spurs. Over time, bone spurs may narrow the space for the nerves and spinal cord. Doctors call this narrowing stenosis.

Getting older is the most common risk factor. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • A family history of neck pain.
  • Smoking, which is clearly linked to increased neck pain.
  • Jobs with lots of repetitive neck motion and overhead work.
  • A past neck injury.
  • Being overweight and not exercising.

How doctors diagnose it

The doctor asks about your symptoms and examines your neck, shoulders, arms, and often your legs. The exam checks muscle strength, feeling, reflexes, and how you walk.

Tests may include:

  • X-rays, which show the alignment of the neck bones and can reveal lost disk height or bone spurs.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a scan that shows soft tissues like disks, nerves, and the spinal cord.
  • CT (computed tomography), a scan more detailed than a plain x-ray that shows the spinal canal and bone spurs.
  • EMG (electromyography) and nerve conduction studies, tests that check how well nerves and muscles work.

Treatment

In most cases, treatment for cervical spondylosis is nonsurgical. Physical therapy is usually the first nonsurgical treatment. The therapist will teach you exercises that make your neck muscles stronger.

Medicines can help. Acetaminophen often relieves mild pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are considered first-line medicines for neck pain. They relieve both pain and swelling. A short course of steroid pills can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation. Ice, heat, or a soft neck collar for a short time may help too.

Some people get steroid injections, such as a cervical epidural block (a shot into the space next to the spinal cord covering). Many patients find short-term pain relief from steroid injections. If a nerve is pinched or the spinal cord is compressed (pressed), surgery may be considered. Surgery relieves the pressure on the nerves or spinal cord and can involve fusing part of the neck. People with progressive (growing) symptoms, such as arm weakness, numbness, or unsteadiness while walking, are more likely to be helped by surgery.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if your neck pain gets worse or new symptoms start, such as slow loss of movement or feeling in an area of the body. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you lose control of your bladder or bowels, or if weakness, numbness, or trouble walking comes on suddenly or after a neck injury.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can evaluate your neck pain and review test results, coordinate care with orthopedic or nerve specialists, and follow your treatment over time.

Common questions

Is cervical spondylosis the same as arthritis of the neck?

Yes. Cervical spondylosis is the medical term for age-related wear-and-tear changes in the neck. It is commonly called arthritis of the neck. It comes from normal aging of the spine.

Will I need surgery?

Most people do not. Symptoms usually improve with non-surgical treatment and do not need surgery. Surgery is considered if other treatments do not work or if there is loss of movement or feeling.

Can cervical spondylosis cause numbness or weakness?

Yes. Bone spurs may narrow the space for the nerves and spinal cord. That pressure can cause numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers. Trouble walking, loss of balance, or weakness in the hands or legs can also happen.

Do most people have symptoms?

No. For most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. By age 60, most people show signs of it on x-ray.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Cervical spondylosis
  2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.