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Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear of the discs and joints in the neck. It is very common with ageing and can cause neck pain and stiffness, sometimes with nerve symptoms.
Causes & risk factors
- Ageing and disc degeneration
- Long hours of neck bending (desk and mobile use)
- Previous neck injury
- Poor posture
- Family history
Common symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headache, often from the back of the head
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Weakness in the arm
- Dizziness with neck movement
- Grinding sensation on turning the neck
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Neck exercises and physiotherapy
- Good posture and ergonomic adjustments
- Pain relief and muscle relaxants as advised
- Hot or cold packs
- Surgery in rare cases with significant nerve compression
When to see a doctor urgently
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands
- Unsteady walking or loss of balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening arm pain or numbness
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about cervical spondylosis. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is cervical spondylosis serious?
It is usually a manageable, age-related condition. It becomes serious only if the spinal cord or nerves are significantly compressed, which needs prompt review.
Can mobile and computer use cause it?
Long periods of looking down strain the neck and can worsen symptoms. Good posture and regular breaks help protect the neck.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.