Cervical spondylosis is a medical term used to refer to age-related ‘wear and tear’ that can affect bones and tissues in the neck.

The most common symptoms of cervical spondylosis are neck pain, stiffness and headaches. More rarely, it can trap nerves in the neck, leading to:

1. pain radiating from the arms
2. pins and needles in the arms and legs
3. loss of feeling in your hands and legs
4. loss of co-ordination and difficulty walking

However, many people with cervical spondylosis experience no noticeable symptoms.

A specific form of arthritis, which attacks vertebrae and connecting bony, and ligament structures, is known as Spondylosis. Frequently it occurs in the cervical vertebrae. The spines of majority of people above the age of 50 have certain degree of osteo arthritic changes. But they seldom cause acute symptoms. Certain precipitating factors like trauma, incorrect posture of the body, pressure while sleeping and excessive intake of sour food usually precipitate these attacks. In ayurveda this condition is known as Griva Sandhigata Vata

Pain in the back of neck, shoulder and arms, stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia occur due to this condition. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain of the neck. It is often associated with loss of memory and sleeplessness.

What causes cervical spondylosis?

As people get older the effects of aging can wear down bones and tissues that make up the spine. For example, the discs of the spine can dry out and shrink and the ligaments can stiffen.

This ‘wear and tear’ can then result in some degree of cervical spondylosis.

Who is affected

Cervical spondylosis is a very common condition. It is estimated that 9 out of 10 adults will have some degree of cervical spondylosis by the time they are 60 (but many will not have any noticeable symptoms).