Overview

Cervical spondylosis is an age-related degenerative condition that affects the cervical spine (neck region). It occurs due to gradual wear and tear of the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and surrounding structures. Over time, this degeneration can lead to neck pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and nerve compression.

The condition is common in middle-aged and older adults but may also affect younger individuals due to poor posture, prolonged screen use, or repetitive neck strain. While cervical spondylosis often develops gradually, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and prevent complications.

At Sarvodaya Hospital, patients receive comprehensive care from experienced spine specialists at a leading spine hospital in Delhi NCR, offering both conservative and advanced treatment options.

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

• Neck pain and stiffness
  
• Pain radiating to shoulders, arms, or upper back
  
• Reduced neck movement and flexibility
  
• Tingling or numbness in arms or hands
  
• Muscle weakness in shoulders or upper limbs
  
• Headaches originating from the neck
  
• Dizziness or balance issues in advanced cases
  
  

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis develops due to degenerative and mechanical factors affecting the spine.

• Age-related degeneration of cervical discs
• Disc dehydration and loss of cushioning
  
• Bone spur (osteophyte) formation
  
• Poor posture and prolonged neck strain
  
• Repetitive neck movements or occupational stress
  
• Previous neck injury or trauma
  
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
  
  

Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis

Accurate diagnosis is essential to assess the extent of spinal degeneration and nerve involvement.

• Clinical Examination: Clinical examination evaluates neck pain, stiffness, posture, range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and neurological symptoms to assess severity and functional impact.

• X-rays: X-rays help identify disc space narrowing, bone spur formation, cervical alignment changes, and degenerative alterations associated with cervical spondylosis progression.

• MRI Scan: MRI scan detects disc herniation, spinal cord compression, nerve root involvement, and soft tissue changes, providing detailed assessment of cervical spine pathology.

• CT Scan: CT scan provides detailed evaluation of bony structures, spinal alignment, and degenerative changes in selected cervical spondylosis cases requiring surgical planning.

• Nerve Conduction Studies: Nerve conduction studies assess nerve function and detect compression-related abnormalities when patients experience numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating arm pain.

Treatment Options & Technology for Cervical Spondylosis

• Medications: Medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants help reduce pain, stiffness, inflammation, and muscle spasms associated with cervical spondylosis.

• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy includes targeted exercises that improve neck mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, correct posture, reduce pain, and enhance overall cervical spine function.

• Lifestyle & Ergonomic Correction: Lifestyle and ergonomic corrections reduce repetitive neck strain during daily activities, improving posture, decreasing stress on cervical spine, and preventing symptom worsening.

• Cervical Traction & Support: Cervical traction and support devices help relieve nerve compression, reduce neck pain, and improve spinal alignment in selected cervical spondylosis patients.

• Advanced Spine Surgery: Advanced spine surgery is recommended for severe cervical spondylosis with persistent pain, nerve compression, weakness, or neurological deficits unresponsive to conservative treatment.

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications for Cervical Spondylosis

• Maintain Proper Posture: Maintaining proper posture while sitting and working reduces neck strain, supports spinal alignment, and helps prevent worsening of cervical spondylosis symptoms.

• Use Ergonomic Chairs and Screen Positioning: Using ergonomic chairs and correct screen positioning minimises neck flexion stress, supports posture, and reduces repetitive strain on cervical spine structures.

• Take Regular Breaks: Taking regular breaks during prolonged desk or screen work prevents muscle fatigue, reduces stiffness, and minimises cumulative stress on the cervical spine.

• Neck Strengthening and Stretching Exercises: Regular neck strengthening and stretching exercises improve flexibility, muscle support, circulation, and help relieve pain caused by cervical spondylosis.

• Avoid Carrying Heavy Loads on Shoulders: Avoiding heavy loads on shoulders reduces cervical spine stress, prevents muscle strain, and lowers risk of nerve compression or symptom aggravation.

• Maintain Active Lifestyle and Healthy Weight: Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy body weight reduces mechanical load on spine, improves muscle support, and supports long-term cervical spine health.

• Avoid Smoking: Avoiding smoking improves blood circulation, reduces disc degeneration, and supports overall spinal health, helping control cervical spondylosis progression.
  
  

Pre–Post Surgery / Treatment Lifestyle Modifications for Cervical Spondylosis

Pre-Treatment / Pre-Surgery Care

• Activity modification to reduce neck strain
• Medication review and pain management planning
• Physiotherapy guidance to improve neck strength and flexibility
• Posture education and ergonomic correction
  
  

Post-Treatment / Post-Surgery Care

• Adherence to physiotherapy and rehabilitation plans
• Avoidance of sudden neck movements or heavy lifting
• Use of cervical support if advised
• Medication adherence for pain and inflammation control
• Regular follow-up monitoring to assess spine recovery