Cervical spondylosis
Overview
Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that can cause neck and shoulder pain, often in people over 40. A GP should check more serious cases affecting the spine.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis include: neck and shoulder pain or stiffness that can come and goheadaches that often start at the back of the neck Cervical spondylosis is a normal part of ageing and many people do not have any symptoms. There are things you can do to help ease neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis. try gentle neck exercises try gentle neck exercises improve your posture improve your posture take painkillers, likeparacetamolandibuprofen, to ease any pain and stiffness take painkillers, likeparacetamolandibuprofen, to ease any pain and stiffness
Causes
Many people over 40 get cervical spondylosis as part of getting older. It happens when ageing causes wear and tear to bones in the spine and the soft cushions of tissue (discs) in the neck. You may also be more likely to get cervical spondylosis at any age if: you have previously had a neck injuryyou have a family history of the condition
Treatment
Treatment for cervical spondylosis depends on how bad your symptoms are. The GP may give you more exercises to do and recommend you carry out your usual activities as much as possible. The GP may also prescribe a muscle relaxant or other medicine if the pain has been coming and going for a long time (chronic pain). It usually takes a few weeks for treatment to work, although the pain and stiffness can come back. Surgery is only considered if: a nerve is being pinched by aslipped discor bone (cervical radiculopathy)there's a problem with your spinal cord (cervical myelopathy) Surgery is not always a cure but it may stop your symptoms getting worse. If your symptoms do not improve in a few weeks the GP may recommend physiotherapy. Waiting times for physiotherapy on the NHS can be long. You can also get physiotherapy privately. If you have cervical spondylosis, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP. To find out if there are any services in your area: ask the reception staff at your GP surgerycheck your GP surgery's websitecontact your integrated care board (ICB) –find your local ICBsearch online for NHS treatment for cervical spondylosis near you