What Cervical Spondylosis Means for Your Neck

Dr. Charla Fischer, a board‑certified orthopedic spine surgeon in New York City, diagnoses and treats degenerative cervical conditions with a focus on individualized care and advanced techniques.

What Is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis refers to age‑related wear and tear in the neck’s vertebrae, discs, and facet joints. Over time, the discs can become thinner and less elastic, and bone spurs may develop. These changes can reduce the space around nerve roots and the spinal cord, leading to pain and neurological symptoms.
Many people with degenerative spine changes also have related issues like degenerative disc disease.

Common Symptoms

• Neck stiffness and limited range of motion
• Pain that may radiate into the shoulders or arms
• Headaches originating at the base of the skull
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the upper extremities

In more advanced cases, compression of the spinal cord may lead to balance issues or coordination problems, a condition often referred to as cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X‑rays or MRI help visualize the degree of degeneration, alignment of the vertebrae, and any nerve involvement. A complete assessment ensures the most effective treatment plan for your spine condition.

Treatment Options

Many patients improve with conservative care, including:

• Physical therapy to strengthen neck and upper back muscles
• Pain management with medications or targeted injections like epidural steroid injections for inflammation relief
• Postural and ergonomic adjustments to daily activity

If symptoms persist despite nonsurgical care, minimally invasive procedures can be considered to reduce pain and improve function.

Real Patient Stories & Related Topics

For more insight into related spine issues and treatments, check out these helpful articles:

• Spondylolisthesis Explained
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: What to Expect & Why It’s Effective
• Ouch, I Got a Crick: Neck Pain 101
• Are You a Candidate for Robotic Spine Surgery?