Health's Book

Definition

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder in which there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae).

See also:

* Neck pain
* Herniated disk
* Spinal stenosis

Symptoms

Symptoms often develop slowly over time, but may start suddenly.

More common symptoms are:

* Neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder)
* Neck stiffness that gets worse over time
* Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms, or (rarely) legs
* Weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs
* Headaches, particularly in the back of the head

Less common symptoms are:

* Loss of balance
* Loss of control over the bladder or bowels (if spinal cord is compressed)