Cervical Spondylosis

General Information

When arthritis is located in the neck, it is called “spondylosis” or “cervical arthritis.” This refers to the breakdown of the spine bones which often occurs with aging. The spine bones and/or disks between the bones in the neck may be affected.  These changes gradually narrow the space in the hollow part of the bones, known as the “vertebral foramen.”  The spinal cord is located within this hollow part of the bones.  Narrowing causes pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord in the neck. When these nerves come under increasing pressure, they become inflamed, causing pain in the neck that may move to the arms.

This condition most commonly begins around age 40–50. Nearly everyone over the age of 50 will experience some breakdown in the structures of the spine in the neck, but not everyone will develop spondylosis.