Quick Answer
Cervical spondylosis causes neck pain and arm symptoms from cervical degeneration — myelopathy (cord compression) is the serious complication.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Cervical spondylosis is age-related degeneration of the cervical spine — including disc degeneration, bone spur formation (osteophytes), and facet joint arthritis. It's extremely common with aging, but only causes symptoms in some people. When it compresses nerve roots (radiculopathy) or the spinal cord (myelopathy), it produces significant symptoms.
Radiculopathy (nerve root compression)
Neck pain radiating to arm/hand in a dermatomal pattern, numbness/tingling, weakness in specific muscles, reduced reflexes. Caused by disc herniation or osteophyte compression of nerve roots.
Myelopathy (spinal cord compression) — the serious complication
Gait disturbance (spastic, unsteady), hand clumsiness (difficulty with buttons, writing), hyperreflexia, Babinski sign, urinary urgency. Myelopathy is progressive and requires surgical evaluation — delay can cause permanent cord damage.
Diagnosis and treatment
MRI of cervical spine shows degree of cord/nerve root compression. Treatment: physical therapy, posture correction, NSAIDs for pain. Radiculopathy often responds to conservative care. Myelopathy generally requires surgical decompression — early surgery produces better outcomes.
When to seek professional evaluation
Cervical spondylosis with arm symptoms or gait changes requires MRI — because myelopathy is progressive and needs surgical evaluation.
This guide is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Supplements only help when a deficiency is present; underlying cause-directed care is needed.
If the underlying cause is corrected early (e.g., improving glucose control, treating vitamin deficiency), improvement may occur. Long-standing neuropathy is often not fully reversible.
Migraine is a neurological condition; headache is one feature. Associated symptoms and functional impact are important for diagnosis.
Aura refers to visual, sensory, or speech symptoms that precede the headache in some people. Both types are migraine; the presence of aura may influence management discussion.
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References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.