Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis is an umberella term that describes a wide range of progressive, degenerative changes that affect different aspects of the cervical spine. These changes can be considered a normal part of the aging process and is present in large majority of the population, particularly after the fifth decade of life, and can be present in those even without pain or significant functional limitation. For example, spondylosis is present in people without pain in the following age groups:

• 25% of adults under the age of 40

• 50% of adults over the age of 40

• 85% of adults over the age of 60

People with spondylosis usually report:

• Poorly localised tenderness

• Limited range of movement

• Pain aggravated by movement

• Referred symptoms from the neck into other areas such as the back of the head, shoulder blades and upper limbs)

• Headaches

• Symptoms into the upper limbs (if there has been irritation to the nerve root around the same area).

Further investigations in the form of MRIs and XRays are seldom required following a thorough subjective and examination. It is important to understand that changes on these investigations are typically associated with age and these changes do not necessarily cause symptoms. It is therefore a thorough assessment is performed and linked clinically.

It is important to recognise that, while physiotherapy has some good evidence behind alleviating symptoms and improving function, it will not alter the spondylosis. However, Physiotherapy can help by providing:

• Advice and education

• Mobilisation and manipulation

• Activity modification

• Soft tissue massage

• Pain management

• Acupuncture

• Home exercise programme