How is cervical spondylosis treated?

Cervical spondylosis describes age-related changes in the bones, discs, and joints of the neck. Some people have neck pain or stiffness; others have no symptoms. If a nerve is affected, pain or altered sensation may travel into an arm. Pressure on the spinal cord can cause hand clumsiness, balance changes, or weakness. Treatment depends on the symptoms and examination findings, not an imaging label alone.

Keep gently active and vary your position rather than holding the neck still for long periods. A clinician may discuss suitable pain relief and refer you to physiotherapy for posture, neck movement, shoulder strength, and practical work or sleep advice. Manual therapy or traction therapy may be used selectively after assessment; traction is not appropriate for every neck problem. Symptoms from nerve irritation may need a different plan, and suspected spinal cord pressure requires specialist review. Surgery is considered when neurological problems progress or symptoms remain disabling despite appropriate non-surgical care.

Seek prompt medical assessment if neck symptoms are accompanied by new arm weakness, dropping objects, difficulty using buttons, or worsening balance. Urgent help is appropriate after major trauma or with severe neck pain and fever. New bladder or bowel control problems with limb weakness require immediate attention. Do not rely on home exercises alone when these signs appear.

Are my symptoms coming from a nerve or the spinal cord? Which movements should I practise or avoid? Is manual therapy or traction suitable for me? What change would mean I need a specialist review?