What is the first treatment for cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis describes changes in the bones, discs and joints of the neck. Treatment is guided by symptoms and examination rather than an image alone. Physiotherapy may work on neck movement, shoulder and upper-back strength, and habits that increase strain. Manual therapy or traction may be considered by a trained clinician when appropriate, but neither should be used forcefully when neurological symptoms are present.

Keep up gentle daily movement and take breaks from prolonged phone or screen positions. Use the pain-relief plan recommended for you and do not combine medicines without checking their ingredients and safety. A physiotherapist can adapt exercises to stiffness, arm symptoms and work demands. If pain remains disabling, a specialist may discuss a facet joint injection or, when nerves or the spinal cord are compressed, cervical fusion.

Seek prompt assessment for new or worsening arm weakness, loss of hand coordination, numbness that is spreading, or balance and walking changes. Urgent care is needed after a significant neck injury or with new bladder or bowel problems. Neck pain with fever or severe unexplained illness also needs medical review.

Are my symptoms coming from joints, discs or a nerve? Would physiotherapy be suitable? Could manual therapy or traction help me safely? What changes would make an injection or cervical fusion worth considering?