What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is the umbrella term for age-related degenerative changes in the cervical spine: disc dehydration and narrowing, osteophyte (bone spur) formation, facet joint arthritis, and ligament thickening. It is extremely common — present in 90% of people over 60.
Symptoms and Clinical Presentation
Neck stiffness and pain (especially morning stiffness), headaches at the base of the skull, arm tingling (if nerve roots are compressed), and occasionally unsteadiness or dizziness.
Physiotherapy Treatment Approach
Manual therapy to restore joint mobility within available range, cervical traction to decompress nerve roots, deep neck flexor strengthening to unload degenerative segments, and proprioceptive training to address cervicogenic dizziness.
Long-Term Management
Cervical spondylosis is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management. Regular exercise, posture awareness, ergonomic optimization, and periodic physiotherapy input maintain function and quality of life.