Cervical spondylosis is the name for age-related changes in the discs and joints of the neck, sometimes called neck arthritis. These changes are very common and often cause no symptoms, but some people get neck pain and stiffness that comes and goes. It is usually managed in the same way as other neck pain, with exercise and staying active.
Also known as neck arthritis, wear and tear in the neck, cervical osteoarthritis, degenerative neck
Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness that comes and goes
- Stiffness that is often worse first thing in the morning
- Reduced ability to turn or tilt the head
- Grinding or clicking sensations when moving the neck
- Headaches starting at the back of the neck
Causes and risk factors
- Normal ageing of the discs and joints in the neck
- A previous neck injury
- A family history of neck problems
- Jobs or activities involving repeated or sustained neck positions
What the evidence says helps
- The NHS recommends gentle neck exercises, staying as active as possible and simple painkillers. Physiotherapy-type care is suggested if symptoms do not improve within a few weeks.1
- Changes seen on scans are common in people without pain. This means scan findings need to be matched to your symptoms and examination, and do not on their own explain pain.23
- For longer-lasting neck pain, strengthening and stretching exercises for the neck, shoulders and upper back are supported by moderate-quality evidence.4
- Clinical guidelines recommend exercise, often combined with manual therapy, for neck pain with stiffness and reduced movement.5
- Surgery is generally only considered if a nerve or the spinal cord is being compressed. It is not a routine treatment for neck pain alone.1
Things you can try at home
- Keep your neck moving with gentle range-of-movement exercises every day
- Stay generally active. Walking and swimming are good options for many people
- Use heat to ease morning stiffness
- Break up long periods of screen work or driving
- Build neck and shoulder strength gradually over several weeks
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Call 999 if you have new difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden loss of coordination
- Call 999 if you have facial drooping, cannot keep both arms raised, or have difficulty speaking
- See a GP urgently or call NHS 111 if you have heaviness or weakness in your arms or legs
- Get urgent advice if you have pins and needles in an arm along with neck or arm pain
- Get urgent advice if you have sudden or rapidly worsening severe neck pain, or pain between the shoulder blades
- See a GP if you notice clumsy hands, worse handwriting or problems with balance, as these can be signs of spinal cord compression
How Apollo can help
We assess how your neck moves and what is aggravating your symptoms, and we check for signs of nerve or spinal cord involvement that need GP review. We explain what age-related changes do and do not mean, and where appropriate combine hands-on care with a progressive exercise programme to support strength and mobility. Supervised exercise and clinically informed Pilates can help you stay active over the longer term.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is cervical spondylosis the same as arthritis?
It is often described as arthritis of the neck. It refers to normal age-related changes in the discs and small joints of the spine, which many people have without any pain.
My scan shows wear and tear. Does that explain my pain?
Not necessarily. Studies show that disc and joint changes are very common in people with no neck pain at all. Your symptoms and examination matter more than the scan report alone.
Can exercise help neck arthritis?
Yes, for many people. Gentle movement and gradual strengthening of the neck and shoulders are recommended, and evidence supports exercise for longer-lasting neck pain.
References
- NHS (2023). Cervical spondylosis. NHS website. View source
- Nakashima H, et al. (2015). Abnormal findings on magnetic resonance images of the cervical spines in 1211 asymptomatic subjects. Spine. View source
- Boden SD, et al. (1990). Abnormal magnetic-resonance scans of the cervical spine in asymptomatic subjects: a prospective investigation. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American). View source
- Gross A, et al. (2015). Exercises for mechanical neck disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. View source
- Blanpied P, et al. (2017). Neck Pain: Revision 2017. Clinical practice guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
