Cervical Osteoarthritis, Spondylosis and Disc Problems: Causes and What May Help

A number of patients come to see me with a scan report containing medical terms such as “degenerative change,” “cervical spondylosis,” “disc bulge” or “osteoarthritis” and can be worried about the terminology. I understand that worry and empathise because that terminology sounds serious.

In the neck, this cluster of findings is usually called cervical spondylosis, the general term for age-related wear in the discs, joints and bones of the cervical spine and it very often includes some disc thinning or bulging too.

It’s worth knowing that arthritis is one of the most common findings in adult spines, sometimes seen in people with no pain at all and it rarely means anything needs fixing urgently. This page covers what osteoarthritis in the neck is exactly, what causes it and what may help.

“Thank you Leslie, you’re a total genius.””

“After 2 years of suffering with bad lower back pain… I decided to give chiropractic a go. After a first examination and gentle bending in various positions (not painful) I was given a stretching plan. I had a second visit, with a bit more manipulation and given some further regular stretches. I’m pain free and very mobile again. Thank you Leslie, you’re a total genius.”

Chris S

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is the umbrella term for the gradual, age-related degeneration of the discs, facet joints and vertebrae in the neck.[1] As the discs between the vertebrae lose some of their height and hydration over the years, the joints around them take on more load which can lead to small bony growths called osteophytes and general stiffening of the segment. A bulging or herniated disc is often part of the same picture, the disc’s outer layer weakening enough that its softer centre presses outward.

This is essentially osteoarthritis of the neck and is the same kind of change that affects hips,hands and knees, just applied to the small joints of the cervical spine. It’s a slow process measured in years, not something that happens overnight and it’s one of several patterns covered on the main neck pain, headaches and migraines page and osteoarthritis is explained fully on its own page too.

Cervical Osteoarthritis, Cervical Spondylosis and Disc Problems affecting the neck explained on a colourful medical graphic with references by Bournemouth Chiropractic

A graphic comparing cervical osteoarthritis, spondylosis and cervical disc problems

Explore our neck and headache guides

Neck pain, headaches and migraines: the main guide

Neck pain and stiffness

Headaches and migraine

When the neck causes symptoms elsewhere

Related guides

Other areas of the body

Bones and joints

More from us

What Causes cervical spondylosis

Age is the biggest factor. Cervical spondylosis becomes steadily more common from your 40s onward and it is simply through cumulative wear on the discs and joints. Genetics play a role in how much change any individual person may develop. Years of poor neck posture, particularly looking down at phones or screens, repetitive strain from certain occupations and old neck injuries can all accelerate the process in specific segments.

It’s rarely one single cause. Here are a few of the more common contributing causes of cervical spondylosis. Most patients have a mix of natural ageing and genetics, surgery or previous injury to the neck, disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, smoking, obesity or reduced activity, poor neck muscle conditioning, segmental joint instability, posture and/or a physically demanding history that’s added up gradually over time rather than one clear single trigger.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis

 

The most common complaint is a gradual stiffness that’s often worse first thing in the morning or after sitting still along with a reduced ability to turn the head fully, particularly in movements such as reversing the car.

Some patients notice a grinding or creaking sensation on movement called crepitus. It has been said to me  that these noises sound like ‘celery cracking’ or ‘sandpaper rubbing inside the patients neck joints’.

The ache of cervical osteoarthritis tends to build slowly over months or years rather than appearing suddenly, which is one way it differs from mechanical neck pain, which more often comes on acutely after a specific trigger.

If you notice pain, numbness or tingling travelling into your arm or specific fingers, that suggests the degenerative change may be affecting a nerve root, which is covered in full on my trapped nerve in the neck page, including the signs of when that needs more urgent attention.

How chiropractic care may help

 

Care for cervical spondylosis usually involves gentle mobilisation of the stiff segments, soft tissue work and exercises to maintain movement and strength Manipulation is applied, if indicated, more cautiously than in a younger, uncomplicated neck given the degenerative age related changes that may already be present. A recent Cochrane review of manual therapy combined with exercise for neck pain found a moderate improvement in function, but little or no reduction in pain intensity compared with a placebo treatment.[3] I think that’s worth mentioning rather than over promising based on evidence.

One thing worth knowing: imaging studies of people with no neck pain at all find disc bulging or degenerative change in the vast majority of adults over 40 and in most people over 60.[2]

A concerning-sounding scan report doesn’t automatically explain your symptoms and it certainly doesn’t mean something needs correcting. My focus is on what your neck actually does movement and range wise and what it doesn’t do well alongside the wording of an X-rayreport. Chiropractic care here centres around managing symptoms and maintaining function long term, not reversing findings that are largely a normal part of ageing.

If osteoarthritis in your neck is getting in the way of things you would rather be doing, come and talk it through. I offer a free 15-minute consultation, you can come in for a short no-obligation chat with no examination or treatment.

Book a free consultation

Or call for a chat on 01202 937568

Red flags: when to seek medical attention first

 

Most cervical spondylosis is a benign, slow process that doesn’t necessarily need urgent attention. A small proportion of cases involve the spinal cord itself rather than just the joints and the signs for that are clumsiness in the hands, an unsteady walk or bladder or bowel changes and these are covered in detail on the trapped nerve page .[1]

Beyond that, see your GP if you have unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or pain that doesn’t ease at all with rest or changing position, since these point away from simple wear and tear towards something needing further investigation. Sudden, severe worsening after a long period of stability is also worth getting checked,

Your First visit to Bournemouth Chiropractic

Your first visit to see me as a patient includes a history of how your neck stiffness has developed over time, a look at any scan reports you bring with you and a physical examination of your neck’s movement, its strength and where relevant I conduct a neurological check. I’ll explain what your scan findings do and don’t mean for you personally, then agree a realistic, ongoing plan rather than a quick solution remembering that it is a process that’s built up over years.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cervical Spondylosis

Yes chiropractic care may help manage stiffness and support movement, though the evidence for manual therapy on pain itself is modest rather than dramatic. I focus on keeping your neck moving well and manageable long term rather than promising to reverse long term degenerative change, which isn’t something any treatment can do.

Not necessarily. Studies of people with completely pain-free necks find the same kind of disc and joint changes extremely commonly, especially from age 40 onward. A scan report full of degenerative language is often just a description of normal ageing rather than a diagnosis requiring urgent action.

These noises and sensations in your neck are called called crepitus and it’s usually just gas bubbles shifting in the joint fluid or tendons and ligaments moving slightly over the joint surfaces, the same harmless mechanism behind knuckle cracking. On its own, without pain, swelling or your neck catching or locking, it isn’t a sign of damage and doesn’t need treatment. If it’s new, worsening, or comes with pain or a locking sensation, it’s worth getting properly assessed.

Degenerative change itself tends to progress slowly over years, but symptoms don’t necessarily track with it in a straight line. Many people manage well long term with movement, appropriate activity and occasional care, rather than experiencing steady decline.

Cervical spondylosis is the underlying degenerative change itself causing general stiffness and reduced movement in the neck. A trapped nerve is what happens if that change presses on a specific nerve root, causing pain, numbness or weakness that travels into the arm or hand. These details change the diagnosis.

If you develop hand clumsiness, an unsteady walk, bladder or bowel changes or sudden severe worsening with weight loss, fever or night sweats, go to A&E or call 111 rather than booking with me.

Whatever is behind your neck arthritis or pain, come and find out

Cervical osteoarthritis, spondylosis and disc problems can each cause pain in different ways and an advisable first step is booking a proper assessment. If these conditions are getting in the way of your day-to-day habits, I'd happily see you to find out if chiropractic may help. During your full consultation I'll take a full medical history, examine you carefully and answer your questions about what is going on.

Cervical osteoarthritis and disc changes are a very common reason people come to see me here in Bournemouth and Poole.

In many of the cases I see, chiropractic care is a very well-tolerated option worth considering and I'll explain clearly whether it's likely to help in your particular case. If I think you'd be better served by your GP or a specialist I'll say so and help point you in the right direction. Either way, you'll leave knowing more than when you arrived.

There's no pressure and no obligation, just come in, get assessed and let's find you a way forward.

Call, message or email, whatever's easiest and we'll take it from there.

References

[1] Voorhies RM. Cervical Spondylosis: Recognition, Differential Diagnosis, and Management. Ochsner Journal. 2001;3(2):78-84. PMID: 21765723

[2] Nakashima H, Yukawa Y, Suda K, Yamagata M, Ueta T, Kato F. Abnormal Findings on Magnetic Resonance Images of the Cervical Spine in 1211 Asymptomatic Subjects. Spine. 2015;40(6):392-398. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000775

[3] Chacko N, Gross AR, et al. Manual therapy with exercise for neck pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2025;(12):CD011225. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011225.pub2

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner. If you have any health concern, please consult your GP or another appropriately qualified clinician. Chiropractic treatment isn’t suitable for everyone. Suitability is assessed at your initial consultation, with referral to another healthcare professional made where appropriate. Treatment outcomes vary between individuals, and no guarantee of results is made or implied.

Practitioner: Leslie Budzynski D.C. | Doctor of Chiropractic | GCC registration: 00043 | BCA membership number: 0072

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