Cervical arthritis is wear-and-tear of the joints in the neck. It is very common with aging and can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and, in some cases, pressure on nearby nerves.
Quick Facts:
- Very common with age
- Often causes neck pain and stiffness
- Many patients improve without surgery
- Sometimes associated with nerve or spinal cord compression
👉 Request an Appointment
👉 Refer a Patient
WHAT IS CERVICAL ARTHRITIS?
Cervical arthritis refers to degenerative changes in the joints of the neck, especially the facet joints and the discs between the vertebrae.
Over time, these structures can:
- Lose cartilage and normal cushioning
- Become inflamed or stiff
- Develop bone spurs
- Narrow the spaces where nerves travel
You may also hear this called:
- Cervical spondylosis
- Degenerative arthritis of the neck
IS THIS SERIOUS?
In many patients, cervical arthritis is not dangerous, but it can be painful and frustrating.
For some people, arthritis causes only:
- Mild neck stiffness
- Intermittent soreness
For others, it can lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Nerve irritation
- Pressure on the spinal cord in more advanced cases
👉 The key is determining whether the problem is causing mechanical neck pain only or also affecting nerves or the spinal cord.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms can range from mild to more bothersome over time.
Common Symptoms
- Please see the section on neck pain for more information.
When Arthritis Irritates a Nerve
- You can develop symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, which may include:
- Pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or tingling
- Arm weakness
When Arthritis Affects the Spinal Cord
- You can develop symptoms of cervical myelopathy, which may include:
- Difficulty with balance
- Hand clumsiness
- Trouble with fine motor tasks
- Walking changes
🚨 When to Seek Prompt Evaluation
- Progressive weakness
- Loss of hand coordination
- Balance problems
- Symptoms getting worse over time
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Cervical arthritis is usually caused by gradual wear-and-tear over time.
Common Risk Factors
- Aging
- Prior neck injury
- Repetitive strain
- Genetics
- Poor posture over time
These changes are very common and often part of the normal aging process, although not everyone develops symptoms.
HOW IS THIS DIAGNOSED?
A. Clinical Evaluation
Diagnosis starts with:
- A detailed history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of neck motion
- Evaluation of nerve and spinal cord function
B. Imaging /diagnostics
Imaging may include:
- X-rays (alignment and stability)
- MRI (discs, nerves, spinal cord)
- CT myelogram (when MRI not possible)
- CT scan (in trauma or complex cases)
- EMG (needle study to evaluate nerves)
PREVENTION
Be as proactive as possible, review the prevention section to help with strategies
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on symptoms, severity, and whether nerves or the spinal cord are involved.
A. Non-Surgical Treatment
Most patients improve without surgery. Review or section on non-invasive therapy.
👉 The goal is to reduce pain, improve motion, and allow return to normal function.
B. When Is Surgery Considered?
Surgery may be considered when:
- Symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatment
- There is persistent nerve compression
- There is spinal cord compression
- Pain or neurologic symptoms significantly affect quality of life
C. Surgical Options
When surgery is needed, the exact procedure depends on the problem.
Possible options may include:
- Decompression of a pinched nerve
- Cervical fusion
- Other procedures based on alignment, stability, and level of compression
OUR APPROACH
We focus on treating the patient, not just the X-ray.
- Many patients with cervical arthritis do well without surgery
- Imaging findings are common, especially with age, and do not always explain symptoms
- The first goal is usually conservative treatment
- When surgery is needed, it should be based on clear symptoms, imaging correlation, and expected benefit
👉 My goal is to help patients improve with the least invasive effective treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before Treatment
- Evaluation of symptoms and physical exam
- Imaging if needed
- Discussion of whether symptoms are coming from joints, nerves, or spinal cord
During Non-Surgical Care
- Focus on pain relief and improved function
- Gradual progression with therapy and home strategies
If Surgery Is Needed
- Surgical planning depends on the location and severity of compression
- Recovery varies based on the procedure performed
OUTCOMES & RISKS
Outcomes
Many patients with cervical arthritis improve with:
- Time
- Therapy
- Medications
- Activity modification
If surgery is needed, outcomes are often best when:
- Symptoms clearly match imaging
- Nerve or spinal cord compression is addressed before severe progression
Risks of Untreated Advanced Disease
If cervical arthritis progresses and compresses the spinal cord or nerves, patients may develop:
- Chronic pain
- Persistent weakness
- Balance difficulty
- Long-term neurologic problems
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is cervical arthritis the same as a herniated disc?
No. They are different problems, although they can occur together.
Does cervical arthritis always get worse?
Not necessarily. Many patients remain stable or improve with treatment.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients do not need surgery. Surgery is usually reserved for nerve compression, spinal cord compression, or persistent symptoms.
Can arthritis in the neck cause headaches?
Yes. Some patients develop pain or headaches that begin in the neck and travel upward.
FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS
- Refer patients with:
- Persistent neck pain not improving with conservative care
- Arm pain, numbness, or weakness
- Signs of cervical myelopathy
- Imaging showing significant degenerative change with neurologic symptoms
- MRI cervical spine is helpful when:
- Radiculopathy is present
- Myelopathy is suspected
- Symptoms are progressive
- Urgent referral for:
- Progressive weakness
- Hand dysfunction
- Gait imbalance
- Cord compression symptoms
RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES
- Disc Degeneration
- Disc Herniation
- Radiculopathy
- Myelopathy
- Cervical Fusion Surgery
