Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
May 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Ge
Introduction
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis:
Neck Pain: Neck pain is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as neck stiffness and restricted range of motion. The pain is typically described as dull, stabbing, or aching.
Pain and Numbness in the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand: Patients with cervical spondylosis may experience pain in the shoulder, arm, and hand, which can manifest as needle-like, aching, or burning sensations.
Headache and Dizziness.
Cervical spondylosis symptoms can be broadly categorized into three types:
1. Neck Pain
Neck pain is the most common initial symptom across all forms of cervical spondylosis. Typically, it occurs alongside neck stiffness and restricted range of motion.
The pain is commonly described as dull, stabbing, or aching, and tends to worsen significantly after prolonged forward-bending activities (e.g., desk work).
2. Pain and Numbness in the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand
Approximately 60–70% of patients with cervical spondylosis experience pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. This discomfort may manifest as sharp, stabbing pain; aching pain; or burning pain.
3. Headache and Dizziness
Headache and dizziness associated with cervical spondylosis may occur in the occipital region, vertex, forehead, or temporal regions bilaterally—or may present as unilateral migraine-like headache. The pain is typically described as dull, aching, stabbing, throbbing, or pressure-like.
Dizziness caused by cervical spondylosis is predominantly vertigo—patients perceive either themselves or their surroundings rotating in one direction, resulting in postural instability. Headache and dizziness frequently coexist, though one symptom usually predominates: either headache with accompanying dizziness, or dizziness with accompanying headache.
