Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
May 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Ge
Introduction
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can be broadly categorized as follows:
Neck pain: Neck pain is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as neck stiffness and restricted mobility. 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 pricking, aching, or burning sensations.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can be broadly categorized into three types:
1. Neck pain
Neck pain is the most common initial symptom across all types of cervical spondylosis. Typically, it occurs alongside neck stiffness and restricted range of motion.
The pain is often described as dull, stabbing, or aching; it frequently worsens 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/or numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The pain may manifest as sharp, pricking, aching, or burning sensations.
3. Headache and dizziness
Headache and dizziness associated with cervical spondylosis may occur in the occipital region (back of the head), vertex (top of the head), frontal region (forehead), or temporal regions (sides of the head); they may also present as unilateral migraine-like headache. The pain is commonly described as dull, aching, stabbing, throbbing, or pressure-like.
Dizziness caused by cervical spondylosis is typically vertigo—patients perceive either themselves or their surroundings rotating in one direction, resulting in unsteadiness while standing. Headache and dizziness frequently coexist, though one usually predominates: either headache with accompanying dizziness, or dizziness with accompanying headache.
