Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a clinical syndrome resulting from degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Its manifestations include neck and upper back stiffness and pain, radicular pain radiating to the upper limbs, numbness or weakness in the upper or all four limbs, rigidity, and a sensation of walking on cotton (unsteady gait) in both feet. 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 concurrently with symptoms such as neck stiffness and restricted range of motion.

The pain is commonly described as dull, stabbing, or aching; it often worsens significantly after prolonged forward flexion of the neck (e.g., during desk work).

2. Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Pain and Numbness

Approximately 60–70% of patients with cervical spondylosis experience pain and/or numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Such pain may present as pricking, aching, or burning sensations.

3. Headache and Dizziness

Headache and dizziness may occur in the occipital region, vertex, forehead, or temporal regions bilaterally—or may manifest as unilateral migraine-like headache. The pain is typically described as dull, vague, stabbing, throbbing, or pressure-like.

Dizziness associated with cervical spondylosis is predominantly vertigo—patients perceive either themselves or their surroundings rotating in one direction, leading to postural instability. Headache and dizziness frequently coexist, though one usually predominates: either headache is primary with accompanying dizziness, or dizziness is primary with accompanying headache.