Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is wear of the discs and joints in the neck. It is common with age and often causes only stiffness. It becomes a surgical discussion when bone spurs or a disc press the spinal cord or a nerve root.

Pressure on the cord may show up as stiff legs, imbalance, dropping objects, or numb hands. An MRI shows how tight the canal is. The surgeon explains whether an operation from the front or the back of the neck is being considered, and whether a fusion or an implant would be part of it. A collar and physiotherapy help many people who do not have cord pressure.