What is Cervical Spondylosis & Neck Pain?
Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear and tear of the neck's vertebrae and discs. Most people have MRI changes after age 50 without symptoms. When pain or arm tingling does occur, 80-90% improve with physiotherapy, posture correction, and time. Surgery is reserved for cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression) or persistent radiculopathy with weakness.
When a second opinion really helps
- Surgery was offered before a 6-12 week trial of physiotherapy.
- MRI shows cord compression but no formal myelopathy assessment was done.
- ACDF vs cervical disc replacement was never compared.
- You have neck pain but no arm symptoms — surgery is rarely warranted in pure neck pain.
Red flags — call 108 / 102 immediately
- Hand clumsiness, dropping objects, or balance problems (cervical myelopathy)
- Progressive weakness in arms or legs
- Bladder / bowel changes (severe spinal cord compression)
- Lhermitte's sign (electric shock down spine when bending neck forward)
Frequently asked questions
A medium-firm pillow that keeps the neck neutral helps most people. Cervical contour pillows can be useful but aren't a cure — strengthening + posture work matter more.