Most patients who suffer from neck pain have ‘non-specific (simple) neck pain,’ where symptoms have a postural or mechanical basis. When mechanical factors are prominent, the condition is often referred to as ‘Cervical Spondylosis,’ although the term is often applied to all non-specific neck pain.

About two thirds of the population have neck pain at some time in their lives, and prevalence is highest in middle age. Cervical Spondylosis is usually diagnosed on clinical grounds alone.  

Although pain is predominantly in the cervical region, it can be referred to a wide area, and is characteristically exacerbated by neck movement.

Neurological change should always be sought in the upper and lower limbs, but objective changes occur only when Spondylosis is complicated by Myelopathy (spinal cord disease) or radiculopathy (nerve root compression).

Treatment is by various exercise regimens—using proprioceptive, strengthen- ing, endurance, or coordination exercises—are more effective than usual care (analgesics, non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants).  

Dr. Atith Neware, 

Consultant Neuro physician, Ozone Hospital, 

Kothapet, Hyderabad