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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffCervical spondylosis typically affects only the neck, causing pain and stiffness. When nerve compression also is present, signs and symptoms of cervical spondylosis may include:
- A stiff, painful neck
- Shoulder, arm or chest pain
- Tingling and pinprick sensations in your arms, hands, legs or feet
- Numbness and weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty walking
- Abnormal reflexes
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or urinary or bowel retention
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you develop neck pain along with:
- Sudden or unexplained changes in bowel or bladder control
- Sudden or unexplained weakness in your arms or legs
Call your doctor for an immediate appointment if you develop neck pain along with:
- A fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or greater that lasts 48 hours or longer
- Pain that doesn't let up at night or when you're resting
- Pain that's new within the last six weeks, is getting worse and occurs along with numbness or weakness below the knee
- Worsening neurological problems, such as difficulty speaking, balance problems, visual problems and difficulty thinking
Call your doctor for an appointment if you develop neck pain that:
- Is related to an exertion injury, such as from lifting, digging or reaching
- Is similar to neck pain that you've seen a doctor for in the past
- Lasts longer than six weeks
- Doesn't respond to over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
- Occurs along with unexplained weight loss of more than 10 pounds in six months
Also call for an appointment if you develop neck pain and are older than age 50 or have a history of cancer.
- Aminoff J. Mechanical and other lesions of the spine, nerve roots, and spinal cord. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176708901-5/933828718/1492/1420.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50428-6--cesec48_17886. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Robinson J, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Cervical spondylosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00369. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Levin K. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Isaac Z, et al. Evaluation of the patient with neck pain and cervical spine disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Williams KD, et al. Lower back pain and disorders of intervertebral discs. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176885618-7/934423257/1584/297.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50042-8--cesec55_2001. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Roth D, et al. Cervical radiculopathy. Disease-a-Month. 2009:55;737.
- Robinson J, et al. Treatment of cervical radiculopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Shelerud RA (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn., Jan. 6, 2010.
- Chang-Miller, A (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn., Jan. 1, 2010.
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