TL;DR Quick answer
Age-related wear of the neck discs and joints causing neck pain and stiffness. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as cervical facet joint injection.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis describes gradual changes in the discs and facet joints of the neck. Many people have no symptoms; others develop neck pain, headaches or arm symptoms when nerves are irritated.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Neck pain and stiffness; headaches starting at the back of the head; arm pain, tingling or numbness |
| Common causes | Disc degeneration; facet joint arthritis; bone spurs narrowing the space for nerves |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | See a doctor promptly for weakness in the hands, clumsiness, difficulty walking or problems with balance |
| Treatment options | Cervical Facet Joint Injection |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches starting at the back of the head
- Arm pain, tingling or numbness
- Grinding sensation when turning the neck
Causes
- Disc degeneration
- Facet joint arthritis
- Bone spurs narrowing the space for nerves
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor promptly for weakness in the hands, clumsiness, difficulty walking or problems with balance.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cervical Facet Joint Injection | Procedure | An injection into the small joints of the neck to diagnose and relieve neck pain. | 20–30 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
