Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that can cause neck and shoulder pain, often in people over 40. A GP should check more serious cases affecting the spine.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

• neck and shoulder pain or stiffness that can come and go
• headaches that often start at the back of the neck

Cervical spondylosis is a normal part of ageing and many people do not have any symptoms.

There are things you can do to help ease neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis.

A pharmacist may be able to recommend stronger painkillers if you need them.

Neck exercises

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: neck pain exercises

See a GP if you have:

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

Call 999 if you have any of these:

A health professional will examine your neck and shoulders if they think you may have cervical spondylosis.

They may also test your reflexes and watch you walk.

Depending on your symptoms you may be sent for other tests such as X-rays or scans.

Treatment for cervical spondylosis depends on how bad your symptoms are.

You may be given you more exercises to do and be recommended to carry out your usual activities as much as possible.

You may also be prescribed a muscle relaxant or other medicine if the pain has been coming and going for a long time (chronic pain).

It usually takes a few weeks for treatment to work, although the pain and stiffness can come back.

Surgery is only considered if:

• a nerve is being pinched by a slipped disc or bone (cervical radiculopathy)
• there's a problem with your spinal cord (cervical myelopathy)

Surgery is not always a cure but it may stop your symptoms getting worse.

Physiotherapy for cervical spondylosis

If your symptoms do not improve in a few weeks you may need physiotherapy.

Waiting times for physiotherapy on the NHS can be long.

You can also get physiotherapy privately.

Find a registered physiotherapist on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website

Many people over 40 get cervical spondylosis as part of getting older.

It happens when ageing causes wear and tear to bones in the spine and the soft cushions of tissue (discs) in the neck.

You may also be more likely to get cervical spondylosis at any age if:

• you have previously had a neck injury
• you have a family history of the condition