Neck and shoulder pain are the most common symptom. Types of neck and shoulder pain include:
- stiff neck, most often one of the very first signs. Neck stiffness tends to grow progressively worse over time.
- Radiating pain to the bottom of the skull and/or to the shoulder and down the arm. This radiating pain may seem like a stabbing or a burning, or it might present itself as a dull ache.2
Along with pain, cervical spondylosis can be accompanied by
parathesias and muscle weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, and a syndrome called “numb, clumsy hands”. In cases of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy, the legs may be affected, leading to an interruption of stability while walking. Loss of balance might also occur. When myelopathy is present, incontinence may become a problem. Muscle wasting also accompanies cervical spondylosis with myelopathy.
Unfortunately, cervical spondylosis is a condition that gradually gets worse. In very advanced cases of this condition, often mobility can only be achieved with a cane or walker.
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