What is Cervical Spondylitis?
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative process that affects the cervical spine. Cervical spondylosis is a condition that mainly affects older people, usually over 40. Men are affected more than women. This condition results from degenerative changes that occur in the cervical spine (the part of the spine in the neck). Over time, the degenerative changes lead to changes in the vertebra. This can then cause nerve compression or inflammation. Symptoms depend on the location of the nerve compression, but can include pain, numbness, weakness, headaches, urinary problems, etc. Treatment is usually with medications and use of a cervical collar. However, if this fails, then surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms
Some will have neck or shoulder pain, headaches in the back of their head, or stiffness of the neck. They may have difficulty turning or bending their neck from side-to-side.
Some will have pain that shoots down a certain part of the arm. They may also notice numbness, weakness, or pain in the arm. One or both sides may be affected. Often it causes the hands to become clumsy.
Some individuals will have numbness or weakness in their legs. Many with this condition will have decreased vibration-sense in their legs. They may be unsteady while walking.
Others will have a specific level on the chest or abdomen where there is a noticeable change in sensation.

Cause
Cervical spondylosis is caused by degenerative changes that occur in the cervical spine over time. This can lead to a herniated disc, Calcium build-up within the disc, or bony growths on the spine. These changes can then cause certain nerves to become pinched, compressed, or inflamed. Also, depending on which way the disc herniates or the direction of the bony growths, there is a possibility that the spinal cord could be compressed. There is also the possibility that the blood flow to certain nerves may be affected.