As with the rest of the spine, spondylosis can occur with disc degeneration leading to increased loading and accelerated OA of the facet joints

Clinical features

• Slow onset stiffness and pain in the neck
• Pain can radiate to shoulders and the occiput

Management

• Physiotherapy and analgesics

Complications

• Osteophytes can also impinge on the exiting nerve roots resulting in a radiculopathy involving the upper limb dermatomes and myotomes
• May require decompression for severe symptoms resistant to conservative management