What it is
Staying active, neck exercises, good posture and painkillers help most people. Physiotherapy can be useful.
Occasionally the changes press on nerves or the spinal cord, causing arm pain, numbness or weakness. This may need further tests and sometimes surgery.
Common signs
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches starting at the back of the neck
- Pain, tingling or numbness spreading into the arms
- Clumsy hands or problems with balance if the spinal cord is affected
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination
- X-ray or MRI if nerves or the spinal cord might be affected
- Nerve conduction tests in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- MRI and X-ray reports
- Physiotherapy plans
- Neurology or spinal surgery letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Are any nerves or the spinal cord being pressed on?
- Which exercises are safe for me?
- What symptoms should make me seek help quickly?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- New weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control: go to an emergency department
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.