Definition of Cervical spondylosis:

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae). The tissue wears away (degeneration) and mineral deposits form in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cervical spondylosis is caused by chronic wearing away (degeneration) of the cervical spine, including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and the joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or "spurs" on the the bones of the spine (vertebrae).

These changes caused by degeneration can over time press down on (compress) one or more of the nerve roots. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.

A previous neck injury (which may have occurred several years before) can make a person more likely to develop spondylosis, but the major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70% of women and 85% of men show signs of cervical spondylosis on x-ray.