Cervical spondylitis refers to wear and tear in the neck with age. It happens to affect the bones as well as the tissues in the neck. Some of the most common symptoms of the condition are terrible pain in the neck, headaches and stiffness. In rare cases, it tends to result in pain in the arms, numbness in the legs and hands, loss in coordination and facing difficulty while walking.

The most likely causes of cervical spondylitis are wear and tear in the tissues and bones that constitute the spine. Ligaments tend to stiffen and the discs in the spine get dried out. As per estimates, nine out of ten adults have varying degrees of cervical spondylitis, but they may not experience the symptoms. It is diagnosed using X-ray scan and MRI scan of the neck. It is treated with a combination of exercises, self care techniques, maintaining proper posture while sitting and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).