Cervical Spondylosis & Neck Pain: Complete Physiotherapy Treatment Guide

What Is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is age-related degeneration of the discs and vertebrae in the neck (C1-C7). As the discs lose height and dry out, the vertebrae develop bony spurs (osteophytes) that can compress nerves and the spinal cord. It affects over 85% of people above 60, but increasingly presents in people in their 30s due to prolonged screen use.

Recognising Your Symptoms

• Neck stiffness that is worst in the morning.
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull (occipital headaches).
• Radiculopathy: Electric or shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness running from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
• Myelopathy (severe): Clumsiness, difficulty buttoning shirts, or balance problems — indicates cord compression requiring urgent assessment.

How Physiotherapy Treats Cervical Spondylosis

1. Traction (Manual or Mechanical)

Cervical traction gently elongates the neck, increasing the space between vertebrae to relieve nerve compression. At our Miyapur clinic, we use both hands-on manual traction and our clinical traction unit for optimal decompression.

2. Maitland Mobilization (Grades I-IV)

Specific oscillatory movements applied to stiff cervical joints restore normal joint play, reduce pain signals, and improve range of motion without aggravating inflamed nerves.

3. Deep Neck Flexor (DNF) Strengthening

The longus colli and longus capitis muscles are the deep stabilizers of the cervical spine. In people with cervical spondylosis, these muscles are almost always weak and inhibited. DNF exercises (chin-tucks, craniocervical flexion training) are the most critical component of lasting neck pain relief.

4. Neural Mobilization (Nerve Glides)

When the brachial plexus nerves are compressed, specific nerve-gliding exercises gently mobilize the nerve along its entire path from the neck to the fingertips, restoring normal nerve movement and reducing arm symptoms.

The Cervical Collar Debate

Many patients are given a cervical collar for weeks. This is counterproductive. Short-term use (48-72 hours during acute severe flare-ups) is acceptable, but prolonged use causes the neck muscles to weaken further — worsening the underlying problem. Physiotherapy is always the better long-term solution.

If you have persistent neck stiffness, headaches, or arm tingling, don't ignore it. Book a cervical assessment at Athletlance Miyapur or our Banjara Hills clinic today.