Cervical spondylosis: recognition, differential diagnosis, and management

In contemporary clinical practice, the prevalence of neck pain in the general population is approximately 15%. The challenge for the primary care specialist is to be able to recognize the more serious disorders that require early referral. Additionally, it is important to have the confidence to institute specific treatment for nonurgent conditions in order to avoid unnecessary referral of patients with generally self-limiting conditions.CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS IS A GENERAL AND NONSPECIFIC TERM THAT ENCOMPASSES A BROAD SPECTRUM OF AFFLICTIONS BUT, FOR PURPOSES OF CLARITY, CAN BE ORGANIZED INTO THREE CLINICAL SYNDROMES: Type I Syndrome (Cervical Radiculopathy); Type II Syndrome (Cervical Myelopathy); and Type III Syndrome (Axial Joint Pain). It is important to remember that shoulder problems can masquerade as cervical problems, and vice versa (e.g. adhesive capsulitis, recurrent anterior subluxation, impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, etc.). A number of management options, including pharmaceutical, physical therapy, and psychological therapies, are available once a diagnosis has been made.