Spondylosis is a general term for degeneration of the spine as a person ages. Cervical spondylosis, then, is a degenerative condition that affects the vertebrae and soft tissues in the cervical portion of the spine. When people get older, they start to lose moisture and elasticity in the soft tissues of the back: tendons, ligaments and especially the gel-filled cartilage pads (discs) that act as cushions between vertebrae. As these discs dry out, they become more fragile, and cracks and fissures can form. If the discs become damaged enough, conditions like disc herniation and degenerative disc disease can develop.

Spondylosis also usually involves the wearing away of cartilage around spinal joints. Early in life, these joints are wrapped in protective membranes of cartilage to keep the bones of the joint from grinding against each other. Once that protective layer is worn, these bones can easily sustain damage. As the bones try to repair themselves, they can develop osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, which are abnormal protrusions from the bone. Around 90% of adults will experience some degree of cervical spondylosis by the time they reach their 60s.