In the spine, arthritis can result as the disk degenerates and loses water content. In children and young adults, disks have high water content. As we get older, our disks begin to dry out and weaken. This problem causes settling, or collapse, of the disk spaces and loss of disk space height. As the facet joints experience increased pressure, they also begin to degenerate and develop arthritis, similar to the hip or knee joint. The cartilage that covers and protects the joints wears away. If the cartilage wears away completely, it can result in bone rubbing on bone. To make up for the lost cartilage, your body may respond by growing new bone in your facet joints to help support the vertebrae. Over time, this bone overgrowth -- called spurs -- may narrow the space for the nerves to pass through (stenosis).

Symptoms and signs of cervical spondylosis
1. Inability to fully turn the head or bend the neck, sometimes interfering with driving
2. Grinding noise or sensation when the neck is turned
3. Neck stiffness and pain
4. Headache that may originate in the neck
5. Pain in the shoulder or arms
6. Abnormal reflexes
7. Muscle spasms
8. Loss of control over bladder and bowel
9. Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
10. Tingling, numbness, weakness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet