This condition happens when your discs and other cartilage slowly break down, usually because of age. That forms spurs or abnormal growths on the bones in your neck. These growths can narrow the inside of your spinal column or in the openings where spinal nerves exit, a related condition called cervical spinal stenosis.
Cervical spondylosis most often causes neck pain and stiffness. It rarely gets worse over time, but surgery may help if your case is severe.