CERVICAL
SPINE
The cervical spine undergoes natural degenerative changes with age, which can cause chronic pain, stiffness and nerve irritation in the arm. At Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor we also treat more complex, long-standing cervical spine problems.
Unlike general acute neck pain, cervical spine problems often develop gradually over years and are associated with wear of the intervertebral discs and cervical joints. Such changes can eventually compress nerve roots and cause pain radiating to the arm or chronic headache symptoms.
What causes degenerative changes of the cervical spine?
Cervical spondylosis and related cervical spine problems arise from a combination of aging and long-term strain:
- 🔹 Natural degeneration of intervertebral discs and joints with age
- 🔹 Prolonged poor posture while working at a computer
- 🔹 Previous neck injuries (e.g., whiplash after a traffic accident)
- 🔹 Repetitive neck strain in certain occupations
- 🔹 Genetic predisposition to faster wear of joints and discs
- 🔹 Chronically reduced mobility due to a sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms of cervical spine problems
Symptoms are often more widespread and longer-lasting than with ordinary neck tension:
- 🔹 Chronic stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck
- 🔹 Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, or fingers (cervicobrachial syndrome)
- 🔹 Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- 🔹 Recurrent headaches originating from the occiput
- 🔹 Occasional dizziness when turning the head (cervicogenic dizziness)
- 🔹 Worsening of symptoms after prolonged sitting or driving
Treatment of the cervical spine
In long-standing degenerative changes the approach is more cautious and gradual than for acute pain, with emphasis on safe mobilisation and long-term maintenance of mobility.
1. Detailed assessment
Assessment of neurological signs, range of motion, and any imaging findings.
2. Careful manual treatment
Gentle, controlled techniques tailored to the degree of degenerative change.
3. Long-term maintenance
Regular follow-up treatments and exercises to maintain cervical spine mobility.
Cervical spine problems we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Pain and stiffness in the cervical spine
- 🔹 Crunching or clicking in the neck on movement
- 🔹 Tingling in the arms or fingers
- 🔹 Headache originating from the neck
- 🔹 Wear of the cervical spine (spondylosis, osteochondrosis)
- 🔹 Problems after long sitting with the head tilted forward
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice rapidly progressing weakness or clumsiness of the hands, balance or walking problems, or loss of fine finger motor control (e.g., difficulty with buttons). These signs may indicate spinal cord compression (cervical myelopathy) and require urgent specialist assessment.
Regular follow-up treatments are especially important in degenerative changes because they allow early detection of symptom changes and timely adjustment of the approach.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
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Visit YouTube channel →Pain in the neck and collarbone
Pain in the neck and collarbone
The cervical spine is connected with the muscles of the neck, shoulders and collarbone. Tension there can cause pressure or pain that spreads towards the collarbone and shoulder. Treatment begins with an examination of the mobility of the neck and shoulder girdle.
Degenerative changes and spondylosis of the cervical spine
Over the years the discs and joints of the cervical spine wear down, which doctors describe as degenerative changes or spondylosis. A scan alone does not tell how many problems you will have, since many people with such changes have no pain. Manual treatment focuses on mobility, muscle tension and reducing pain.
Painful, stiff neck
A stiff neck often appears after sleeping awkwardly, long periods at a computer or a draught. Gentle techniques and muscle relaxation can improve mobility. If it does not improve within a few days or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor.
Frequently asked questions about the cervical spine
What are degenerative changes of the cervical spine?
These are natural wear-and-tear changes of the discs and joints that are common with age. They do not necessarily mean pain. Manual treatment focuses on mobility and reducing tension, not on removing the changes seen on a scan.
What is cervicobrachial syndrome?
It is pain that originates in the cervical spine and spreads to the shoulder or arm, sometimes with tingling.
Is cervical spondylosis a normal part of aging?
To some extent, yes — mild degenerative changes are common with age but do not always cause symptoms. Symptomatic changes should be addressed.
Can degenerative changes be repaired?
The structural changes themselves cannot be reversed, but treatment can significantly reduce pain and improve function and mobility.
Why do I have tingling in my fingers?
This is often due to compression of a nerve root in the cervical spine and warrants a precise assessment.
Can dizziness be related to the neck?
Yes, cervicogenic dizziness is a recognised condition linked to tension and dysfunction of the upper cervical spine.
How often should I attend follow-up appointments?
For chronic degenerative changes we recommend regular follow-ups, often monthly or as agreed.
Is surgery often necessary?
No, most cases are successfully managed conservatively. Surgery is rarely required, mainly when there are signs of spinal cord compression.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.