Spine, Back & Neck
Cervical Spondylosis
Age-related change in the neck joints and discs, often seen on imaging.
Also called: Age-related neck changes, Neck arthritis, Spondylosis.
Spondylosis is a descriptive term for wear-related change in the discs and joints of the neck. It is common with age, and the degree visible on imaging does not reliably predict how someone feels or functions.
Many people with significant spondylosis on a report have little or no discomfort, while others with mild findings have more noticeable stiffness, which is why the exam and the report are considered together.
Why this matters
What matters clinically is how the neck moves, how the surrounding muscles are working, and whether nerve structures are being affected — not the word on a report.
Stiffness that limits turning the head, such as when checking a blind spot, is often the practical concern people bring in, more than the imaging finding itself.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
The upper neck is densely supplied with position sensors that contribute to balance and head control, so changes in neck movement are worth evaluating in their own right.
Assessing how well the neck moves and how it coordinates with the eyes and inner ear gives a clearer functional picture than the imaging label alone.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.