The changes caused by degeneration of the cervical spine region can compress one or more nerve roots. The compression of nerves can not only cause pain in the neck, but also pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arm. While a past neck injury can lead to neck osteoarthritis years later, aging is the major risk factor or cause of neck osteoarthritis. Seventy percent of women and 85% of men have x-ray evidence of neck osteoarthritis by age 60.


