What is the typical quality of pain described in cervical spondylosis?

• A. Sharp stabbing pain
• B. Vague chronic achy pain
• C. Throbbing pulsating
• D. Localized burning pain

Answer: (B)

Pain in cervical spondylosis is typically a dull, constant ache in the neck that is poorly localized. This reflects degenerative changes like disc wear, osteophyte formation, and facet joint arthropathy, which produce a deep, mechanical pain that lingers and worsens with movement or prolonged postures. In contrast, sharp stabbing pain would suggest an acute facet flare or nerve irritation, throbbing or pulsating pain points to vascular or inflammatory processes, and burning pain implies neuropathic or radicular burning. So the most characteristic description is a vague, chronic ache.