Cervical spondylosis – a complex clinical challenge: the need for an integrated multidisciplinary approach

Spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the spine, with prevalence increasing with age, and it has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and func­tio­nal ability. Characteristic structural changes, such as in­ter­ver­te­bral disc degeneration, osteophyte formation, and narrowing of the spinal canal, can lead to a variety of cli­ni­cal manifestations, ranging from axial pain and li­mi­ted mo­bi­lity to severe neurological complications, in­clu­ding ra­di­cu­lo­pathy and myelopathy. From a clinical pers­pec­tive, spondylosis presents a diagnostic and therapeutic chal­lenge, requiring careful evaluation to differentiate it from other rheumatological or neurological conditions. The importance of this condition stems not only from its high prevalence but also from its potential for chronicity and disability, with significant socioeconomic implications. In this context, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal management. Collaboration between the rhe­u­ma­to­lo­gist, neurologist and physical medicine and re­ha­bi­li­tation specialist allows for a comprehensive pa­tient eva­lua­tion, correlating the clinical manifestations with ima­ging find­ings, and establishing an individualized treat­ment stra­tegy. Treatment combines pharmacological in­ter­ven­tions, functional rehabilitation measures and, in selected ca­ses, surgical interventions. Thus, the effective management of spondylosis relies on the integration of multidisciplinary ex­per­tise, with the aim of optimizing functional outcomes and patients’ quality of life.