Cervical spondylosis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Sudden severe neurologic symptoms, paralysis, or loss of bladder or bowel control require emergency assessment rather than a routine appointment.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate when pain persists, repeatedly returns, or limits sleep, work, or normal activities.

   Contact a clinician if symptoms do not improve with initial care or if medicine causes side effects.

   Follow-up may review function as well as pain.

   Useful changes to track include whether arm symptoms are spreading, whether grip feels weaker, and whether walking or hand coordination has changed.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cervical spondylosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.