3. Dehydrated cervical discs.
Another common root cause of cervical spondylosis is dehydrated cervical discs. As noted, there are discs located between each of the bones of the spine (known as the vertebrae).
These discs act as cushions, absorbing the shock that occurs whenever you move your spine. Each disc contains a gelatinous-like substance, which is known as the nucleus. As the body ages, this jelly-like material – the nucleus – can start to dry out, or become dehydrated.
As it does, discs lose their ability to serve their primary function; cushioning and protecting the bones of the spine, or the vertebrae. When the discs of the cervical spine become dehydrated, the bones in the neck can rub against one another.
As the bones rub together, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility can start occurring. The discs of the cervical spine can start drying out or dehydrating, as young as the early 30s.