4. Neck injuries.
Injuries to the neck can increase the risk of cervical spondylosis. When the neck is injured, the bones (or vertebrae), the discs, and the cartilage of the cervical spine can become damaged. The vertebrae can crack and the discs can become more fragile.
If the discs become more fragile, for example, the risk of the jelly-like material that lies inside of them (the nucleus) is more likely to leak out, eventually causing herniated discs. As discussed, herniated discs are one of the primary causes of cervical spondylosis.
As the gel-like substance leaks out of the discs, the discs lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae; moreover, the material can compress the nerves within the spine.
Injuries to the neck can speed up the aging process, and since cervical spondylosis is a common age-related condition, it makes sense that injuries would increase the likelihood of developing the malady.