Arthritis in the neck, also known as cervical spondylosis, is caused by degenerative changes that occur in the spine as we age. These changes are normal and occur in everyone, and the disks and joints in the neck slowly degenerate as we age. The breakdown of cartilage within the necks joints may occur due to wear-and-tear over time or may be accelerated by an injury. The exact cause of arthritis in the neck is not always known, but age is the most common risk factor for cervical spondylosis. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing cervical spondylosis and neck pain include genetics, smoking, occupation, depression or anxiety, and previous injury or trauma to the neck. Arthritis in the neck can cause pain and stiffness in the neck that ranges from mild to severe, and it may be worsened by looking up or down for a long time or by activities where the neck is held in the same position for a long time, like driving or reading a book.