In a patient presenting with neck pain and shoulder discomfort, which condition is most likely indicated by limited neck movement and sensation changes?

Cervical spondylosis, commonly associated with aging, is characterized by degenerative changes in the cervical spine, including intervertebral disc degeneration and osteophyte formation. In the context of a patient presenting with neck pain and shoulder discomfort, limited neck movement, and changes in sensory perception, the features align well with cervical spondylosis.

The restricted range of motion in the neck is often due to stiffness and pain from the degenerative changes affecting the cervical vertebrae and discs. The condition can also lead to nerve root compression, which may manifest as sensory changes such as numbness or tingling that radiate into the shoulders or arms. These symptoms suggest a correlation between the mechanical instability of the cervical spine and neural compromise.

In contrast, while a cervical herniated disc could present similarly with neck pain and neurological symptoms, it is more commonly associated with acute injuries or younger patients and may feature more pronounced radicular pain. Rheumatoid arthritis typically presents with joint inflammation and systemic symptoms, which is less characteristic for isolated neck pain and limited mobility. A rotator cuff injury primarily affects the shoulder and would usually present with localized shoulder pain and limited shoulder range, rather than neck movement.