The diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms (CSSS) has remained controversial. Here

we defined CSSS as the disease of a series of symptoms induced by stimulation or compression of sympathetic nervous system due to degeneration of the cervical spine. Clinical misdiagnosis and mistreatment commonly existed because of the complexity and variety of sympathetic symptoms. Though recent report on the results of surgical treatment for CSSS are encouraging

long-term follow-up of the surgically treated cases are still needed. Lots of work including animal experiments as well as prospective randomized and controlled clinical studies are warranted to further investigate the real etiology and mechanism of CSSS. Future research on CSSS should aim to investigate sympathetic symptoms and sympathetic nerves reflex rather than vertebral artery related vascular stenosis.