Is there any chance you could email me pictures of him standing (from back and side) and also his neck x-rays?? email them to aranafari@hotmail.com I'll see if I can give you any specific exercises or stretches.

Spondylosis is such a broad diagnosis, it's almost as bad as diagnosing someone with headaches. Like GPs, not all Chiropractors and Osteopaths are the same. The diversity of techniques and approaches (specially used by chiropractors) is so diverse that back in late 1990s they wre counted to be over 100 by one research group.

The "wear & tear" is just a sign not the primary cause of the neck pains. The imbalance muscles and posture are usually at the root of the problem. In my practice we use a combination of dietry advice (in cases with history of Rheumatoid or history of IBS) and rehabilitative stretches and exercises in conjuction with the Chiropractic adjustments. These adjustments are also varied from patient to patient, some only experience gentle mobilisation and muscle release techniques, some cranials, sacro-occipital or purely Chiropractic manual adjustments. Everyone's different. We don't claim to be gods and by our latest statistics 4% of the cases don't respond but 96% do very well.

Most cases of Spondylosis are OsteoArthritis, which respond well to postural exercises and corrective treatments in conjuction with Sports Massage and meditative yoga. Might also need simple modifications to the eating habits as well. 

If he has any signs of Rheumatoid arthritis, I suggest yoga, meditation, a visit to a good Nutritionist to identify any food allergies, Myofascial release or sports massage (not too deep!) and finally the most important of all postural exercises. Simple ones without getting too technical would be walking and swimming (preferably free-style). Tai chi is also good. Some also benefit from copper braces.