Cervical osteophytes are frequently found in geriatric patients. Although it is uncommon to observe dysphagia induced by these osteophytes, this is an important and treatable condition. The diagnosis may be established using plain radiographs of the spine, esophagography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. We describe the case of a patient with severe dysphagia who had a large anterior cervical osteophyte. The differential diagnosis, treatment options, and pathophysiology of the process are discussed.