A Comprehensive Guide to Spondylosis: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
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By: Nikki Clayton, PT, DPT, ATC
What is spondylosis? Spondylosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, is a prevalent spinal condition that presents challenges in terms of pain and discomfort for many. This guide aims to define spondylosis, inform you about its symptoms, causes, and the available treatment options to manage it effectively and enhance your quality of life.
Spondylosis is a problem with the spine. It is a general term that may include issues such as:
- Arthritis of the spine
- Degenerative joint disease
- Degenerative disc disease
Spondylosis Definition: An Overview
Spondylosis refers to a degenerative ailment impacting the spine. It results from the usual wear and tear of spinal discs and joints, leading to alterations in spinal structure and function. This condition predominantly affects older adults but can also impact younger individuals due to specific factors.
There are several types of spondylosis, each affecting different areas of the spine. Cervical impacts the neck region, lumbar affects the lower back, and thoracic targets the mid-spine. Each type presents unique symptoms and treatment options.
Treatment for cervical spondylosis can help alleviate neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Lumbar spondylosis often results in low back pain, sciatica, and leg weakness. Thoracic spondylosis, though less common, can lead to upper back pain and stiffness.
Click to learn about Spondylolysis.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
Spondylosis symptoms can vary based on the condition’s location and severity. Here are some common symptoms:
Pain and Stiffness: Pain and stiffness in the affected area are primary symptoms of spondylosis. These symptoms usually worsen with movement or prolonged periods of inactivity.
Numbness or Tingling: Spondylosis can also cause numbness or tingling sensations due to nerve compression or irritation from degenerative changes in the spine.
Muscle Weakness: Progressed spondylosis can affect nerves controlling muscle function, resulting in muscle weakness and a loss of coordination. Loss of muscle strength can be a major issue in the recovery process.
Your symptoms will depend on where the Spondylosis is affecting your spine. It commonly occurs in the neck and the low back. The neck supports the weight of the head throughout a wide range of movements, this makes it more susceptible. The low back is also prone to develop spondylosis because it supports and distributes a majority of the body’s weight.
Severe Symptoms
More severe symptoms of Spondylosis can lead to nerve compression and loss of normal daily function. Some emergency symptoms to be aware of are:
- Intolerable pain
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Weakness in a specific muscle pattern
- Loss of feeling
- Inability to stand.
- Pain that wakes you at night
If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor immediately.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seek medical advice. At JOI Online, our team of orthopedic specialists can diagnose and manage your condition, offering personalized treatment plans to alleviate your pain and enhance your quality of life.
MRI images of Spondylosis
Areas affected by Spondylosis.
Spondylosis can involve multiple structures in the spine.
- Intervertebral Disc
- Nerve Structures
- Facet Joints
Click to view this video on the Anatomy of the Spine.
Diagnosing Spondylosis
The spondylosis definition in medical terms involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans. Additionally, other diagnostic procedures and tests may be used to confirm spondylosis.
In the medical history review, the physician will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any factors that aggravate or relieve them. A physical examination will assess your range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and any signs of nerve or spinal cord compression.
X-rays visualize the bony structures of the spine and reveal any degenerative changes or abnormalities. MRI scans provide a detailed view of the spinal structures, including the discs, nerves, and surrounding tissues. Additional diagnostic procedures, such as CT scans or bone scans, may be recommended in certain cases.
What Causes Spondylosis?
Understanding the factors contributing to the development of spondylosis is crucial. These include:
Age-related degeneration: As we age, our spinal structures naturally deteriorate. Discs between our vertebrae become thinner and less flexible, leading to increased stress on the spine and spondylosis development.
Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition making their spinal structures more prone to degeneration. A family history of spondylosis increases the risk of developing the condition.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor posture, lack of exercise, and unhealthy lifestyle habits can also contribute to spondylosis. Long periods of sitting, slouching, and repetitive activities straining the spine can increase the risk.
Recognizing these causes can help you take steps to mitigate your risk or manage the condition effectively. If you’re experiencing spondylosis symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment options.
Disc bulge from disc degeneration
Spondylosis can come from excessive wear and tear in the spine. Some of the changes can be a normal part of the aging process. Other changes may be due to:
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Sedentary job
- Extreme physical activity
- Trauma or injury
Degenerative Disc Disease
With age, the discs in the spine lose fluid, causing the disc height to decrease. The discs begin to dry out and become weakened. When this happens, the bones sit slower together and the spaces where the nerves exit become smaller. Disc degeneration can cause problems with the nerves.
What is Arthritis of the Spine?
Wear and tear that causes inflammation in the joints of the spine. Degeneration of the discs results in increased pressure on the facet joints. This increased pressure causes the cartilage of the facet joints to wear away. When the joints become damaged, they can become inflamed. With severe arthritis, the cartilage can completely disappear, and bone spurs may begin to form.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
Spondylosis Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available for managing spondylosis symptoms and improving quality of life, including treatment for cervical spondylosis.
Non-surgical or conservative approaches like physical therapy and medications are often the first line of treatment. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the spine and improves flexibility, while medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants can manage pain and inflammation.
- Soft tissue massage: To release tension in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Heat pack: To promote increased blood flow to target area to promote increase oxygen and nutrients to involved area.
- Cold pack: To reduce circulation to help control inflammation, decrease pain and muscle spasms.
- Electrical Stimulation: To reduce sensation of pain and muscle spasms.
Minimally invasive procedures for pain relief, such as injections of corticosteroids or numbing medications, can be considered if non-surgical approaches are insufficient. These procedures target specific areas of the spine causing pain.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include decompression surgery to relieve pressure on nerves or spinal fusion to stabilize the affected area of the spine. These options can be particularly helpful in the treatment for cervical spondylosis.
Surgery for Spondylosis
There are cases when surgery is needed to correct issues form Spondylosis. If a patient does not respond to physical therapy or injections/meds, surgery may be needed. Surgery may be used to open the space in the spinal canal that may be limited by bone spurs or arthritis. In cases of severe disc degeneration, a spinal fusion may be needed to stabilize the segment and limit movement.
Image of Spinal Fusion Hardware
To learn about Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion surgery, Read the Article.
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JOI can help!
If you’re experiencing spondylosis symptoms, consult an orthopedic physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan that suits your individual needs. The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute is Northeast Florida’s most respected orthopedic practice. To make an appointment with a JOI Spine Specialist, call (904) JOI-2000, schedule online or click below for an appointment. To see a JOI Rehab Therapist in one of our 13 NE FL locations, call (904) 858-7045.