By: Nikki Clayton, PT, DPT, ATC
The quick answer is Spondylosis is a problem with the spine. Spondylosis is a general term that may include issues such as:
It is commonly misspelled too. We have seen folks spell it "spondyloysis", spondalosis, and even spondolysis. If you spelled it wrong, don't worry, you're not alone. Let's dive in to the the nuts and bolts of problems with the spine.
Click to learn about Spondylolysis.
MRI images of Spondylosis
Spondylosis can affect any level of the spine:
The following structures in your spine are affected by Spondylosis:
If you want to learn more about the Anatomy of the Spine, this VIDEO may help.
Disc bulge from disc degeneration
The quick answer is that 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:
With age, the discs in the spine lose water 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. This can cause problems with the nerves.
The quick answer is 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 grow or form.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
The quick answer is symptoms of Spondylosis include:
Your symptoms will depend on where the Spondylosis is affecting your spine. Spondylosis commonly occurs in the neck and the low back. Because the neck supports the weight of the head throughout a wide range of movements 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.
More severe symptoms of Spondylosis can lead to nerve compression and loss of normal daily function. Some emergency symptoms to be aware of are:
If you have any of these symptoms you should see you doctor immediately.
The quick answer is conservative treatment is used when possible to treat 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. Is 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.
The Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute has the Area's top Spine Doctors and they are ready to help you! If you have back or neck pain, or think you may have spondylosis, we can help. Come see the same doctors and therapists that the Jacksonville Jaguars choose.
To make and appointment with a JOI Spine Specialist, call (904)JOI-2000, schedule online or click below for an appointment.