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Spondylosis

Spondylosis can cause pain and stiffness throughout your body. If you suffer from symptoms like neck pain or limited mobility, book an appointment at Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio.

Led by board-certified neurosurgeon Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, the practice offers several safe and effective treatments for spondylosis.

Learn more about your options by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kamal Woods today!

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Spondylosis is a general term for age-related degeneration of the spine, particularly the intervertebral discs and facet joints. It is essentially spinal arthritis and can affect any part of the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) regions. As the spine degenerates, bone spurs may develop, and the intervertebral discs may thin or herniate, leading to pain, stiffness, and nerve compression.

The primary cause of spondylosis is wear and tear associated with aging, but other factors include:

  • Degenerative disc disease: The intervertebral discs lose water content and elasticity over time, leading to disc thinning and decreased flexibility.
  • Osteoarthritis: Cartilage in the facet joints of the spine wears down, leading to inflammation and the development of bone spurs.
  • Spinal injuries: Trauma or repetitive stress can accelerate spinal degeneration.
  • Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are more prone to developing spondylosis due to their genetics.
  • Poor posture: Bad posture over time can contribute to abnormal stress on the spine, worsening degeneration.

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of degeneration:

  • Neck or back pain: Chronic pain in the neck (cervical spondylosis) or lower back (lumbar spondylosis) is common.
  • Stiffness: Stiffness in the back or neck, particularly after waking up or periods of inactivity, is a frequent complaint.
  • Radiating pain: Nerve compression can lead to radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, depending on the region of the spine affected.
  • Muscle weakness: Compressed nerves may lead to muscle weakness in the limbs.
  • Limited mobility: As spondylosis progresses, range of motion in the spine may decrease.

Dr. Woods may diagnose spondylosis through:

  • Medical history and physical exam: A review of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, along with a physical exam, will help assess the condition.

  • Imaging tests:

    • X-rays: These are used to detect bone spurs, disc thinning, and other degenerative changes.

    • MRI or CT scans: These can provide a detailed view of the spine’s soft tissues, including discs and nerves, to assess nerve compression and spinal degeneration.

Treatment for spondylosis focuses on relieving pain and improving mobility:

  • Non-surgical treatments:
    • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants can help manage symptoms.
    • Physical therapy: Specific exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and posture can reduce pain and improve spine stability.
    • Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected area.
    • Heat and cold therapy: Alternating heat and cold therapy can help reduce stiffness and inflammation.
  • Surgical treatments:
    • Spinal fusion: In severe cases, spinal fusion surgery may be required to stabilize the spine and prevent further degeneration. Minimally invasive fusion techniques are available at Vertrae® to minimize recovery time and postoperative discomfort.
    • Decompression surgery: If nerve compression is significant, surgery to remove bone spurs or portions of the disc may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves.