What are the main causes of spondylosis. How is spondylosis diagnosed and treated. What lifestyle changes can help manage spondylosis symptoms. When should you see a doctor for spondylosis.

Understanding Spondylosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Spondylosis is a broad term used to describe the natural wear and tear that occurs in the spine as we age. This degenerative condition can affect any region of the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), and lumbar (lower back) areas. As a common form of spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis can lead to various symptoms and complications that impact a person’s quality of life.

Do you know what causes spondylosis? The primary factor contributing to spondylosis is the natural aging process. Over time, the spinal discs between vertebrae lose their shape and size, reducing the space between the bones. This can result in pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the affected areas of the back.

The Anatomy of Spinal Degeneration

To fully grasp the concept of spondylosis, it’s essential to understand the basic anatomy of the spine. The spinal column consists of 33 individual bones called vertebrae, stacked on top of one another. These vertebrae are divided into different regions:

• Cervical (neck) – 7 vertebrae
• Thoracic (middle back) – 12 vertebrae
• Lumbar (lower back) – 5 vertebrae
• Sacrum – 5 fused vertebrae
• Coccyx (tailbone) – 4 fused vertebrae

Between each movable vertebra lies an intervertebral disc, which acts as a cushion and allows for smooth movement of the spine. These discs consist of a strong outer ring called the annulus and an inner gel-like substance known as the nucleus.

Can spinal anatomy change with age? Yes, as we grow older, these intervertebral discs can lose water content and become less flexible. This natural degeneration process can lead to the development of spondylosis.

Identifying the Symptoms of Spondylosis

The symptoms of spondylosis can vary greatly from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all. However, common signs of spondylosis include:

1. Pain in the affected area of the spine
2. Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
3. Numbness or tingling in the extremities
4. Reduced range of motion
5. Muscle weakness
6. Headaches (in cases of cervical spondylosis)

Is it possible for spondylosis symptoms to worsen over time? Unfortunately, yes. As the condition progresses, symptoms may become more severe and frequent. However, with proper management and treatment, many people can effectively control their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

Diagnosing Spondylosis: What to Expect

If you suspect you may have spondylosis, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process typically involves the following steps:

1. Physical examination: Your doctor will assess your spine’s range of motion and look for areas of tenderness or pain.
2. Medical history review: You’ll be asked about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous injuries or conditions that may contribute to your current state.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the spine’s structure and identify any abnormalities.

Are there any specific tests used to diagnose spondylosis? While there’s no single definitive test for spondylosis, a combination of physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies allows healthcare providers to make an accurate diagnosis and rule out other potential conditions.

Treatment Options for Managing Spondylosis

The treatment of spondylosis aims to alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent further degeneration. Most cases can be effectively managed with conservative, non-surgical approaches. Common treatment options include:

1. Pain Management

Pain relief is often the primary goal of spondylosis treatment. Your doctor may recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain medications (NSAIDs)
• Prescription pain relievers
• Cortisone injections
• Nerve blocks

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing spondylosis symptoms. A therapist can develop a customized exercise program to:

• Strengthen back muscles
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Teach proper body mechanics
• Provide techniques for pain relief

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain changes to your daily routine can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further degeneration:

• Maintaining good posture
• Using ergonomic furniture and equipment
• Engaging in low-impact exercises
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

Can lifestyle changes alone effectively manage spondylosis symptoms? While lifestyle modifications can significantly improve symptoms for many individuals, they are often most effective when combined with other treatment approaches under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Surgical Interventions for Severe Cases

In some instances, conservative treatments may not provide sufficient relief. For these cases, surgical options may be considered. Surgical procedures for spondylosis aim to:

• Relieve pressure on nerves
• Stabilize the spine
• Correct spinal deformities

Modern surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, can help reduce pain and recovery time for eligible patients. However, surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief.

How do doctors determine if surgery is necessary for spondylosis? The decision to pursue surgical treatment is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the extent of spinal degeneration, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle. Your healthcare team will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Preventing Spondylosis and Maintaining Spinal Health

While it may not be possible to completely prevent spondylosis, there are steps you can take to maintain spinal health and potentially slow the progression of degeneration:

1. Exercise regularly to strengthen back and core muscles
2. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine
3. Practice good posture and ergonomics
4. Avoid smoking, as it can accelerate disc degeneration
5. Stay hydrated to support disc health
6. Get adequate calcium and vitamin D for bone health

Is it possible to reverse spondylosis? Unfortunately, the degenerative changes associated with spondylosis cannot be reversed. However, with proper management and lifestyle modifications, it’s possible to slow the progression of the condition and effectively manage symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Spondylosis

While some degree of spinal degeneration is normal with age, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent or severe back pain
• Numbness or weakness in your extremities
• Difficulty with balance or coordination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Unexplained weight loss or fever accompanying back pain

Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate management of your condition.

Can spondylosis lead to more serious complications if left untreated? Yes, in some cases, untreated spondylosis can progress and lead to more severe issues such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, or myelopathy. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to worsening symptoms can help prevent these complications.

Living with Spondylosis: Coping Strategies and Support

Managing spondylosis is often a long-term process that requires patience and perseverance. Here are some strategies to help you cope with the condition:

1. Educate yourself about spondylosis and its management
2. Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
4. Explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage
5. Communicate openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms and concerns
6. Stay active and engaged in activities you enjoy, modifying them as necessary

How can family and friends support someone with spondylosis? Loved ones can provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, and encourage adherence to treatment plans. Understanding the challenges of living with chronic pain and offering patience and empathy can make a significant difference in the quality of life for someone with spondylosis.

In conclusion, spondylosis is a common condition that affects many individuals as they age. While it can cause discomfort and limitations, proper management and treatment can help most people maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments, you can work effectively with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive plan for managing spondylosis and preserving your spinal health.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare – Spondylosis in the Thoracic Spine

Spondylosis refers to the natural wear and tear that can happen in the spine. Also called spinal osteoarthritis, it can affect any region of the spine, including the cervical (neck) or lower back. This page discusses the symptoms, causes and treatment options for thoracic spondylosis, which affects the middle back (the area from below you neck to the top of your abdomen). 

What is spondylosis?

Natural changes in the spine, along with daily wear and tear, can cause spinal discs to lose their shape and size. (Spinal discs are the discs between the vertebrae that act as cushions, allowing your spine to move freely and easily throughout the day.) 

As these discs change, they may become smaller or shorter and reduce the space between the vertebra. This can cause pain, stiffness and inflammation in the back, making it more difficult to enjoy your favorite activities.

Aging is the most common cause of spondylosis. However, a spinal injury or a family history can also increase your risk of developing spondylosis.

What are symptoms of spondylosis?

Symptoms can vary greatly between individuals with spondylosis, and some may not experience any symptoms at all. Common symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Numbness or tingling 

How is spondylosis treated?

Most individuals with spondylosis respond well to conservative, non-surgical treatments. Your provider will work closely with you to determine the best approach to relieve your symptoms.

Pain management

The goal of pain management is to help improve symptoms and alleviate your discomfort. Your doctor may also discuss other pain relief options, including prescription medication, cortisone injections or nerve blocks. Closely follow your physician’s instructions and read all medication labels to ensure you are taking medicine safely and effectively.

Physical therapy 

Physical therapy for spondylosis can help strengthen your back and other parts of your body, and help you adapt every day activities to reduce painful symptoms. A therapist will work closely with you to develop exercises to do during therapy sessions and exercises you can do at home. 

Do I need surgery for spondylosis?

Most individuals respond well to non-surgical treatments. However, if your pain continues to interfere with daily activities, your doctor may discuss surgical procedures. There are many options available today, including minimally-invasive procedures, that can help reduce pain and recovery time.

How is spondylosis diagnosed?

Spondylosis is diagnosed with a physical examination by your provider. Your doctor will closely examine your spine and range of motion. You will be asked to move around and bend while your doctor studies the shape and movement of your spine.

Imaging tests, such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan, may also be needed. This allows your doctor to check for other conditions, including herniated discs or bone spurs. Some insurances require other pre-requisites before ordering imaging service. Be sure to discuss these options with your provider. 

Contact Us

If you think you are experiencing spondylosis, schedule an appointment by calling (859) 212-7000 today.

The team at St. Elizabeth includes surgeons and specialists with unmatched experience in diagnosing and treating injuries, conditions and diseases that cause lumbar and sacral spine pain. Physicians and accredited providers offer their insight on how to best treat your back pain. Meet our non-surgical spine doctors. 

If you need surgery, our experienced affiliated surgeons will map out a plan that’s tailored to your health history, condition and symptoms. Meet our surgeons. 

Spondylosis – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Skip to content

Spondylosis

SpondylosisMarcelo Eguino2021-07-29T14:23:31-04:00

Spondylosis is an umbrella term used to describe the degeneration of the spine. It can be used to describe pain and spine degeneration, regardless of what is the underlying cause of the pain and the location of the spinal degeneration.

Anatomy

The spinal column supports your body, allowing you to stand, bend, twist, lift, and complete everyday activities. It also helps protect your spinal cord from injury. There are 33 individual bones, called vertebra, stacked atop one another in the vertebral column.

The column is divided into different regions, the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. The sacrum and coccyx are at the bottom of the column and are fused together. The 24 vertebrae located along the cervical, thoracic and lumbar sections are moveable.

Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc. The discs keep your vertebrae from rubbing together. The discs have a strong exterior ring called an annulus, while the inside (nucleus) has a mucoprotein gel that acts like a shock absorber for your spine.

What is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a chronic degeneration of the spine that may involve the discs and vertebrae of the lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine, and is the most common cause of progressive spinal cord and nerve root compression. Spondylosis is a common condition that is estimated to account for 2% of all hospital admissions. It is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in patients older than 55 years.

When this painful spinal condition occurs in the facet joint and breaks down the cartilage between them, it may be considered facet joint syndrome.

As people age, the intervertebral discs lose hydration and elasticity, which can cause fissures and cracks in the outer wall of the discs, and ultimately a flattening that causes the outer wall to bulge. This gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae is also referred to as degenerative disc disease.

Cervical disc degeneration or cervical spondylosis involves the C1 to C7 vertebrae that make up the neck and upper part of the spine. As the cervical discs show signs of dehydration, they shrink. Symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis (neck arthritis) may develop. These symptoms may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning or at night
• Headaches that mostly occur in the back of the head
• Pain that radiates into shoulders and arms
• Muscle weakness that makes it hard to lift the arms or grasp objects firmly

Bone spurs, bony projections that develop along the edges of the vertebral joints, can also form with spondylosis.

Lumbar degenerative disc disease, or lumbar spondylosis, is diagnosed when the spinal discs of the lumbar vertebra degenerate. The lumbar vertebrae are number L1 to L5 and are in the lower back, which is why lumbar degenerative disc disease is linked to low back pain.

Spondylosis changes can also result in spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis.

Causes of Spondylosis

Although age-related wear and tear of the vertebrae are the main cause of spondylosis, there are changes within the spinal anatomy that can lead to pain.

• Herniated discs. When cracks appear, the inner part of the disc can bulge out and become herniated. The herniated disc may then press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Bone spurs. When bone spurs result from disc degeneration, they can pinch the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Disc dehydration. By age 40, spinal discs begin to dry out and shrink, increasing the risk of bone-on-bone contact.
• Stiff ligaments. Ligaments connect bone to bone, so when the spinal ligaments become rigid with age, it can make the spine less flexible.

Additionally, injuries, such as those from a car accident or while playing sports, can enable disc degeneration.

SPONDYLOSIS CAUSES

Symptoms of Spondylosis

Spondylosis symptoms and especially cervical spondylosis may appear in those as young as 25. The condition generally begins earlier in men than in women. Many people with spondylosis that is seen on X-rays do not present any symptoms. In fact, lumbar spondylosis is present in 27%-37% of people without symptoms.

Common symptoms of spondylosis include:

• Sciatica
• Radiculopathy
• Radiculitis
• Pinched nerves
• Localized pain and regional tenderness
• Muscle spasms
• Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, sitting and forward bending
• Numbness and tingling
• Weakness in one or more limbs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

SPONDYLOSIS SYMPTOMS

Diagnosing Spondylosis

As many people with spondylosis do not present symptoms, specific testing may be needed to get a medical diagnosis. If positive, a physician may use more specific terminology regarding your condition such as cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical spinal stenosis, or lumbar spinal stenosis as they describe the pain more effectively.

A doctor will begin with a physical examination to check your range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength and walk to observe if there are changes in your gait.

Imaging studies, such as an x-ray, MRI, or CT scans can provide detailed views of your spine. Electromyography (EMG) may also be performed to measure the electrical activity from your nerves to muscles.

Risk Factors

Approximately 90% of men ages 50 and older — and 90% of women ages 60 and older — have evidence of degenerative changes in the spine.

Some of the risk factors for this condition include:

• Repeated strains and sprains
• Occupation – such as jobs that require repetitive motions involving the neck or back
• Previous neck injuries
• Genetics
• Smoking

Treatment for Spondylosis

The severity of your symptoms and diagnostic imaging results will determine the spondylosis treatment plan that is best for you. Often, conservative treatments will be suggested to relieve pain and help you get back to everyday life.

In severe cases or when non-surgical treatments for spondylosis fail to provide relief, surgical treatment may be recommended.

Non-Surgical Treatment

In mild to moderate cases of spondylosis, non-surgical treatment options can be effective. These options include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Rest
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy
• Cortisone shots
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Prescription pain medication

Surgical Treatment

Whether you have cervical (neck), lumbar (lower back), or thoracic (mid-back) spondylosis, the patented Bonati Spine Procedures are unrivaled in their safety and effectiveness.

The procedures are performed through a small incision in the back while the patient is conscious under local anesthetic and IV sedation. Since the patient is awake during spinal surgery, anesthesia risk is minimal and post-operative recovery time is greatly reduced.

When surgery is required for spondylosis, The Bonati Spine Procedures offer an array of surgical techniques that may include:

Nerve Decompression

Posterior approach — the procedure is performed on the patient to remove bone spurs, enlarged ligaments, or scar tissue that are compressing the spinal cord and/or nerves leading to the extremities. This procedure is usually employed to treat degenerative disc disease and/or facet joint arthritis. It may also be used for treating patients that had previous surgeries including spinal fusions.

Foraminectomy/Foraminotomy

This is a procedure in which the foramen of the vertebrae — the canal through which a nerve root exits the spine — is returned to its normal width after it has been narrowed due to degenerative disc disease or spinal arthritis. Bone spurs, scar tissue or bulging and herniated discs that form as a result of degenerative disc disease or spinal arthritis may narrow the foraminal canal, causing different spinal disorders. Foraminectomy/foraminotomy widens the foraminal canal to its normal width.

Facet Thermal Ablation

A Facet Thermal Ablation is a laser eradication of sensory nerves causing pain. During a Bonati Facet Thermal Ablation (Rhizolysis), surgeons vaporize irritated and painful nerves around the facets of the vertebrae.

SPONDYLOSIS TREATMENT

Prevention & Self-Care

You may have a higher risk of developing spondylosis due to a family history, your job or other risk factors. However, simple changes in your lifestyle can improve your spine health and potentially reduce the pain or severity of this condition.

• Develop a regular exercise routine
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat nutritious and healthy food
• Stretch through the day
• Develop good posture
• Learn how to lift properly
• Stop smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Hydrate

Outlook

The Bonati Spine Procedures can successfully treat patients suffering from spondylitis. Spondylosis is a result of the natural aging process and due to its degenerative nature, this condition may be treated but not stopped. Many patients will become asymptomatic with proper treatment while others may use various methods and need further treatment as they age to manage the symptoms of spondylosis.

In This Section

• Spondylosis
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Contact Us

Our surgeons will review your MRI so you know which options are best for your condition.

98.75%

Patient Satisfaction

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR CONDITIONS.
THERE IS NO OBLIGATION

CONTACT US

Not all back surgery is

EQUAL

Only after a comprehensive consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon can you really know which procedure offers long-term relief for your specific condition. If you are considering back surgery to relieve chronic pain, learn what the term “back surgery” really means and which type would be most helpful for you.