Spondylosis

Spondylosis refers to age-related wear and tear on the spine.

Your spinal bones, called vertebrae, and discs between them can degenerate over time. These changes are very common in people over 60 and can contribute to a range of symptoms.

Spondylosis is often associated with the most common cause of arthritis, a condition known as osteoarthritis.

What Part of the Spine is Affected By Spondylosis?

Spondylosis can develop in any part of your spine, but it’s most often found in the:

Neck (cervical spine)
Lower back (lumbar spine)

It’s less common in the mid-back or thoracic spine, likely because your rib cage helps stabilize and protect this area.

How Does Spondylosis Change the Spine?

When you have spondylosis, it means that your spine is undergoing degenerative changes, such as:

Age-related arthritis
Dehydration of spinal discs, leading to loss of height and reduced cushioning
Cracking of discs, potentially resulting in disc herniation
Wear and tear of cartilage in spinal joints
Formation of bone spurs due to cartilage degeneration

What Causes Spondylosis?

The primary cause of spondylosis is age-related spine changes that gradually break down bone, tissue, and cartilage. Other factors that may contribute to its development include:

Previous neck or back injuries
High-level athletic activities
Heavy lifting or repetitive movements
Having a high body weight

What Are the Symptoms of Spondylosis?

Many people may not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, muscle spasms, or even nerve issues. Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and include:

Neck or back pain that worsens with specific movements
Stiffness and decreased flexibility in the spine
Pain radiating from the neck into the arms or from the lower back into the legs
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
Unsteady walking
Headaches
Loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases

What Are the Risk Factors for Spondylosis?

Several factors can increase your risk, including:

Age, particularly after 60
A family history of spinal conditions
Previous spinal injury
Jobs or activities that involve repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or long periods of sitting or standing
Having a high body weight
Smoking
A sedentary lifestyle

How is Spondylosis Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing symptoms, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and recommend imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These tests can help determine the extent of spinal degeneration and whether any nerves are being compressed.

Can Spondylosis Be Treated?

Treatment depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing and the specific area of your spine that’s affected. The first steps typically involve conservative measures such as:

Avoiding activities that exacerbate pain
Exercises to strengthen muscles supporting your spine and increase flexibility
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen
Corticosteroid injections around the nerves or facet joints to reduce inflammation and pain

While these non-surgical treatments won’t reverse the structural variations caused by spondylosis—like the wear and tear on your spinal tissues or the pressure on your nerves—they can provide relief by helping your nerves adapt to these changes. In many cases, this approach can reduce symptoms without the need for surgery.

Are There Surgical Options for Spondylosis?

If your symptoms persist even with conservative treatments, surgery might be recommended. The type of surgery depends on the specific issues in your spine, but the goal is to relieve the pressure on your nerves.

Minimally invasive surgical options for spondylosis include:

Removing a bone spur that’s causing compression
Inserting spacers to restore space lost due to disc wear
Removing thickened soft tissues that are pressing on the nerves

In some cases, more extensive surgery might be needed, such as removing a portion of spinal bone and tissue that’s causing pain and stabilizing the area with a fusion of the vertebrae.

Can Spondylosis Be Prevented?

While you can’t completely prevent spondylosis because it’s primarily related to the natural aging process, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or delay its onset. Lifestyle adjustments that you can make include:

Maintaining a healthy weight through diet
Staying active with regular, low-impact exercise
Practicing good posture
Avoiding activities that put excessive strain on your spine

FAQs

How does spondylosis affect daily life?

Spondylosis can have a wide range of impacts. For some, it may cause occasional discomfort that doesn’t interfere much with daily activities. For others, it can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and mobility issues that affect daily tasks. In either case, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a strategy to manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life.

Does family history play a role in having spondylosis?

Yes, family history can play a role in its development. If your family has a history of spinal conditions or osteoarthritis, you may be more genetically predisposed. While genetics isn’t the only factor, it can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing spinal degeneration as you age.