OVERVIEW

Spondylosis is a blanket term for age-related wear and tear in the spine that may cause pain.

As the cartilage in your joints wears out and discs lose volume and become dried or cracked, your bones start to rub against each other with no support or lubrication. This creates bone spurs, which may cause pain and permanent joint damage. Spondylosis is also known as spinal osteoarthritis. This condition can affect any section of the spine but more commonly affects the cervical spine. Spinal degeneration is a natural part of aging that may or may not cause pain. Some living with this condition experience severe, chronic pain, while others experience intermittent pain. Others may be completely asymptomatic. Spondylosis affects everyone differently and may evolve. Some patients may find their symptoms worsen over time, while others see no longitudinal change in their pain.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Rest your back as often as possible
Ice or heat therapy
Yoga, functional mobility training, and gentle stretching
Exercise or weightlifting to strengthen back muscles
Improving posture
Medication: OTC pain medication, OTC topical creams, NSAIDs, prescription pain medication, or muscle relaxants
Physical, chiropractic, or massage therapy
Wearing a back brace
Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation
Surgery

SYMPTOMS

Many living with spondylosis may experience small flares of their condition, while others live in constant, chronic pain.

Sudden movements or transitioning from positions can trigger symptoms. Common symptoms of spondylosis include:

Stiffness and mild pain in back
Pain exacerbated by certain motions or being immobile
Weakness in hands or legs
Poor coordination and balance
Muscle spasms
Headaches
Grinding or popping sensation when moving the spine
Difficulty walking or controlling your bowels and/or bladder

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Your healthcare provider will ask about the following information:

The frequency, duration, and severity of your symptoms
Your lifestyle habits and exercise regimen
All medications you take, including over-the-counter medicine, supplements, vitamins, illicit drugs, or prescription medication
Your medical history, including other medical conditions
Any recent or past trauma to the back

Your healthcare provider will ask about whiplash, especially if you seek treatment for cervical spondylosis

Familial history of similar symptoms

Additional Reading

Your healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination to examine your back’s range of motion, flexibility, and strength. They will check your reflexes, muscle strength, and how you walk. They may send you for imaging tests, such as:

X-ray
CT scan
MRI
Myelography
Electromyography
Nerve conduction study

TYPES

Thoracic spondylosis: affects the thoracic spine
Lumbar spondylosis: affects the lumbar spine
Cervical spondylosis: affects the cervical spine
Multilevel spondylosis: affects more than one part of the spine simultaneously

RISK

Risk factors for developing spondylosis include:

Genetic predisposition/family history
Being obese or overweight
Living a sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Repetitive motions of the spine
Age
Injuries to the spine

Schedule An Appointment Today!

The Pain Experts of Arizona was founded to bring the highest level of care in a state-of-the-art setting that emphasizes the belief of treating our patients with the same respect, compassion, and dedication we would treat our own friends and family.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment and let us help you get back on your way to an active life without the limitations of chronic pain. From our Phoenix office, The Pain Experts of Arizona, serves pain management patients in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and the entire Phoenix area.

Spondylosisin Gilbert, AZ