What Is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis is a degenerative disease. Over time, the disease breaks apart the tissues (or disks) in your spine that separate and cushion your vertebrae—the bones in your spine. These discs in the spine act as joints between vertebrae which allow us to bend and move. As we age, these discs can break down. This can lead to osteoarthritis or a stiffening in your spine. Other conditions can also cause the disks in your spine to wear down and break apart. This causes pain.
Spondylosis can affect your neck, upper and middle back, and/or your lower back.
- Bones in the upper part of your spine near your neck are called the cervical spine.
- Bones in the upper and middle part of your spine are called the thoracic spine.
- Bones in the lower back are called the lumbar spine.
Find a Spondylosis Doctor
Cervical Spondylosis & Neck Pain
Cervical spondylosis impacts the disks in your neck. It can cause osteoarthritis; in some cases, it can cause neck pain. Many people have cervical spondylosis. The condition gets worse as people get older.
What Are Symptoms of Cervical Pain?
Not all people with cervical spondylosis will have neck pain. If you do have pain, you may have the following symptoms:
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your feet, legs, arms, or hands;
- Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
- Difficulty walking or feeling off balance
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor. Some people with cervical spondylosis have pinched nerve roots inside their spine. Your nerve roots run through your spine. These nerve roots can become pinched if the space inside your spine that holds these roots has narrowed.
Treatments for Spondylosis
Treatments for this condition are similar to treatments for back and neck pain. Treatments can include:
- medications,
- exercise,
- physical therapy,
- injections,
- and sometimes surgery (like arthroplasty).
Our specialists from both the University Orthopaedic Center and the Clinical Neurosciences Center offer expert evaluation and treatment. Schedule an evaluation and learn how to best treat your back and neck pain.
