What is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis refers to all forms of spine degeneration that occur during aging.

Vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine. There are three joints between every two vertebrae. Anteriorly, a joint in the spine is known as an intervertebral disc. Posteriorly in the spine, there are two joints called facet joints. These join the bones and support them with cartilage. Ligaments surround the spinal column and hold the vertebrae together. These help stabilize the joints and bones.

As humans age, their bones, discs, cartilage, and ligaments undergo changes. They may start growing bone spurs (abnormal overgrowth of the bones), the discs may dry and crack, cartilage may become worn out, and ligaments may thicken. Such degenerative changes due to aging are all forms of spondylosis.

What are the symptoms of spondylosis?

Spondylosis is typically asymptomatic. If someone does develop a symptom related to spondylosis, it is typically neck pain, back pain, or stiffness.

Spondylosis can lead to spinal stenosis, meaning the spinal canal is narrowed. Compression (pinching) of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots may result. For instance, the cervical spinal cord may be compressed by the spondylosis. This is what is called cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The potential symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy include the following:

Tingling and numbness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Weakness of the muscles of the arms, shoulders, legs, feet, and hands
Coordination problems

What are the diagnostic features of spondylosis?

If symptoms arise, a patient would see a physician, who would prefer to take an X-ray to see any changes in the spine's skeletal structure.

The physician may also prescribe the subsequent diagnostic tests:

Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI): It can scan and offers a clear view of the spinal cord and nerves. It could turn into a diagnostic test indicating whether any nerve is compressed.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: Provides images that are more detailed about bones.

Suppose there is a suspicion that spondylosis has started compressing nerve tissue in the spine. In that case, the doctor may refer for a test to determine if the nerve signals are transmitted appropriately to the muscles.

What are the risk factors of spondylosis?

Spondylosis arises through wearing a way of parts of the backbone. This is the biggest risk factor for spondylosis: a person's age. Actually, most people have spondylosis visible on an X-ray by the time they are 60 years old.

What is the treatment of spondylosis?

Typically, non-operative measures, such as pain medications and physical therapy, are effective in treating the symptoms associated with spondylosis.

However, if the compression to the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots has happened due to spondylosis, then one needs to have surgery that reduces the compression.

The type of surgery required is decided based on the cause of the compression. The neurosurgeons at New York's Spine Hospital Neurological Institute do excellent work determining the best treatment for every patient and every scenario.

Some of the available options include:

Discectomy: it involves the removal of a herniated disk
Laminectomy: This is the removal of bone spurs or part of the vertebra known as the lamina.
Laminoplasty: A gap created within the bone for nerve tissue by changing the position of the lamina.
Spinal fusion: A part of the spine is joined together with transplanted bone - with or without instruments such as rods and screws.

Can spondylolysis be prevented?

You can't usually prevent spondylolysis. Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of a pars fracture:

Always wear your seatbelt, including the shoulder harness around your upper half.
Wear appropriate protection for all sports and games.
Remove clutter that might cause tripping in the home and the workplace.
Always use the right tools or equipment at home to attain things. Stay on chairs, tables, or countertops.
Follow a diet and exercise regimen that will maintain healthy bones.
Talk to your health provider about a bone density test if you are over 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis.
Use a cane or walker if you have difficulty walking or are at high risk for falls.

What will happen if I have spondylolysis?

If you have spondylolysis, nonsurgical treatments such as rest, medication, and physical therapy should ease your symptoms. These treatments cannot reverse the fracture but will enable you to return to most of your activities without pain sooner rather than later.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

The sooner a patient is seen by a healthcare provider, the sooner that provider can diagnose and begin treatment for spondylolysis. Visit a healthcare professional as soon as you experience low back pain that lasts more than a few days or is strong enough to make it hard or impossible to participate in your usual activities.