1. An Overview of Spondylosis

2. • Spondylosis is a term that is usually used to
describe the wholesale deterioration of the spinal
anatomy that comes with age. Other doctors also
sometimes more specifically refer to the arthritic
deterioration of the vertebral facet joints as
spondylosis. Yet, the fact remains that this
condition is aptly used to describe a condition
within the spinal column that is causing the
patient potentially significant pain and
discomfort, which may require medical
treatment.

3. The Spine
The anatomical elements that make up the spine are tightly packed in
the spinal column to allow for the full range of motion that we require
from our backs and necks. Vertebrae give the spine its shape and
strength, intervertebral discs cushion and separate the vertebrae, facet
joints connect adjacent vertebrae and allow the bones to comfortably
articulate against one another, and a variety of soft tissue supports the
spinal column. The problem, however, is that over the years, the
burden of supporting much of the body’s weight while offering
consistent flexibility can take its toll and the spinal anatomy naturally
begins to deteriorate. It is for this reason that most of us accept that as
we get older we won’t be quite as mobile as we were in our youth and
aches and pains are accepted as being mostly unavoidable.
Yet, while some degree of spinal deterioration is unavoidable, a select
segment of the population may exhibit a number of frustrating
symptoms that go beyond a minor inconvenience in the daily routine.

4. Symptoms
The symptoms of spondylosis are varied and depend on a number of factors. More
often than not, the symptoms that the individual experiences occur when
degenerative changes to the spine has resulted in the compression of a nerve root or
the spinal cord. For instance, herniated intervertebral disc material or a bulged disc
wall in the spinal canal can cause problems. So, too, can the formation of a bone spur
as a result of the onset of arthritis in the vertebral facet joints.
Depending on the specific location of the problem, the severity and cause of the
condition, and the exact nerve that is constricted, a variety of different symptoms may
develop, including:
• Localized pain near the site of the issue
• Radiating pain along the length of the nerve
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Diminished reflexes
• Muscle fatigue
• And more

5. Conservative Treatment
In order to effectively treat the symptoms of
spondylosis, a doctor must diagnose the
problem, pinpoint the origin of the
symptoms, and take into consideration the
patient’s overall health. There are a number of
potential treatment options that may be
considered, but self diagnosis is never
recommended because the wrong approach may
prove ineffective or could even make symptoms
worse.
With that understood, most patients are able to
find sufficient relief with a series of
conservative, nonsurgical methods that are
designed to alleviate pain and remove strain from
the back or neck. While treatments vary from
patient to patient, the use of low-impact
exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, epidural injections, deep tissue
massage, diet, and other similar methods may all
be recommended.

6. Surgery
In the event that several weeks or months of conservative
treatment fails to deliver the results that the patient
requires, other treatment options, including spondylosis
surgery may be considered. Typically, the goal of this
course of treatment is to physically remove the source of
the patient’s pain, be it a bone spur, calcified
ligament, herniated disc material, or other cause. This can
often be completed as either an open spine
surgery, or, increasingly common, as a minimally invasive
procedure in an outpatient setting. It is up to the patient
to fully explore his or her options, receive second and
third opinions, and find the right approach for the
condition.