1. Spondylosis Treatment

2. Spondylosis treatment is geared toward the
alleviation of the sometimes severe symptoms
associated with relatively minor and common
anatomical abnormalities within the spine.
Spondylosis, which means “spine problem,” is a
general term for the deterioration of spine’s
joints, intervertebral discs, and other
components of the spinal anatomy. Surgery is
almost always considered the last resort for the
treatment of spondylosis symptoms, but surgery
should not be ruled out if a patient is unable to
find relief through conservative methods.

3. Spondylosis Symptoms
Localized pain and a reduction in range of motion are the two most telling
symptoms of spondylosis. While spondylosis does not always lead to
spinal nerve compression – which is potentially a much more painful
problem – many of the degenerative spine conditions associated with
spondylosis can threaten to infringe upon the spinal cord and/or its nerve
roots. For example, bone spurs, or osteophytes, that grow too large or in
just the right areas of the spine can “pinch,” or impinge, a spinal nerve
root. This can produce the set of symptoms known as radiculopathy,
which might include:
• Radiating pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness

4. Spondylosis Causes
Before you can determine the best form of spondylosis treatment, it is important to understand its causes.
Everyone can anticipate a certain amount of spinal deterioration, and most spine patients are middle-aged and
elderly. Keep in mind that anatomical degeneration takes place at different rates for everyone, and some
individuals may be affected in their 30s and even in their 20s. For the most part, though, degenerative spine
conditions are primarily diagnosed in people in their 50s and older.
So, aging is considered the top risk factor for the development of spondylosis. Others include:
• Obesity – Carrying extra body weight takes a serious toll on the components of the spinal anatomy. The
lumbar (lower) spine, in particular, is susceptible to weight-related wear and tear, because the lower back
bears most of the weight of the upper body. Extra weight places more stress on the facet joints and
intervertebral discs.
• Poor posture – Habitually slouching while seated or slumping your shoulders while standing can contribute
to accelerated anatomical deterioration.
• Repetitive stress – If your job or pastime requires repeated heavy lifting or sustained periods of sitting, the
joints of the spine are forced to work even harder. In addition, the discs are subjected to constant pressure
and/or repetitive movement, further contributing to the deterioration process.
• Inherited traits – If one of your parents or grandparents had spinal osteoarthritis, it is believed that you
have a better chance of developing the condition. The same can be said of other age-related spinal
conditions, such as degenerative disc disease.
• Tumors and traumatic injury – Spinal tumors (malignant or benign), while uncommon, can lead to
symptoms similar to those produced by degenerative spine conditions. Traumatic injury, as in a car
accident, might also disrupt the spinal anatomy.

5. Conservative Spondylosis Treatment
Most of the time, the symptoms listed earlier can be managed using
conservative spondylosis treatment. The goal is to achieve pain relief
non-surgically, using one or more of the following methods:
• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
• Brief periods of rest
• Behavior modification
• Hot/cold therapy
• Massage
• Epidural steroid injections
• Alternative treatments such as chiropractic therapy, acupuncture,
and yoga

6. Period of Trial and Error
Might Be Necessary
Because no two cases are exactly alike, it may take a while to
settle on the precise combination of conservative spondylosis
treatment methods that provide meaningful relief. It is
important for patients to stay in regular contact with the
doctor, reporting changes in symptoms as they occur. This
applies to changes for the better, as well as for the worse.
Certainly, if symptoms seem to respond well to a particular set
of treatment methods, the doctor will want to know. On the
other hand, if symptoms do not respond well – or actually get
worse – the doctor needs to know in order to make
adjustments to the treatment plan.