Definition of Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a degenerative arthritis of the joints in the vertebrae and is a result of aging, most often seen in people over the age of 40. Luckily, there are numerous options to relieve this pain.

Features

• Spondylosis is arthritis of the spine and is sometimes referred to as spinal arthritis or spinal osteoarthritis. The joints, ligaments and intervertebral discs change over time and stop functioning the way they're supposed to, resulting in pain in the spine. Many people have spondylosis to some degree but may or may not experience pain.

Types

• There are three types of spondylosis and are a function of which part of the spine is affected. Cervical spondylosis affects the seven vertebrae in your neck area. Thoracic spondylosis is in the 12 vertebrae of your mid-spine, which is the part of the spine that runs from your shoulders to your waist. Lumbar spondylosis affects the five vertebrae of your lower back.

Causes

• Spondylosis is caused by aging, as the intervertebral discs begin to wear out from overuse. This begins long before you feel any symptoms of pain. In some people, spondylosis never progresses to the point of pain.
  Spondylosis often goes hand in hand with degenerative disc disease. The degenerative nature of spondylosis makes it function something like a domino run---one change causes another, which causes another. The process usually begins with the discs, which become drier and less spongy. This makes them shrink and move differently, which begins to affect the joints and ligaments surrounding them. They may become inflamed, and eventually, bone spurs may grow. The spine can't move the way it used to, and it causes pain.
  You may be predisposed to spondylosis through your genes. Smoking can also make spondylosis more likely, since it decreases the amount of water in the discs.

Effects

• The effects of spondylosis vary based on which type you have. Regardless, you'll experience pain or stiffness in the affected region when you get out of bed in the morning.
  With cervical spondylosis, you may experience pain that comes and goes. There may be numbness in your neck and shoulders or weakness and tingling in your arms all the way down to your fingers. You may have a headache in the back of your head or dizziness. In some rare cases, you may have difficulty swallowing.
  Thoracic spondylosis causes pain in your middle back that is made worse by bending or stretching.
  Lumbar spondylosis causes pain that comes and goes and may decrease with either rest or exercise. Your lower back may be numb, and you may feel pain or weakness extending into your legs, making walking difficult. In some cases, you may experience bowel or bladder problems.

Treatment

• Bed rest is not usually recommended for spondylosis. You will probably do better with mild exercise. Your doctor can tell you specifically what exercises and stretches will help. She may also recommend wearing a back brace for a short period of time.
  Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for pain relief. In some cases, he may prescribe a stronger pain reliever or a steroid injection.
  You may find relief from the pain of spondylosis through chiropractic care or massage therapy. Many have found help through alternative treatments, as well, such as acupuncture, acupressure and herbal supplements. Some good options are devil's claw, ginger and SAMe.