Spondylosis Definition Treatment

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition in which you lose the proper function and structure of your spine. Also called spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis is usually caused by aging and can affect the neck (cervical spondylosis), mid-back (thoracic spondylosis) or lower back (lumbar spondylosis).

Symptoms

• Symptoms include pain in the neck, shoulder, arm or chest and numbness, tingling, and weakness in hands, arms, feet and legs. Other symptoms are trouble walking, abnormal reflexes, loss of bladder or bowel control.

Medicines

• Spondylosis is treated with over-the-counter medicines, which include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are also used as well as prescribed muscle relaxers and narcotics and spinal injections for pain.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy may help spondylosis. Treatment includes deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation for muscle spasms, heat therapy to get more blood to affected areas and cold therapy for pain and inflammation.

Surgery

• Surgical treatment of spondylosis includes decompression surgery, which is removal of tissue pressing on nerves, and stabilization surgery, which is fusing the spine for control of movement.

Alternatives

• Alternative treatment options include acupuncture and acupressure, yoga, pilates and herbs or supplements such as ginger, devil's claw and white willow bark.