Spondylosis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, And Treatment

Spondylosis is a common age-related condition that affects 90% of people over 60 years. It is more common in people with physical jobs, athletes, and people who smoke.

Many people do not realize they have spondylosis as they do not have symptoms. Other people develop pain in the back and neck that can affect their quality of life.

This article discusses the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of spondylosis.

Spondylosis refers to age-related degeneration of the spine. This condition affects various components of the spine, including:

• vertebrae, or the bones of the spine
• intervertebral disks, or the cushions between vertebrae
• ligaments
• muscles

As people age, the disks that sit between the vertebrae of the spine become dehydrated and weak. This can cause the spine to compress, and the disks may crack, causing them to herniate. This is a herniated or “slipped disk“. The cartilage in the spine’s joints may also wear out, causing bone spurs.

When spondylosis affects the upper spine and neck, it is called cervical spondylosis. When the lower spine, or lumbar spine, is affected, it is lumbar spondylosis.

Learn about the anatomy of the spine.

People may have a higher risk of spondylosis if they have any of these risk factors:

• ages 60 years or over
• osteoarthritis
• neck or back injury
• history of playing physically demanding sports
• a physically demanding job that strains the back
• previous spinal surgery
• obesity
• smoking
• lack of physical activity

Many people with spondylosis do not experience symptoms, but common symptoms include:

• lower back pain
• reduced flexibility and range of motion in the neck and back
• crepitus, which is clicking sounds from the spine
• pain radiating to the arms or legs, which happens when there is pressure on nerves near the spine
• numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feet, or hands
• muscle spasms
• headaches
• in severe cases, bladder and bowel incontinence — this may be a medical emergency if it occurs suddenly

Someone with back pain can talk with their primary doctor about their symptoms. In some cases, the doctor will refer them to a specialist, such as an orthopedist or physical therapist.

The first steps in diagnosing spondylosis are:

During a physical exam, a doctor may observe how a person walks to assess stiffness and range of motion. They may also feel the neck and back to identify tender areas where spondylosis might be occurring. Tests to assess a person’s neurologic function, such as checking reflexes, may also be necessary.

A doctor may then recommend imaging scans, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, which may reveal issues such as a bulging or herniated disk or bone spurs.

Treatment for spondylosis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Surgery may benefit some people, but doctors typically only recommend it when nonsurgical options have not improved symptoms.

Treatments for mild spondylosis may include:

When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, doctors may recommend surgery to:

• remove bone spurs
• place spacers in between the vertebrae to compensate for worn disks and alleviate nerve compression
• remove thickened soft tissues that may be pressing on nerves
• fuse vertebrae together to stabilize the spine

Read more about types of spinal surgery.

People can take steps to reduce their chances of developing spondylosis, but preventing age-related changes is not always possible. Lifestyle measures that may help include the following:

• Exercise: Be physically active and incorporate flexibility training, such as pilates, with strength training to increase bone density.
• Posture: Practice good posture, especially when sitting for long periods. Avoid sitting in the same position for too long.
• Weight: Maintain a moderate weight to avoid putting pressure on the spine
• Diet: Eat a nutritious diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
• Rest: Allow the body to rest and try to get at least 7 hours of good quality sleep each night.
• Avoid injuries: Adopt the correct form when exercising and take steps to prevent injuring the back or neck.

A person should contact a doctor about their back pain if:

• it does not improve after several weeks of home treatment
• it is severe or worsens over time
• it is getting in the way of daily activities
• they develop the following symptoms:
  • numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
  • difficulty walking or maintaining balance
  • loss of bowel or bladder control

Spondylosis is an umbrella term for age-related changes in the spine. The intervertebral disks can wear down over time, affecting surrounding tissues and nerves and causing pain.

Treatments for mild spondylosis pain include hot and cold therapy, pain relief medications, and epidural steroid injections. In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery to address the underlying cause of pain.

If people experience persistent back pain or related symptoms, they may wish to see a doctor for treatment advice.