Spondylosis refers to the degeneration of the spinal column, often due to aging. In its more specific form, it describes spinal osteoarthritis, which primarily affects the vertebral bodies, neural foramina, and facet joints. Severe cases can lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in pain, numbness, balance issues, and muscle weakness.
Spondylosis can cause pain in the neck or the low back. When this degeneration occurs in the neck, it's called cervical spondylosis, while in the lower back, it's lumbar spondylosis. Narrowing of the space between vertebrae can compress nerve roots, causing radiculopathy, which leads to pain, muscle weakness, and sensory disturbances. In severe cases, direct pressure on the spinal cord results in myelopathy, affecting balance, coordination, and bladder control.
Spondylosis symptoms vary depending on the affected area but often include:
Generally treatment begins with physical therapy and bracing. Medications can help relieve
symptoms, but do not treat the cause of the pain and other associated symptoms. Steroid
injections are used to reduce the inflammation from the bone segments moving against each
other. Radiofrequency ablation is often used to denervate the joints adjacent to the bone
fractures.
Spondylosis is something that people can be born with (congenital). Patients at risk for
Spondylosis are the elderly, those with weak bones (osteoporosis/osteopenia), patients who have
had traumas (falls, motor vehicle accidents), and patients who frequently hyperextend the back
(gymnasts, football players).
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Some patients are born with the condition, and it is not preventable. For acquired cases,
patients can prevent Spondylosis by minimizing hyper-extension of the low back and avoiding
traumas (falls, motor vehicle accidents).
Many patients with Spondylosis are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Treatment
usually begins with conservative measures including physical therapy, back braces, and NSAIDs.
Some patients can be managed with injections and radiofrequency ablation. Patients refractory
to these therapies may require surgical fixation with a fusion.
Generally, this condition does not cause any permanent damage. Patients exhibiting nerve
symptoms like numbness, tingling, unpleasant sensations in the legs may potentially get nerve
damage over prolonged periods of time without surgical fixation.
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If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of Spondylosis, the specialists at Greater Austin Pain Center are here to help. Our expert team offers advanced diagnostic and interventional care designed to reduce your pain, improve mobility, and restore your quality of life. With four convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, Dripping Springs, and San Marcos, we’re here to help you find lasting relief with our treatment options.
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