Spondylosis is a term that is used to describe Spinal Degeneration. This type of spinal degeneration is more common in people over the age of 50, but can be seen in patients much younger, especially if they have other conditions that affect bones.
Spondylosis can target specific areas of the spine that are affected, such as:
Cervical Spondylosis – for degeneration of vertebrae in the neck
Thoracic Spondylosis – the degeneration of vertebrae in the middle back
Lumbar Spondylosis – for degeneration of vertebrae in the lower back
The degeneration of these vertebrae is a result of Osteoarthritis, something that years ago would have been put down to ‘old age’ or ‘wear and tear’.
The Facet Joints, which can be found on the rear of each vertebra, rest on cartilage which allows them free movement. As this cartilage begins to break down, the bone surfaces rub against each other, slowly eroding away. This causes friction, a loss of mobility and can lead to the joints deforming and developing bone spurs or Osteophytes.
The erosion of the bone surface will cause the vertebra to become misaligned, which along with any additional bone spurs that may form, could result in excessive pain due to impingement of any surrounding nerves or muscles.
From Spondylosis to Spondylolisthesis
A further related condition is known as Spondylolisthesis. At this point, any affected vertebra are displaced in a forwards direction over the vertebra below (This is contra to retrolisthesis where the vertebra are forced backwards, usually due to injury). This advanced slippage may well compress the root of the nerve and trigger differing levels of pain down the back and into the buttocks. This particular nerve pain is often referred to as Sciatica.
As Spondylosis is a fairly general term for vertebral degeneration, it is often referred to when people are suffering Spinal Stenosis. This is where an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal causes a restriction for the placement of nerves and can lead to neurological deficit. This is typically experienced as pain, numbness, loss of motor control or paresthesia (pins and needles). In a healthy spine, the nerves pass through foramen, small holes either side of the vertebra. Where there is degeneration and an occurrence of bone spurs, the traversing of the nerve through these openings is not free, resulting in the pain or numbness.
Spondylosis and Degenerative Disc Disease
Nerves can be compressed or impinged by other factors too. These could be Bulging Discs, Prolapsed Discs or even Herniated Discs. Spondylosis is sometimes used when referring to degenerative changes in these discs. Such degenerative disc disease could be thinning, loss of moisture and ultimately, a complete break down.
The key point amongst all this is that Spondylosis itself is not a diagnosis, but a term that is used to describe changes in the biomechanics and structure of the spine itself.
Whilst there are no wonder cures for Arthritis, Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are indeed ways to treat these conditions and alleviate the pain they cause.
An Effective Treatment for Spondylosis
I regularly treat many patients that have been told they have Spondylosis or Spondylolisthesis and achieve great results. With regular treatment and a healthy understanding of back management, a far better quality of life becomes available to you.
Feel free to call me today on 07951 146778 to discuss your current situation and make a plan for the future.