Spondylosis

If you suffer from spondylosis, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition that affects the spine. Age-related changes in the spine’s structures, such as the discs, vertebrae, and facet joints, commonly cause spondylosis. Moreover, the primary characteristic of spondylosis involves the breakdown and deterioration of the spinal discs, the cushions between the vertebrae. Over time, these discs lose elasticity and water content, becoming thinner and less able to absorb shock or provide spine flexibility.

Furthermore, this degeneration of the discs can lead to various symptoms and complications. Additionally, spondylosis may entail the development of bone spurs, or osteophytes, along the edges of the vertebrae and facet joints. These bony outgrowths can narrow the spinal canal or neural foramina, the passageways for nerve roots, resulting in compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. Moreover, such compression can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected areas.

Symptoms Of Spondylosis

Spondylosis can manifest in different regions of the spine, including the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), and lumbar spine (lower back). However, depending on the location and extent of the degenerative changes, symptoms and severity can vary. Additionally, common indications may include neck or back pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, muscle spasms, and radiating pain or numbness in the arms or legs.

Diagnosing spondylosis typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans. These tests help visualize degenerative changes, determine the extent of spinal involvement, and rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

Treatments For Spondylosis

Treating spondylosis involves managing symptoms, improving function, and preventing further degeneration. Physicians use non-surgical approaches as the first line of treatment and may involve recommending physical therapy, pain management techniques, exercise programs, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications. Moreover, doctors may also prescribe medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics to alleviate pain and inflammation.

If conservative measures prove inadequate or severe symptoms persist, physicians may consider surgical intervention. Surgical options for spondylosis encompass decompression procedures to relieve nerve pressure or spinal fusion to stabilize affected spine segments.

It’s essential to recognize that spondylosis is a chronic condition that cannot be entirely reversed; however, its symptoms can be effectively managed. Regular medical check-ups and a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals such as orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and pain management experts can aid individuals with spondylosis in maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.