Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms & Relief | Precision Pain & Spine Institute

What Is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a general term describing the age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs, vertebrae, and joints. Sometimes called “spinal osteoarthritis,” spondylosis can affect any part of the spine—most commonly the neck (cervical spondylosis) and lower back (lumbar spondylosis).

As we age, the discs lose hydration and elasticity, vertebrae may develop bone spurs, and joints can become inflamed. This gradual degeneration may cause back or neck pain, stiffness, or even nerve irritation if nearby nerves are compressed.

Other common terms for spondylosis include “degenerative spine disease” or “spinal arthritis.”

Why It Happens

Spondylosis develops over time, and is a natural part of the aging process for the spine. However, several factors can accelerate or worsen symptoms:

• Aging: Most people over 40 have some degree of spinal degeneration, even without symptoms.
• Genetics: Family history of spine problems increases your risk.
• Repetitive stress: Jobs or sports involving heavy lifting, twisting, or long-term sitting.
• Spinal injuries: Past injuries can speed up degenerative changes.
• Obesity: Extra body weight adds stress to the spinal joints and discs.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Poor muscle strength can lead to increased wear on spinal structures.
• Smoking: Reduces blood flow and slows disc repair.

Signs & Symptoms

Spondylosis symptoms depend on the location and severity of degeneration:

Chronic neck or back pain: Usually a dull, aching pain that may worsen with activity or after long periods of inactivity.

• Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after resting.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty turning the head, bending, or twisting the back.
• Radiating pain: Sharp, shooting pain that travels to the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs if nerve roots are compressed (radiculopathy).
• Numbness or tingling: In the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
• Muscle weakness: Difficulty gripping, walking, or lifting objects in advanced cases.
• Grinding or popping: Sensation with neck or back movement (crepitus).

Red-Flag Warnings (Seek Immediate Care)

• Sudden, severe limb weakness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in the groin or inner thighs

Diagnosing Spondylosis

At Precision Pain & Spine Institute, your diagnosis starts with a detailed evaluation and targeted tests:

• History & Physical Exam: Review of your symptoms, activity level, previous injuries, and family history. We check your spine’s flexibility, alignment, reflexes, strength, and sensation.
• Imaging:
  • X-rays: Reveal bone spurs, disc space narrowing, or other changes.
  • MRI: Shows disc degeneration, nerve compression, and soft tissue detail.
  • CT scans: Provide a more detailed view of bone structures if needed.
• Electrodiagnostic tests (EMG/NCS): If you have numbness, tingling, or weakness, these tests help confirm nerve involvement and guide treatment.

Your first visit will result in a clear diagnosis and a collaborative care plan.

Treatment Options

Our goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to normal activity with a tailored, stepwise approach.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

• Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs to strengthen back and core muscles, improve flexibility, and support healthy posture. Therapy helps reduce pain and restore mobility.
• Medications: NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, muscle relaxants for spasms, and neuropathic pain medications as needed.
• Lifestyle modifications: Ergonomic adjustments at work and home, weight management, quitting smoking, and increasing regular activity.

Interventional and Image-Guided Procedures

• Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and pain from nerve compression.
• Facet Joint Injections: Target small joints at the back of the spine for localized pain relief.
• Trigger Point or Myofascial Injections: For muscular pain that worsens spondylosis symptoms.
• Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments and manual therapy may relieve discomfort and restore mobility in select cases.

Surgical Treatments (If Needed)

Surgery is rarely required for spondylosis, and is only considered for severe pain, progressive nerve symptoms, or spinal instability:

• Discectomy or Decompression: Removes bone spurs or disc material compressing nerves.
• Spinal Fusion: Stabilizes areas with severe degeneration.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: For select younger patients with isolated disc disease.

Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible for quicker recovery and less discomfort.

Living With Spondylosis

Most people with spondylosis can enjoy an active life with the right strategies and support:

• Stay active: Low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, supports spinal health and keeps joints flexible.
• Core strengthening: Strong core and back muscles help relieve pressure on the spine.
• Good posture: Use ergonomic furniture, avoid slouching, and take frequent movement breaks.
• Heat and cold therapy: Use warm packs to ease stiffness or cold packs during flare-ups.
• Healthy weight and nutrition: Reduces stress on the spine and supports bone health.
• Pain coping: Over-the-counter pain relief, regular stretching, and restorative sleep are all helpful.

Prevention Tips

Exercise regularly: Focus on flexibility and core strength.

• Lift safely: Use your legs and keep objects close to your body.
• Workplace ergonomics: Adjust your desk, chair, and screen height to protect your spine.
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take frequent breaks to move and stretch.
• Manage chronic conditions: Such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or arthritis.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking accelerates disc degeneration.

How We Can Help

At Precision Pain & Spine Institute, our multidisciplinary team of board-certified spine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, pain management doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors offers comprehensive, evidence-based care for spondylosis.
We use advanced imaging, the latest minimally invasive procedures, and personalized plans to address your unique needs.

We offer same-week appointments and seamless, supportive care throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is spondylosis the same as arthritis?

Spondylosis is a general term for spine degeneration and is similar to osteoarthritis, but specifically refers to changes in the spine.

2. Can spondylosis be cured?

Spondylosis cannot be reversed, but symptoms can be managed and quality of life improved with treatment.

3. Does everyone with spondylosis have pain?

No. Many people have changes on imaging but never develop symptoms.

4. Will I need surgery for spondylosis?

Most people do not need surgery. It’s reserved for severe pain, nerve issues, or spinal instability.

5. Can physical therapy help spondylosis?

Yes, it’s one of the most effective first-line treatments, improving strength, flexibility, and pain control.