1. What is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a general term for age-related changes in the spine. It refers to the natural wear-and-tear of the spinal discs, joints, and bones. These changes are similar to arthritis and can affect the neck (cervical spondylosis), mid-back (thoracic spondylosis), or lower back (lumbar spondylosis). Many people have spondylosis without symptoms, but in some cases it can cause pain, stiffness, or nerve problems.

2. Causes of Spondylosis

Spondylosis develops gradually as part of the aging process. Contributing factors include:

• Disc degeneration – spinal discs lose water content and become less flexible

• Bone spurs (osteophytes) – extra bone growth as the spine tries to repair itself

• Arthritis – wear-and-tear of the facet joints between vertebrae

• Ligament thickening – spinal ligaments stiffen and may narrow the spinal canal

• Injury or repeated strain – which can speed up degenerative changes

3. Symptoms

Many people with spondylosis have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Stiffness and aching in the neck or lower back

• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

• Limited range of motion in the spine

• Headaches (especially with cervical spondylosis)

• Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs if nerves are pinched

• In severe cases, problems with balance, walking, or bladder/bowel control

4. Diagnosis

Spondylosis is diagnosed using:

• Medical history and physical exam – checking posture, flexibility, strength, reflexes, and nerve function

• X-rays – to look for bone spurs, disc space narrowing, or arthritis

• MRI or CT scans – to show more detailed bony anatomy or discs, nerves, and spinal cord

• Other tests – such as nerve studies (EMG) if there are significant nerve symptoms

5. Treatments

There is no cure for spondylosis, but treatments can relieve symptoms and improve function. Most people do not need surgery.

Conservative (non-surgical) treatments:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

• Prescription medications if pain is severe

• Physical therapy to improve posture, strength, and flexibility

• Heat, cold, or gentle stretching to relieve stiffness

• Lifestyle changes: staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding long periods of sitting

Interventional treatments:

• Injections (such as steroid or nerve block injections) for severe pain

Surgical options (for severe cases):

• Surgery may be considered if there is significant nerve compression, spinal cord involvement, or symptoms that do not improve with other care

• Procedures may include removing bone spurs, enlarging nerve openings, or spinal fusion for stability

• When conservative care doesn’t provide enough relief, minimally invasive spine surgery may be considered. Procedures like minimally invasive decompression or fusion can relieve nerve pressure and stabilize the spine with less tissue damage and quicker recovery.