Spondylosis

Spondylosis, or disc degeneration, is sometimes referred to as osteoarthritis. It describes bony overgrowths (osteophytes), predominantly along the anterior, lateral, and less commonly the posterior aspects of the superior and inferior margins of the vertebral bodies. “This dynamic process increases with age, and is perhaps inevitable.”

What causes Spondylosis?
There is no specific cause of spondylosis and this condition appears to be a natural part of the aging process. Prior injuries or surgery to the spine may increase the risk of developing spondylosis.

What are some symptoms of Spondylosis?
There are a number of symptoms of spondylosis that may occur with other spinal conditions. The nature of the symptoms varies depending on the location of the spondylosis.

Neck pain that may radiate to, or be felt in, the arms or the shoulders
Weakness or loss of sensations in the shoulders, arms and occasionally the legs
Stiffness in the neck that worsens over time
Problems with balance
Reduced or hyper reflexes
Headaches that tend to originate in the back of the head
Bladder and bowel control problems

Spondylosis affecting the lumbar spine is more elusive and is usually asymptomatic, with no diagnostic or prognostic significance. Given the frequency and size of lumbar osteophytes, they have long been thought to cause back pain. This has led to many studies. These studies reveal that there is no greater frequency of signs or symptoms among individuals with osteophytes than among those without osteophytes.

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