Diagnosing spondylosis can be tricky since it develops gradually. To make an accurate diagnosis of spondylosis, your doctor will do physical and neurological exams. You'll need to have x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, too.
Spondylosis is caused primarily by aging: as you age, the parts of your spine
wear out, perhaps causing pain. Spondylosis can put the body through a cause
and effect process. One anatomical change causes another-—and maybe more
pain.
Before you can understand why spondylosis causes pain, you should understand
the parts of your spine and how they work together. This quick anatomy lesson
shows you what spinal components are affected by spondylosis.
Spondylosis is spinal arthritis, sometimes called osteoarthritis. It's a degenerative
disorder, meaning that it's another part of aging. However, not everyone will
feel the effects (mostly pain) of spondylosis.
A physical therapist can help you learn how to control your pain from spondylosis. A PT program is individualized, but it may include passive treatments such as heat/cold therapy, and it may include active treatments, such as an exercise program.
For some cases of spondylosis, especially cervical spondylosis, the doctor may recommend wearing a brace. It will provide support to your spine and help limit your spine's motion. Controlling motion may help reduce your pain.
