What is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is arthritis that affects the spine. It is sometimes called spinal osteoarthritis. Spondylosis is a degenerative spinal disorder that commonly develops in people over age 40. It can affect any region of the spine—the cervical region (neck), thoracic region (mid-back), or lumbar region (low back).

Symptoms range from mild to severe and may become chronic or even disabling. They may include:

Cervical (Neck)

• Pain that comes and goes
• Pain spreads into your shoulders, arms, hands, fingers
• Morning neck or shoulder stiffness or a limited range of motion after getting out of bed
• Neck or shoulder tenderness or numbness
• Weakness or tingling in your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers
• Headache pain in the back of your head
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty swallowing (This is rare, but it may occur if the spinal cord is compressed.)

Thoracic (Mid-back)

• Pain in the upper and mid sections of the back
• Bending and extending your body triggers pain
• Morning stiffness

Lumbar (Low back)

• Back pain that comes and goes
• Morning low back stiffness after getting out of bed
• Pain that decreases with rest or after exercise
• Area tenderness or numbness
• Sciatica (mild to intense leg pain)
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the low back, legs, or feet
• Difficulty walking
• Bowel or bladder problems (This is rare, but it may occur if the spinal cord is compressed.)

To get the best treatment, you first need to know the origin of the problem. This article will help you understand spondylosis and some of its causes. You will read about treatment options and discover prevention tips to help you avoid injury.