Causes of Spondylosis

Growing older affects the entire body. While you can see the facial wrinkles that develop over time, there are other changes that you can’t see—in your spine, for example. Degenerative changes in the spine can cause a cascade of problems. Discs may become thin, weak, and at risk of herniating or bulging. These thin or damaged discs decrease the space between the vertebral bodies. The facet joints are also affected, which can lead to irritation and inflammation of nerve roots, and ultimately to pain. Sometimes the body’s response to an ill-functioning facet joint is to produce bone spurs also called osteophytes. These spurs can also cause further pain and problems.