What Is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear to the spine and cervical spine. It can often lead to conditions like osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. In some cases, spondylosis can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to further complications.
What Causes Spondylosis?
Spondylosis most commonly occurs as a result of aging and cumulative joint stress. Certain factors like previous injuries, occupational habits like repetitive motions, awkward positioning, and overhead work can increase your likelihood of developing spondylitis. Dehydrated discs can also lead to spondylitis as they cause increased bone-on-bone contact. Certain conditions like degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis can also cause spondylosis.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
Symptoms of spondylosis can occur briefly, periodically, or gradually over time. In any case, common symptoms of spondylosis include:
- Neck or back pain
- Pain when coughing
- Clicking sound from the spine
- Radiating pain into the arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Unstable gait
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
How is Spondylosis diagnosed?
Spondylosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. A physician at SpineCare of NY will first assess your symptoms and perform a physical exam to check for pain, stiffness, and range of motion in the spine and neck. Imaging tests are then used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of degeneration. These may include X-rays to visualize bone changes and narrowing of disc spaces, MRI scans to provide detailed images of soft tissues and potential nerve compression, and CT scans for a more comprehensive view of bone structures. In some cases, additional tests like electromyography (EMG) may be used to evaluate nerve function if there are concerns about nerve compression.
How is Spondylosis treated?
Spondylosis treatment at SpineCare of NY typically involves a combination of surgical and non-surgical approaches tailored to the individual’s symptoms and severity. Initial treatments often include pain medications like NSAIDs, physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, and lifestyle modifications such as ergonomic adjustments. For more severe cases, especially in cases of significant nerve compression or spinal cord involvement, surgical intervention may become necessary. These can include decompression procedures like laminectomy or discectomy to relieve pressure on nerves or spinal fusion to stabilize the affected area.
Schedule a Consultation
The physicians at SpineCare of NY are dedicated to providing the most advanced and up-to-date solutions to your spinal condition by continuing to engage in ongoing research. We are affiliated with HSS, Hospital for Special Surgery, the number one ranked orthopedic hospital in the United States, ensuring you are in capable hands throughout the entirety of your spinal health journey. To schedule a consultation and learn more about spondylosis, head to our website and fill out an online contact form.
SpineCare of NY is located at 523 East 72nd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10021.
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