Spondylosis is age-related degeneration of the spine that causes disc dehydration, bone spurs, and neck or back pain from nerve or spinal cord compression.
What Is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis refers to progressive “wear-and-tear” changes affecting the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. These changes include disc dehydration, loss of disc height, and bone spur (osteophyte) formation, which may irritate nerves or compress the spinal cord.
- Cervical spondylosis – degeneration in the neck
- Thoracic spondylosis – degeneration in the mid-back
- Lumbar spondylosis – degeneration in the lower back, often called lumbar degenerative disc disease
For related degenerative conditions, see disc degeneration and discectomy treatment options within our Conditions & Treatments hub.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
Spondylosis symptoms result from discs losing cushioning and bone spurs narrowing space around nerves.
Common symptoms include:
- Neck or back pain, often worse with activity
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Radiating arm or leg pain from nerve compression
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in affected extremities
- Loss of mobility or balance in advanced cervical disease
- Bowel or bladder changes in severe cases requiring urgent care
Causes of Spondylosis
Spondylosis develops gradually due to:
- Aging (most common cause)
- Disc dehydration reducing shock absorption
- Repeated mechanical stress over time
- Osteoarthritis affecting facet joints
- Genetic predisposition
- Previous spine injuries
When degeneration becomes severe, treatment options such as artificial disc replacement may be considered.
How Spondylosis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis focuses on confirming degeneration and evaluating nerve involvement.
Testing may include:
- X-rays for bone spurs and joint changes
- MRI for disc height loss, nerve compression, and spinal canal narrowing
- CT scans if detailed bone evaluation is needed
- Neurological exam to assess reflexes, strength, and sensation
Patients with vertebral compression may also benefit from information on kyphoplasty.
Spondylosis Treatment Options
Treatment begins with conservative care and progresses to advanced interventions when symptoms persist.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medications for pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy to improve posture, flexibility, and strength
- Activity modification and ergonomic changes
- Spinal injections, including epidural steroid injections or facet joint blocks
These methods reduce pain and inflammation without surgery.
Surgical Options
Surgery may be considered when:
- Pain remains severe despite conservative care
- Weakness, numbness, or mobility loss develops
- Imaging shows significant nerve or spinal cord compression
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction appears (emergency)
Procedures may include:
- Decompression surgery to relieve nerve pressure
- Fusion procedures to stabilize unstable segments
- Disc replacement in select cervical or lumbar cases
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main cause of spondylosis?
Aging is the primary cause; discs lose hydration, and joints develop osteoarthritis over time.
Is spondylosis the same as arthritis of the spine?
Yes. Spondylosis describes degenerative changes such as bone spurs and facet joint arthritis.
When does spondylosis require surgery?
Surgery is considered when conservative care fails or when there is nerve compression causing weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel changes.
Can spondylosis cause nerve pain or sciatica?
Yes. Bone spurs and disc collapse can compress nerve roots, causing radiating leg or arm pain.
Is spondylosis reversible?
Degenerative changes cannot be reversed, but symptoms can often be controlled with physical therapy, medication, injections, or surgery when needed.
Which imaging test best detects spondylosis?
MRI provides the most detailed evaluation of disc and nerve changes, while X-rays show bone spurs and alignment.