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• Spondylosis Overview

Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a general term used by doctors to refer to degeneration of the spine. The term itself is derived from the Latin spondy, meaning spine; and losis, meaning problem. Many – but not all – doctors use the term to refer specifically to arthritis of the spine, or spinal osteoarthritis, which affects the joints between vertebrae. However, spondylosis also can refer to degenerative conditions affecting other parts of the spinal anatomy, including the intervertebral discs (degenerative disc disease), ligaments, and other tissue.

The Main Risk Factor for Spondylosis

No matter which portion of the spinal anatomy is affected by spondylosis, the most likely cause is normal wear and tear that occurs as we age. There are other potential causes, including family history, obesity, and traumatic injury, but the toll taken by the natural aging process is the main risk factor for the development of spondylosis. What happens to the spinal anatomy as we reach middle age? Intervertebral discs begin to lose water content and elasticity; spinal ligaments begin to tighten and stiffen; and joints between the vertebrae begin to wear down. Although degeneration occurs at different rates in different people, these events are virtually unavoidable – almost everyone will develop some form of spondylosis eventually.

Classifications of Spondylosis

The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae, identified by location – cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), lumbar (lower back), sacral (pelvis) and coccyx (tailbone). Degeneration can occur at any level, and spondylosis is classified based on its location along the spine:

• Cervical spondylosis – affects the seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), which are very mobile and support the weight of the head.
• Thoracic spondylosis – affects the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12), which are relatively immobile and serve as a base for the ribcage.
• Lumbar spondylosis – affects the five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), which are involved in rotation, flexion and extension movements and support the weight of the upper body.
• Multilevel spondylosis – affects portions of the spinal anatomy located in more than one vertebral region.

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Symptoms and Treatment

Spondylosis often is asymptomatic, but spinal abnormalities can produce pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness if nerve roots or the spinal cord become irritated or compressed. These symptoms normally can be managed using conservative treatment, such as pain medication or physical therapy. However, if chronic symptoms persist after weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how certain forms of spondylosis may be treated with minimally invasive, outpatient procedures using safe and effective endoscopic techniques.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.