Spondylosis treatments are geared toward alleviating symptoms associated with joint stiffness and/or nerve compression in the spine. Spondylosis, which roughly translated means “spine problem,” is a general term for the deterioration of vertebral joints, intervertebral discs, and other components of the spinal anatomy. These conditions usually are a result of the aging process, developing as normal wear and tear takes its toll. Joints wear down, while discs lose water content and elasticity. This degeneration can lead to bone spurs or herniated discs, which can impinge, or compress, nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord. When this happens, symptoms including pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness can arise and treatment becomes necessary.
Conservative Spondylosis Treatments
Most of the time, discomfort from spinal degeneration can be managed using conservative spondylosis treatments. The goal is to achieve pain relief non-surgically, using one or more of the following methods:
- Physical therapy
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
- Brief periods of rest
- Therapeutic exercises
- Behavior modification
- Hot/cold therapy
- Massage
- Epidural steroid injections
- Alternative treatments such as chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, or yoga
When Conservative Spondylosis Treatments Are Not Enough
If chronic pain persists despite weeks or months of conservative treatment, spondylosis surgery might become an option. Surgical spondylosis treatments traditionally have involved highly invasive procedures that require general anesthesia, excision of a large portion of the spinal anatomy, vertebral fusion, and a lengthy recuperation. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about minimally invasive, outpatient alternatives that use safe, effective endoscopic techniques to help you rediscover your life without back or neck pain.
