Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a disorder characterized by degeneration in your spine, often due to age-related changes or due to disease such as osteoarthritis which weaken the bones of the spine. It is more common in people over the age of fifty years, and is also known as degenerative disc disease or spine arthritis. Spondylosis can occur anywhere along the spine, and is categorized according to the location where it occurs as follows:

• Cervical spondylosis: affects the part of the spine at the neck

• Thoracic spondylosis: spine arthritis that occurs around mid-back

• Lumbar spondylosis: occurs in the lower back

Spondylosis is caused by the age-related wear and tear of the spinal bones and ligaments, leading to bone spurs (overgrowth of bones). As you age, the discs between the vertebrae of the spine also degenerate, leading of herniated and bulging discs which further contribute to spondylosis. These intervertebral discs also get dehydrated, which means the gel-like material inside these disks can dry out over time, making the vertebrae rub together painfully. Spondylosis may also be caused by injury.

Besides old-age, other risk factors for developing this disorder include work-related activities that put extra strain on your spine (such as due to heavy lifting), having a family history of spondylosis, smoking and also being overweight and inactive.

When to seek expert advise

If left untreated, spondylosis can advance to chronic back pain​ and may also cause serious, irreversible nerve dysfunction if a nerve is compressed. Over time, it can also lead to a condition called spinal stenosis, characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal with the possibility of the spinal cord being pinched. Therefore, if you’re over fifty years of age and have been experiencing back pain and problems sitting or standing, you must consult a neurologist at the Mind and Brain Service Line​ of the Aga Khan University Hospital.​

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