Spondylosis

With age, the spine can begin to show signs of deterioration. Over time, the joints, ligaments, and intervertebral discs undergo changes that may disrupt normal spinal structure and function.

Spondylosis is a general term for a degenerative process that can strike any region of the spine. The degenerative process usually begins in the disc. Damage to the disc reduces the space between vertebrae, which in turn, leads to excessive wear and tear on adjacent spinal structures. Spondylosis primarily affects the intervertebral discs and facet joints, causing spinal instability and nerve damage. Advanced spondylosis may cause thickening of the spinal ligaments, contributing to nerve compression and pain. Sometimes degenerative disc disease and spondylosis are used interchangeably; both terms describe age-related changes in the spine.

Factors that contribute to the development of spondylosis include:

  • Advancing age; especially over age 60
  • Arthritis (spondylosis is sometimes described as arthritis of the spine)
  • Prior injury to the spine

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of spondylosis are in keeping with the spinal disorder (e.g. herniated disc, spinal stenosis) and the spinal region affected. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain; cervical, thoracic and /or lumbar regions. May develop slowly, over time
  • Abnormal sensation, loss of sensation in extremities
  • Muscle weakness
  • Headaches
  • Loss of bowel and/or bladder control* (uncommon)

*Loss of bowel and/or bladder control may be a symptom of cauda equina syndrome, a serious medical condition. If control is lost, seek medical care immediately.

 

Accurate Diagnosis Essential

Doctor Frazier carefully analyzes your written medical history and asks you questions about your symptoms, when symptoms started, treatments tried, hereditary disorders, existing conditions, and lifestyle.

During the physical and neurological examinations, Dr. Frazier evaluates movement limitations, problems with balance, location of pain.  He reviews possible loss of arm or leg reflexes, muscle weakness, loss of feeling and/or abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling.

Diagnostic tests may be necessary to reveal more information about your symptoms and to confirm your diagnosis.  To ensure the most accurate diagnosis, Dr. Frazier has access to a complete range of advanced diagnostic equipment including high-speed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT scan), bone densitometry (DEXA), myelography, and discography.

 

Non-surgical Treatment

Non-surgical care targets control, management, and relief of symptoms.  Typical interventions include:

  • Medications to treat inflammation and pain
  • Physical therapy to improve posture, flexibility and strength
  • Bracing to control pain
  • Injection therapies such as epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections, nerve root blocks, facet joint injections to relieve symptoms

 

When Spine Surgery May Be Recommended

Dr. Frazier considers your overall health, age, and the severity of your spondylosis before determining a treatment plan. A surgical recommendation may be made after non-surgical treatments are exhausted, certain symptoms progress, and/or pain is unrelenting.

 

Surgical Treatment of Spondylosis

Surgery for spondylosis depends on the components of the disorder. In other words, if your spondylosis caused a herniated disc, a discectomy may be appropriate. If your spondylosis is the reason you have sciatica, then it’s likely surgery may not be the treatment of choice. In short, Dr. Frazier diagnoses the disorder and discusses his findings with you. 

Early and appropriate treatment is key to managing this disorder and minimizing loss of function. Dr. Frazier and his professional staff have a deep commitment to patient education and welcome all questions.