Spondylosis is a condition where we see age-related degeneration of the spine, targeting the spinal discs, vertebrae, and joints. Common places where it occurs include the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions.
What are the symptoms of spondylolysis?
Symptoms of spondylosis can vary depending on which part of the spine is affected. However, common signs include persistent or recurring pain in the neck or lower back. It may start as a mild discomfort but can become chronic over time.
Symptoms Of Spondylosis:
Each person experiences symptoms and functional disturbances differently, as does the location and rate of degradation
There are largely 3 ways using which you can look out for cervical spondylosis symptoms:
- Normal pain in the neck that is restricted to the vertebra.
- Tenderness that is poorly localised; restricted range of motion and movement-aggravated cervical pain.
- Osteo-orbital or temporal discomfort; cervical stiffness, vertigo or dizziness; poor balance; infrequent syncope; migraine triggers.
Cervical radiculopathy:
The cervical area, upper limb, shoulder, or interscapular region are the most common sites of discomfort. symptoms that are mostly found in the arms and have a dermatomal or myotome distribution.
Radiculopathy is generally indicated by paraesthesia, muscle weakness, or a combination of these symptoms. It may also result in a loss of motor coordination, trembling in the arms and legs, and coldness.
The pain can occasionally be unusual and present as breast or chest pain. Patients with cervical spondylosis may experience chronic suboccipital headaches, which can radiate to the top of the skull and the base of the neck. In some cases, cervical spondylosis is linked to central cord syndrome, and occasionally, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or airway obstruction have also been reported.
The symptoms related to spinal myelitis can be brought on by inherent harm to the spinal cord. You may also see numbness or weakness in the grip, face problems with coordination, gait, bowels, and bladder.
Skeletal spondylosis: If you see that there is pain in the chest or the upper abdomen, it may be a symptom of thoracic spine degeneration. It can also cause other symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
Lumbar spondylosis: Pain in the lower back is the second most prevalent complaint after neck pain. condition: Lumbar disc degradation can result in back, flank, or painful leg stiffness, along with potential numbness and weakened muscles that can be exacerbated by pulling, twisting, and bending, or resting.
Symptoms that are commonly felt more with movements like:
• Bending
• Walking
• Sitting
• Standing
However, it is common to feel pain, stiffness on waking or after long rest that eases again after some movement. At times, the pain can feel severe, affecting our general well-being and mental health.
Neurological Symptoms:
If there are symptoms like tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the arms or legs, it can often be caused by nerve compression resulting from bone spurs or herniated discs. In some cases, nerve compression in the lower spine can also lead to sciatica, where there is a sharp, radiating pain that moves from the lower back through one leg. Sciatica can significantly impact daily mobility.
Potential risk factors for spondylosis
✓ Persistent being obese
✓ Genetic susceptibility
✓And a lack of activity
Many asymptomatic adults often exhibit signs of spondylitis change:
▪ 25% of individuals under 40,
▪ 50% of adults over 40, and
▪ 85% of the elderly aged 60 and older.
Adolescents without symptoms displayed notable degenerative alterations at various stages.
What can I do to help myself?
Continue to carry out the self-help advice on managing your pain, modifying your activities, and gradually building up your physical and mental health. Regular exercises cause your body to adapt to activity. It’s a gradual process.
• Improve physical fitness through activity and exercise (see your exercise sheet)
• Improve your lifestyle (weight, smoking, alcohol, activity, stress)
Who Is at Risk for Spondylosis?
Spondylosis can affect people of any age, but it often starts developing in the early 20s and tends to worsen over time, influenced by lifestyle habits and how the spine is used. It is more common among working-age adults, particularly those aged 30–40 and above, as well as individuals with pre-existing spinal issues like scoliosis. In some cases, there is also a genetic link. Its progression can also depend on factors such as:
- Gender, age, and continuous occupational trauma.
- If the person had large weights on their head or shoulders.
- Dancers and gymnasts.
- Software professionals, who continuously sit in one place.
- Playing activities like football, baseball, and riding a horse.
Can Spondylolysis be prevented?
Treatment for spondylosis depends on the symptoms. However, you can prevent it by following certain lifestyle changes:
- Maintain good posture while sitting.
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Avoid excessive strain on the spine by lifting objects correctly.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Quit smoking.
Early diagnosis and appropriate steps can help negate symptoms. In severe cases, when usual treatments do not help, surgical procedures may also become necessary.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.
