From the Research
Definition of Spondylosis
- Spondylosis is a chronic, noninflammatory disease caused by degeneration of the disc and/or facet joints in the spine 1.
- It can affect different parts of the spine, including the lumbar and cervical regions 1, 2.
- Spondylosis is often associated with degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, osteophytosis of the vertebral bodies, hypertrophy of the facets and laminal arches, and ligamentous and segmental instability 3.
Types of Spondylosis
- Lumbar spondylosis: affects the lower back region and can cause discomfort, radiating leg pain, or neurologenic intermittent claudication 1.
- Cervical spondylosis: affects the neck region and can cause intermittent neck pain, neurologic symptoms, and radiculopathy 2, 3.
- Spondylolysis: an osseous defect of the pars interarticularis, thought to be a developmental or acquired stress fracture secondary to chronic low-grade trauma 4, 5.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Symptoms of spondylosis can include back pain, radiculopathy, postural changes, and neurologic deficits 1, 2, 4.
- Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination, imaging studies (such as radiographs, CT, and MRI), and medical history 1, 2, 4, 5.
- Imaging studies can help detect spondylolysis, distinguish acute and active lesions from chronic inactive non-union, and guide treatment 5.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment for spondylosis can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, COX-2 inhibitors, prostaglandin, epidural injection, and transforaminal injection 1.
- Operative therapy may be reserved for patients who are totally incapacitated by their condition or have severe or progressive neurologic deficits 1, 2.
- Conservative management, such as activity modification, neck immobilization, and isometric exercises, can be effective in managing symptoms 2.
- Referral to a spine surgeon is recommended for patients suspected of having spondylolysis or isthmic spondylolisthesis due to the risk of disease progression 4.