Spondylosis
Spondylosis is also known as spinal osteoarthritis. It is common and usually not serious, although it can be quite painful. Spondylosis is a degenerative condition that may worsen as a person grows older. It can affect any region of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper, mid back), lumbar (low back) or lumbosacral (low back/sacrum). Most patients with spondylosis do not require spine surgery.

Spondylosis can affect the spine’s intervertebral discs (eg, degenerative disc disease) and facet joints. As people grow older, normal age-related cellular changes, coupled with the effects of daily wear and tear can cause or contribute to discs losing normal shape, size, and height. These structural alterations may reduce the amount of space (disc space) between vertebral bodies and subsequently affect normal movement of the facet joints. Bone spurs (osteophytes) develop, which can pinch a spinal nerve root and cause inflammation and pain.