What is the best treatment for spondylosis

Understanding Spondylosis

Our bodies change as we get older, and this can have a significant impact on our overall health –including the health of our neck and back. Referred to sometimes as arthritis of the spine, spondylosis is part of the aging process. Overtime everyone will have this condition, however, symptoms are variable and are not dependent on how “bad” pictures can look. Seeing a lot of arthritis on the X-ray does not correlate with increased symptoms.

The spine is made up of a small system of bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are separated by discs. These discs prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other, and they prevent the bones from pinching the nerves. As these discs begin to wear down, people will start to develop arthritis in the spine. Where it becomes a problem is when concerning symptoms become present, and could cause progressive neurological damage. 

Common Symptoms

Similar to other conditions, the symptoms of spondylosis can vary significantly depending on the scope and severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Back or neck pain
• Radiating pain traveling to the arms or shoulders
• A feeling of weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
• Muscle stiffness, spasms, or pain
• Difficulty with balance
• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Difficulty with fine motor skills

Anyone who develops these symptoms needs to reach out to a doctor as soon as possible for treatment. Early diagnosis is key to prevent permanent neurological damage.

Conditions that Cause Spinal Arthritis

There are several possible reasons why someone may develop arthritis in the spine, including:

• Herniated Discs: If someone has a history of one or more herniated discs, they are at risk of developing arthritis in the spine. A herniated disc develops when one of the disks in the spine ruptures. This can cause the vertebrae to rub against each other, leading to inflammation and arthritis.
• Degenerative Discs: Someone can also be diagnosed with degenerative discs. The discs are filled with fluid that creates a cushion between the vertebrae. When the discs degenerate, the vertebrae can rub against each other, leading to arthritis.
• Bone Spurs: Bone spurs can also lead to the development of this condition. Bone spurs can cause inflammation, causing them to rub against different portions of the spine. This can lead to arthritis.

These are a few of the most common reasons why someone may be diagnosed with spondylosis.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that could make it more likely for someone to develop arthritis of the spine. They include:

• Someone who is older has a greater chance of developing arthritis of the spine when compared to someone who was younger.
• Individuals who work in a job that involves repeated neck motion.
• Someone with a prior history of neck injuries.
• People who smoke.
• Someone with a lot of relatives who have been diagnosed with spondylosis is at a greater risk of developing this condition themselves.

There are numerous risk factors that could make it more likely for someone to develop this condition, and these are just a few of the most common examples.

Diagnosing Spondylosis

There are several steps involved in the diagnosis of spondylosis. During the initial consultation with your doctor, a detailed medical history as well as comprehensive physical exam is completed to better understand your specific time-line and triggers of pain.

Once the exam has been completed, your doctor could order imaging scans to take a closer look at the vertebrae and spinal discs. Imaging is key for the proper diagnosis of spondylosis often including x-rays taken of the affected area. And if further evaluation is needed, CT and MRI scans may be ordered.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options that could be tried. Some of the most common treatment options include:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be used to strengthen muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This will provide additional support to the spine, alleviating some of the symptoms of the condition.
• Medications: Medications are also frequently used to manage the symptoms of arthritis. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications could be recommended, and patients may also be given steroid injections to further reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: In certain cases, surgical intervention may be recommended depending on the patient’s severity of symptoms or the presence of progressive neurologic damage.

The treatment plan is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Not everyone who is diagnosed with spondylosis will require surgery.

Prevention

There are a few ways that individuals can prevent arthritis from developing in the spine. Some of the most important preventative techniques that people need to know include:

• Avoid High-Impact Exercise: People who perform high-impact exercise are at a greater risk of developing the condition. What this means is that if there is a lot of pounding on the feet and knees, this can be transferred to the spine, leading to arthritis.
• Maintain Neck Range of Motion: People also need to maintain a solid range of motion in the neck. There are exercises that people can perform that can increase the range of motion in the neck, reducing the chances of developing arthritis. For example, even rotating the head from side to side a few times a day can improve the range of motion.
• Avoid Smoking: People also need to make sure they avoid smoking. Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for the development of spondylosis, and people who avoid smoking will be at a lower risk of developing this condition.

These simple changes can reduce someone’s chances of developing arthritis of the spine.

Prognosis

It is difficult to predict the prognosis of spondylosis. This is something that needs to be addressed on a case-by-case basis with a spine specialist. There are some people who may not notice any appreciable impact on their overall quality of life, but there are also people who may require surgery to help with the recovery process.

That is why it is important for people who are experiencing any of the symptoms above to reach out to a doctor as quickly as possible. The sooner this condition is diagnosed, the faster the treatment process can begin. This can make a significant difference in someone’s overall recovery process.

Contact Virginia Spine Institute For Your Spondylosis Treatment

At Virginia Spine Institute, our spine specialists have an unparalleled level of experience working with patients who suffer from spondylosis. Through out patient-centered, all under one roof model, we are able to provide an elevated level of care in a comprehensive environment for healing. As the largest specialized spine center in the DC-metro region, Virginia Spine Institute is able to provide treatments that other physicians haven’t offered to their patients, all while making it a personalized experience. Because no two journeys are the same, each patient receives the individualized time and attention necessary to properly diagnose and create a treatment plan to achieve their goals for recovery. By selecting this team of specialists, patients have access to cutting-edge, modern treatment options that are not offered elsewhere.

Our Doctors That Treat Spondylosis

Dr. Christopher Good

Spine Surgeon
President of Virginia Spine Institute

Dr. Colin Haines

Spine Surgeon
Director of Research

Dr. Thomas Schuler

Spine Surgeon
Founder
Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Ehsan Jazini

Spine Surgeon

Dr. Niteesh Bharara

Orthopedic Specialist - Non-Surgical Sports Medicine
Director of Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Thomas Nguyen

Interventional Pain Specialist

See What Our Patients Are Saying

“My first appointment with Dr. Haines changed my entire life!”

Reviewed by: Dr. Christopher Good, MD, FACS, Dr. Colin Haines, MD, Dr. Ehsan Jazini, MD, Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Dr. Thomas Nguyen, MD, Dr. Thomas Schuler, MD, FACS, FAAOS.

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