Spondylosis

Spondylosis isn’t a single disease, but a general term for conditions that cause degeneration of the spine. It’s a common cause of back pain, especially in older adults. Alexis Tracy, DO, and the team at Somerset Spine & Nerve in Medford, Oregon, offer a range of effective treatments for the underlying causes of spondylosis. If back or neck pain is keeping you up at night, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is spondylosis?

Spondylosis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause degeneration of the spine, such as:

Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

Facet joints are small paired joints at the back of each vertebral level that provide flexibility to your spine.

When the cartilage in these joints begins to break down, the bones may rub together, causing friction and inflammation. This can lead to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), which may press on nerves and ligaments in the spine.

Facet joint osteoarthritis can also contribute to a condition called spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra slips forward and compresses the spinal nerves.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, often caused by degenerating discs or the growth of bone spurs.

As the space within the spinal canal shrinks, it can compress the spinal nerves, resulting in pain and sensory disturbances.

Degenerative Disc Disease

With age, the flexible discs that cushion your vertebrae begin to dry out, become thinner and less flexible, and may break down.

This can increase pressure on the spine and alter spinal movement, leading to back or neck pain.

How is spondylosis diagnosed?

To accurately determine the cause of your spondylosis, the Somerset Spine & Nerve team may use a variety of diagnostic tools, including:

• CT (computed tomography) scan

• X-ray imaging

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

• Myelogram (X-ray or CT with contrast dye)

• Nerve conduction studies

• Electromyogram (EMG)

Once Dr. Tracy identifies the source of your condition, she will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

How is spondylosis treated?

In many cases, patients improve with conservative treatments, including:

• Physical therapy

• Massage

• Gentle exercise

• Mild pain relievers

You may also benefit from regenerative medicine techniques offered at Somerset Spine & Nerve.

For some patients, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of spondylosis. The type of surgery varies depending on the condition but may include decompression procedures such as:

• Facetectomy – removal of the facet joint

• Foraminotomy – widening the space in the foramen

• Laminectomy – removal of all or part of the lamina

• Laminotomy – enlargement of the space within the lamina

If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, spondylosis may be the cause. For an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, call Somerset Spine & Nerve or request an appointment online today.