Spondylosis generally refers to spinal degeneration that accompanies the normal aging process. It can also refer to the presence of spinal osteoarthritis. The process of aging causes spondylosis. However contributing factors include obesity, participation in high-impact sports, traumatic injury and genetic predisposition. In fact, the soft tissue components of our spine begin to deteriorate around the age of 40. There are several types of spondylosis depending on the location — muli-level, cervical, thoracic and lumbar.
Common symptoms of spondylosis include pain that may radiate to other parts of the body, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness. Some patients may not experience any symptoms if the disease has not caused any spinal components to protrude or compress nerve roots or the spinal cord.
A Lumin PainCARE specialist will begin treating with conservative (non-surgical) options, such as pain medication, hot/cold therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. If symptoms persist after several weeks or months of treatment, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended.
