Friendly Print preview

... see also Ankylosing Spondylosis

What is spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a condition of the spine in which it is hardened and stiffened by osteoarthritis. It is also referred to as degenerative disease of the spine. The two common areas that are affected are the neck (cervical spondylosis) and the lower back (lumbar spondylosis).

What causes it?

Constant wear and tear and injury to the joints of the spine cause arthritis in the joints. The discs, which are like soft rubber shock absorbers between the vertebrae, become hard and stiff as they shrink with age. This causes strains on all the surrounding joints and tissues, leading to stiffness. It is common in people who have worked hard with their backs (such as labourers and farmers) and those who have had injuries (such as in car accidents). The older one gets, the more likely one is to get spondylosis.

What are the symptoms?

Many milder cases cause no symptoms. The common symptoms are stiffness and tenderness in the neck or lower back, especially first thing in the morning or after activity such as gardening or painting.

Cervical spondylosis

This can cause a painful neck with headache and aches and pains in the surrounding areas. The neck feels very stiff, which makes it hard to turn around (while reversing the car, for example). The head can feel like a heavy cannonball.

Lumbar spondylosis

Common symptoms are stiffness and pain in the lower back with poor movements (such as difficulty in bending forwards). Shooting pains in the buttocks and legs resulting in sciatica are common. There may be pain in the back of the legs after a long walk. This uncommon problem is caused by narrowing of the space inside the spine from overgrowth of the bones due to arthritis and may require an operation.

What is the treatment?

It is important to keep active, but do not overdo the activity. A sensible balance between mild to moderate exercise and rest is necessary, but it has to be 'played by ear' as each individual is different. You should be able to live comfortably with spondylosis with exercise, following your physiotherapist's advice and taking medication. It is usual for the discomfort to improve with time, although the stiffness remains.

Exercise

Regular gentle exercise for your neck or lower back will help you. You will be advised by your doctor or physiotherapist about the best exercise for you, but gentle, slow stretching exercises to as far as you can stretch are recommended. Swimming or hydrotherapy will help overcome the stiffness.

Medication

Regular use of mild pain-killers such as aspirin or paracetamol will relieve your aches and pains. Your doctor may prescribe a course of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Copyright 1995: John Murtagh, Professor of General Practice
Monash University, Melbourne, Australia