Spinal spondylosis is a Latin term meaning degenerative arthritis of the vertebral bodies in the spinal column. Degenerative arthritis is the "wear and tear" type often caused by trauma, poor posture, overuse or nutritional deficiencies. The condition affects the entire spine and is considered common among both sexes beyond the age of 45, although it is not considered normal and, therefore, is labeled a disorder. Early physical effects include disc degeneration between the vertebrae as well as small, lateral bone spurs, but these frequently do not cause any symptoms. Advanced physical effects include disc destruction, larger spurs that can compress nerves and fusion between the vertebral bodies, all of which cause symptoms throughout the spine.
Effects in the Neck
The early effects of cervical spondylosis are usually not felt, but are typically seen only on X-ray. These effects include decreased disc height, bone spur formation and a whitening or sclerosis of the vertebrae. As these physical effects progress, symptoms develop that include neck stiffness, aching or tingling in one or both arms and hands, decreased movement (especially rotation) and mild headaches. If the bone spurs grow laterally and irritate the nerve roots, shooting pain develops in the neck, shoulders, arms and even into the fingers. If the spurs grow in a posterior direction and affect the spinal cord, then weakness in the arms, dizziness, loss of balance, severe headaches and moderate loss of neck movement can result. With severe cervical spondylosis, the neck becomes shorter and loses its natural curve as the vertebrae fuse together. In addition to the above symptoms, a grinding feeling and sound occurs with neck movement, and swallowing difficulty sometimes develops.
Effects in the Mid-Back
The early physical effects of thoracic spondylosis are essentially the same as with the neck. The main difference is where a person feels the symptoms. As the discs degenerate and spurs grow in the thoracic spine, a person will feel pain between the shoulder blades and sometimes laterally around the rib cage. Range of motion becomes restricted with bending forward. Fusion and loss of curvature occurs in the thoracic, which is often called a "military spine." Serious effects in the thoracic spine are rare.
Effects in the Low Back
Spondylosis is most common in the lumbar spine because of the increased weight bearing in that region. Like the rest of the spine, early lumbar effects noted on X-ray rarely cause symptoms beyond that of low back stiffness, which is readily alleviated by lying down. As the lumbar discs continue to degenerate and bone spurs enlarge, low back pain occurs as well as tingling and achiness in the buttocks, legs and feet. Reduced ability to bend forward is common, as are bouts of sciatica (sciatic nerve pain). Walking can become uncomfortable. If posterior spurs compress the lower spinal cord, then weakness in the legs can develop as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction, which can become medical emergencies.
References
- "Chiropractic Management of Spine Related Disorders"; Meridel I. Gatterman, D.C.; 2002
- "Essentials of Skeletal Radiology"; Terry R. Yochum, D.C. and Lindsay J. Rowe, M.D.; 2004
