A degenerative condition affecting the neck, chest and lower back, spondylosis may cause people to become partially or completely disabled and incapable of performing the activities of daily living. Anyone who experiences pain, tingling, numbness or difficulty flexing and extending their neck, arms or legs should receive a neurological examination to rule out spondylosis.
Morbidity
Spondylosis may result in the following disabilities: constant neck pain; radiating pain; reduced range of motion in the neck, chest or lower back; muscle weakness; and difficulty with bladder control.
Considerations
In establishing treatment regimens, doctors consider that most cases of spondylosis can be treated conservatively, but more serious cases require surgery. Severe forms of spondylosis may cause an individual to lose muscle function and sensation.
Identification
According to the Mayo Clinic, cervical spondylosis is also known as "cervical osteoarthritis." Spondylosis is sometimes referred to as "spinal osteoarthritis."
Process
Spondylosis causes disability through its degenerative effects on the disks along the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines. The degeneration promotes inflammation, which causes pain, and decreased moisture in the disks, which ultimately leads to loss of strength in the ligaments.
Types
Spondylosis is most common in the cervical spine (affecting the neck), the lumbar spine (at the lower back) and the thoracic spine (near the chest).
Tags: lower back, affecting neck, chest lower, chest lower back, neck chest