Spondylosis

What is Spondylosis?

Instead of indicating a specific diagnosis, spondylosis refers to any condition that results in degenerative changes of the spine. Although spondylosis is most commonly used as a synonym for spinal osteoarthritis, a variety of spinal problems fit the broad criteria for spondylosis.

Facet Joint Osteoarthritis (also known as Facet Joint Disease) accounts for the bulk of spondylosis cases. Facet joints are hinges on the back of the spine where bone meets bone—or in this case, where vertebra meets vertebra. As we age, the cumulative effects of everyday wear and tear may cause the rubbery cartilage that cushions our facet joints to erode. This degenerative process triggers a cascade of pain-generating events, as unprotected bone grinds excruciatingly against unprotected bone.

For example—just as calluses may form to reinforce your fingertips against overuse—your facet joints may develop bony protrusions (known as bone spurs) to compensate for the loss of this protective cartilage. These outcroppings of overgrown bone may impinge upon the space typically reserved for neighboring nerves, causing the characteristic symptoms of pinched nerve pain.

Other common causes of spondylosis include:

Are you in need of a helping hand to halt the progression of spondylosis and to rediscover what pain-free living feels like? Dr. Frazier—board certified orthopedic surgeon and Harvard graduate—has devoted his life to helping patients explore the full spectrum of minimally invasive spondylosis solutions!

What are the Symptoms of Spondylosis?

Because the term spondylosis can be applied broadly to describe any manner of spinal degeneration, the symptoms of spondylosis will vary widely. Unless your spondylosis involves nerve compression or facet joint pain, for example, it is possible to have spondylosis and be asymptomatic. However, more commonly, you may notice the following symptoms:

Do your symptoms of chronic neck and back pain sound like spondylosis or a related condition of the spine, such as osteoarthritis? Our board certified spine specialist, Dr. Frazier, has been providing outstanding patient care for nearly 20 years of steadfast service!

What are the Treatments for Spondylosis?

Treatment options for spondylosis will vary according to the cause of your spinal degeneration. However—regardless of whether your spondylosis results from Facet Joint Disease, Spinal Stenosis, or Degenerative Disc Disease—your doctor will commence treatment by exploring non-surgical options. Effective noninvasive treatments for spondylosis may include: non-steroidal or anti-inflammatory medications to ease acute discomfort; steroidal or epidural injections to soothe irritated nerves; physical therapy to preserve spinal mobility; or alternative therapies, such as myofascial release or yoga.

Under normal circumstances, conservative treatment methods are usually effective at relieving spondylosis pain without the need for surgery. However, after six months of continuous treatment, some individuals will find that their pain continues to worsen in intensity rather than abate. In these instances, Dr. Frazier—our “New York Super Doctor” and Harvard alum—may recommend:

However, these advancements in spondylosis treatment represent only a fraction of the cutting-edge procedures that are offered at NYC Spine. Redefining relief for nearly 20 years, Dr. Frazier believes that every patient deserves the highest quality of minimally invasive care!

Meet Dr. Daveed Frazier

Dr. Frazier is a Harvard-trained, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon. He’s held an academic appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York’s SUNY Downstate. Dr. Frazier is also a respected lecturer, accomplished researcher, published author on spine disorders and treatment, and a consultant for several international spine companies.

After completing his undergraduate education at Brown University, Dr. Frazier attended Harvard Medical School, where he graduated cum laude. He completed a Harvard internship based at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, followed by a Harvard combined residency before becoming chief resident at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Schedule An Appointment

NYCS new form

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.