Back Pain Explained - Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a common diagnosis given to back pain sufferers, especially if you have had the problem a long time. Its one of those terms doctors use without a second thought and simply tell you that its just wear and tear of your spine. Well, what does that mean??!!

Very Simple Anatomy

Technically (though we wont be too technical with this description), spondylosis is degeneration of the disc. The disc is made up of a lot of water and over time it loses some of its water and becomes a little thinner. Because the disc acts as a spacer for the vertebrae, when it becomes thinner, the individual vertebrae come closer together.

Now, where two vertebrae meet at the sides, there is a joint called the facet (pronounced fasset) joint. Because the two vertebrae come closer together, more pressure is placed upon these facet joints and they wear down a little quicker than if they are spaced further apart.

That in a nutshell is spondylosis.

Wear 'n' Tear??!!

Dont get too alarmed when I say the disc and facet joints wear down. It doesnt happen overnight and actually occurs very slowly over many years. It basically is a normal part of aging.

The increased pressure on a segment of your spine may be responsible for some of your pain. This is commonly referred to by the doctor as 'wear and tear' of your joints.

If your pain was of sudden onset rather than occurring very gradually over a period of time, then you have ask whether your symptoms are actually because of the spondylosis or whether it is unrelated.

Like I said before, the problem doesnt develop overnight. If your lower back pain came on over a short period of time, then it is possible that an awkward movement, twist or strain irritated the problem that was present long ago. If the disc and facet joints are a little more compressed, then theoretically they would be more easily irritated!

Diagnosis

Spondylosis is usually diagnosed from taking the individuals history and from x-rays. However, do not rely on the x-rays too much. Many a people have had terrible looking spondylitic spines on x-ray, only for them to say that they have no back pain whatsoever! Likewise, there are many in very back pain, but x-rays look normal! see 'causes of lower back pain' for other possible causes.

Spondylosis usually affects those in their middle to late ages and is characterized by stiffness after being static for a period, such as first thing in the morning or after sitting at a desk. It tends to feel easier with activity and exercises. Usually the symptoms are localised lower back pain. It is not often referred into the leg, though it does happen. Individuals also tend to find leaning backwards or extending their backs painful.