This condition is a degeneration of the spine that can affect the spine at any level, resulting in pain and discomfort that can grow worse over time.
Spondylosis
What is spondylosis?
Spondylosis is a degeneration of the spine that can affect the spine at any level. It can cause pain and discomfort which can worsen over time.
What causes spondylosis?
This condition is most commonly caused from normal wear and tear linked to aging.
How does degeneration begin?
The degeneration process generally begins with the discs. As the body ages, the spinal discs start drying out, thus losing their elasticity and collapsing. The thinning of the discs places stress on the facet joints and the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together. As the structures weaken, the vertebrae become excessively mobile.
What are the causes of pain?
The vertebrae may start to shift out of proper alignment and rub against each other. Bone spurs may form on the irritated vertebrae. Those are called bony growths.
The space through which the nerve roots travel can get reduced due to the vertebral shifting and the excess bone growth. As a result, the nerve roots or the spinal cord can become painfully compressed.
