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Spondylosis

Nearly every adult over the age of 65 has some evidence of spondylosis — or osteoarthritis of the spine. While not everyone has symptoms, some people experience pain or stiffness in their neck, shoulders, between their shoulder blades, or in their lower back.

Most cases of spondylosis can be treated without surgery unless nerves are affected.

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What Is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis, or osteoarthritis of the spine, results from years of normal wear and tear on the bones and tissues that make up the spine.

Although it can affect any part of the spine, the condition is seen most in the uppermost and lowermost sections — the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low-back) spine.

While spondylosis can affect the thoracic (mid-back) spine, this section is less vulnerable to wear and tear, most likely due to support from the rib cage.

How does spondylosis differ from spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which the vertebrae (spinal bones) move out of place. It is a distinctly different diagnosis from spondylosis. However, spondylosis may be an underlying cause of spondylolisthetic movement of spinal structures.

What are the types of spondyloses?

Cervical spondylosis

Common symptoms of cervical spondylosis are neck pain and stiffness.

If spinal spondylosis presses on nearby nerves, you may also have:

  • Numbness.
  • Pain.
  • Tingling.

Compression or inflammation of the cervical spine nerve is called cervical radiculopathy. In severe cases, spinal cord compression may cause motor impairment or weakness in your arms and hands, or other symptoms of cervical myelopathy.

Lumbar spondylosis

The most common symptoms of lumbar (low-back) spondylosis are:

  • Leg pain.
  • Low-back pain.
  • Pain that extends to hip or down leg.
  • Sciatica (irritation of the nerve that runs down the leg).

The compression or inflammation of nerves in the low-back area is called lumbar radiculopathy.

What are the stages of spondylosis?

Spondylosis is measured according to three stages:

  • Early stage — Starts with pain and stiffness in the low-back and hips. Discomfort can be relieved with movement but may persist.
  • Progressive stage — Pain and stiffness move up into higher regions and the neck. Physical therapy and medications may help manage symptoms.
  • Advanced stage — Spinal bones may begin to fuse on their own. Can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

What causes spondylosis?

According to the National Spine Health Foundation, the most common causes of spondylosis include:

  • Aging — The spine degenerates naturally over time.
  • Osteoarthritis — Affects the spinal bones.
  • Prior injury.
  • Genetics — Family history can play a role.
  • Repetitive strain — Activities that put stress on the spine.

What are spondylosis risk factors and complications?  

Spondylosis risk factors

Factors that may put you at higher risk of spondylosis include:

  • Age, as older people are more likely to get it.
  • Family history of osteoarthritis.
  • Traumatic spinal injury.

Complications of spondylosis

When left untreated, spondylosis can lead to several complications, including:

  • Chronic pain.
  • Nerve damage.
  • Osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Reduced mobility, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Spinal deformities.

Spondylosis may also cause other conditions, including:

How can I prevent spondylosis?

Because it occurs with age and over time, spondylosis cannot be entirely prevented, but you can take steps to keep your bones and spine strong.

To reduce the risk of spine problems:

  • Adjust your workspace for ergonomics.
  • Avoid sitting or standing too much.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Keep your core muscles strong.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Practice good posture.

How common is spondylosis?

Spondylosis is quite common, especially among older adults. The prevalence of spondylosis increases with age, and it is estimated that a significant portion of the U.S. population over age 65 is affected by this condition.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Spondylosis?

People with spondylosis may or may not have pain or symptoms. In addition, spondylosis symptoms may vary due to the location of the arthritis and the structures affected.

The most common symptoms of spondylosis are:

  • Crepitus (the feeling or sound of crunching in the spine).
  • Limited range of motion.
  • Pain.

Many people experience crepitus without pain. Although it sounds painful, it usually is not concerning for nerve or spinal cord damage.

People without symptoms often learn they have spondylosis through spine imaging for another medical issue.

When should I see a doctor about my spondylosis symptoms?

Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms associated with pressure on spinal nerves:

  • Arm or leg pain that has not responded to physical therapy or pain medications.
  • Balance changes.
  • Bladder or bowel incontinence.
  • Electrical shock-like pain.
  • Foot drop (difficulty lifting your toes or the front part of your foot off the floor).
  • Numbness in your fingers or a stripe-like pattern on the body.
  • Severe pain.
  • Sudden muscle weakness.

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How Do You Diagnose Spondylosis?  

If you have back or neck pain, see your primary care provider first. They can determine if your symptoms are consistent with pressure on nerves and refer you to the appropriate specialist in musculoskeletal medicine.

Doctors who may treat spondylosis include:

  • Neurologists.
  • Neurosurgeons.
  • Physiatrists (physical and rehabilitation medicine specialists).
  • Pain management doctors.
  • Orthopaedic spine surgeons.

What to expect during your visit

Spondylosis is diagnosed mainly by reviewing imaging of the spine.

Tests your doctor may recommend include:

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How Do You Treat Spondylosis?

Treatment for spondylosis depends on your specific symptoms.

Most cases of spondylosis can be treated effectively with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and physical therapy. But because each person is different, your symptoms may be more or less severe depending on whether nerves are affected.

Nonsurgical treatment for spondylosis

Doctors usually try these conservative nonsurgical treatments for spondylosis first:

In many cases, these treatments can decrease symptoms without surgery.

Surgery for spondylosis

When conservative treatments are not enough to alleviate symptoms, surgery may be recommended to remove pressure from the nerve. Most surgeries can be done as minimally invasive procedures.

The specific interventional procedure used depends on your unique situation but may include:

  • Bone spur removal.
  • Radiofrequency ablation of tissue.
  • Spacer placement to support worn discs and free nerves.

In more serious cases, doctors may perform:

  • Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) surgery, which removes neck discs and fuses them together.
  • Lumbar fusion surgery, in which low-back spinal bones are fused together.
  • Lumbar laminectomy, in which part of the low-back spinal bones are removed, with or without fusion.

People are usually referred for physical therapy about six weeks after surgery to regain strength and flexibility.

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Why Choose UPMC for Spondylosis?

UPMC is nationally recognized for excellence in spine care. We offer comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Our team offers the most advanced nonsurgical and surgical care for a full range of spinal disorders and is engaged in pioneering research to develop novel treatment options.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-06-26.