4 Different Types of Spondylosis: Symptoms and Treatments

Spondylosis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints and discus on your spine. About 90% of American adults aged 60 and over have the condition, which can limit their mobility and become a source of chronic pain.

At New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of spondylosis.

Our pain management expert, Jose De La Torre, MD, provides the latest treatment options to relieve spondylosis symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.

Understanding four different types of spondylosis

Spondylosis, also called spinal osteoarthritis, describes the degeneration of your spinal discs and joints. This condition often develops due to age-related changes in your spine and from the wear and tear that everyday activities cause to your spinal structures.

There are four types of spondylosis that we treat at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine. Each type is named after the section of your spine that’s affected by arthritic changes.

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis describes the degeneration of joints and discs in your upper spine, or neck region.

Thoracic spondylosis

Thoracic spondylosis develops in the middle of your spine (mid-back).

Lumbar spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis affects the joints and discs in your lumbar (lower back) spine.

Multilevel spondylosis

Multilevel spondylosis describes arthritis-related spinal changes that occur in multiple regions of your spine.

In addition to aging, factors that can contribute to spondylosis include having a family history of the disease, being overweight, and a history of previous spinal injury. You might also be prone to developing spondylosis at an earlier age if you smoke or don’t engage in regular physical activity.

Recognizing symptoms of spondylosis

Spondylosis may not cause symptoms initially. As the deterioration of your spinal discs and joints becomes more severe and the damaged structures compress nearby nerves, you may have noticeable stiffness in your neck or back and persistent pain may prevent you from making certain movements.

Other common side effects of spondylosis includes:

• Headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of balance
• Lack of coordination
• Tingling or weakness in your legs or arms

In advanced stages, lumbar spondylosis can weaken your bowel or bladder, which can lead to unexpected leaks of urine or stool.

If you experience ongoing stiffness or pain in your neck and back, make an appointment with Dr. De La Torre and our team for a comprehensive spine evaluation. We offer in-office X-rays and other imaging tests to determine the type of spondylosis you have.

Know your treatment options for spondylosis symptoms

The goal of our personalized treatment plans is to increase your level of comfort, so you can continue living a physically active and full life.

Initially, Dr. De La Torre might suggest gentle stretching exercises to keep your back and neck muscles flexible and strong. He can also refer you to a physical therapist for additional care.

If exercise and physical therapy aren’t enough, you might benefit from pain management strategies like:

• Topical creams
• Oral medications
• Steroid injections
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound therapy

Alternative therapies like chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massage are also beneficial for pain relief and stimulating your natural healing processes.

Call New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, today to schedule an evaluation for spondylosis symptoms. You can also book a consultation online.