Your Stiff, Aching Back Could Be a Sign of Spondylosis

Waking up or going to bed with a stiff, aching back may mean you have more than just muscle fatigue. Chronic backaches and pains can be one of the first signs you have spondylosis.

Skilled pain specialist, Jose De La Torre, MD, understands how spondylosis can impact both your short-term and long-term health. To ease your pain and prevent a worsening of your condition, Dr. De La Torre offers several in-office treatments customized to keep you active and pain-free.

Why you have spondylosis

Spondylosis is a type of arthritis that forms in your spine. The condition typically starts because of degeneration of your spinal joints or the protective discs between your vertebrae that absorb the shock of your movements.

You can also develop spondylosis because of the growth of bone spurs along your vertebrae. Both bone spurs and degenerative damage can limit the range of motion you have in your spine and spondylosis can progress enough to cause a disability.

Although any area of your spine can develop spondylosis, the condition is most common in your neck, an area known as your cervical spine. It’s also possible to have spondylosis affect multiple areas of your spine at the same time.

Know your risk factors for spondylosis

For many people, just day-to-day living causes wear-and-tear on the spine that weakens it and triggers the start of spondylosis. There are also other risk factors that can heighten your risk for developing spondylosis at a younger age, such as unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking and avoiding physical activity.

If you’re overweight or obese, the extra pounds you carry around put added pressure on the spinal joints and can cause damage that ultimately leads to spondylosis. Of course, if your spine is already damaged due to an injury or trauma from a spinal surgery procedure, your risk for spondylosis is also increased.

Pay attention to the warning signs

In the earliest stages of spondylosis, you may not have any symptoms until the condition advances enough to interfere with your mobility. It’s likely you’ll first experience stiffness and persistent pain with everyday movements or after engaging in strenuous activity.

As the deterioration of your spine worsens, you may notice that you have difficulty walking or a poor sense of balance. This can lead to additional injuries to your spine and other areas if you’re prone to falling.

In the severe stages of spondylosis, you may notice more frequent headaches or unexpected numbness in your hands or legs. Spinal deterioration can also affect your bladder and bowel and possibly causing issues with incontinence.

There is hope for pain-free living with spondylosis

When you aren’t finding pain relief from physical therapy or medications, Dr. De La Torre may recommend more advanced treatments that alleviate pain and improve your overall range of motion.

These treatments may include ultrasound therapy, which uses sound wave energy to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes to reduce pain and chronic inflammation. Dr. De La Torre also offers in-office injections of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medications that can provide you with long-term pain relief.

Surgery may also be a consideration, especially if you have severe pain,  limited mobility, or become disabled. The goal of surgery for spondylosis is to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves and prevent a worsening of your condition.

To schedule a consultation for a spondylosis evaluation, call New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine today, or request an appointment online now.