Cervical and lumbar spine spondylosis refers to spine degeneration in the neck and lower back, respectively. Spine degeneration is a natural part of the aging process that is most common in the flexible and strong neck and lower back. Over the years the spinal anatomy can break down due to natural wear and tear and can result in a loss of flexibility and mobility, stiffness and minor aches and pains. However, when cervical or lumbar spondylosis is accompanied by nerve compression, a wider variety of painful symptoms can follow. Treatment of spondylosis is contingent on identifying the location and source of symptoms.
Back and neck pain
Without question, the lumbar spine and cervical spine are most prone to deterioration. Both segments of the spine are extremely flexible and are tasked with supporting a significant weight load. This combination of stress and mobility is the reason that spinal deterioration in the neck and lower back pain are so common – particularly as people grow older. Spondylosis is the word that is used to describe the presence of spine degeneration at various levels of the spine. Spondylosis can affect a single area of the spine or multiple areas at once (multilevel spondylosis). It isn’t a condition but rather an umbrella term that may refer to the onset of degenerative disc disease, facet disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and any other type of degenerative spine condition.
Cervical or lumbar spondylosis can cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as:
- Local, chronic pain
- Traveling pain
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Soreness and stiffness
- Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet
- Sciatica (with lumbar spondylosis)
- Poor reflexes
Cervical or lumbar spondylosis can normally be treated with conservative techniques, assuming a patient’s pain isn’t debilitating. In most cases, once a physician has diagnosed the source of a patient’s neck or back pain, she or he will recommend a series of non-surgical treatments to treat the spine and manage pain. Physical therapy, pain medication and heat/ice application are all proven, effective treatments for nagging neck or back pain.
If after several weeks of conservative treatment you are still struggling with daily neck or back pain from cervical or lumbar spondylosis, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how one of our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures may be able to help you find relief from neck and back pain.