Wesley H. Bronson, MD, MSB
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

The Mount Sinai Hospital
5 East 98th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10029
Phone: 212-241-5435
Fax: 646-537-9449

Mount Sinai Doctors - Scarsdale
341 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Phone: 212-241-5435
Fax: 646-537-9449

Spondylolysis

Spondylosis is caused by aging and chronic wear on the spine including the discs or cushions between the vertebrae and the joints between the bones of the spine. There may be abnormal growths or spurs on the bones of the spine (vertebrae).

Over time, these changes can press down on (compress) one or more of the nerve roots. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved affecting the arms, legs, and balance.

Everyday wear and tear may start these changes. People who are very active at work or in sports may be more likely to have them.

Risk Factors for Spondylosis

The major risk factor is aging. By age 60, most people show signs of cervical spondylosis on x-ray. Other factors that can make someone more likely to develop spondylosis are:

  • Being overweight and not exercising
  • Having a job that requires heavy lifting or frequent bending and twisting
  • Past injury (often several years before)
  • Past spine surgery
  • Ruptured or slipped disk
  • Severe arthritis

Symptoms of Spondylosis

Symptoms often develop slowly over time, or they may start or get worse suddenly. The pain may be mild, or it can be deep and so severe making movement nearly impossible.

Pain may be felt over the shoulder blade. It may spread to the upper arm, forearm, or fingers (in rare cases).

The pain may get worse:

  • After standing or sitting
  • At night
  • When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
  • When bending backward or twisting or walking more than a few yards

There may also be weakness in certain muscles. This weakness may not be noticed until a doctor's exam. In other cases, there may be trouble lifting an arm, squeezing tightly with one hand, clumsiness of one hand, or other problems.

Other common symptoms are:

  • Sstiffness that gets worse over time
  • Numbness or abnormal sensations in the shoulders or arms
  • Headaches, especially in the back of the head
  • Pain on the inside of the shoulder blade and shoulder pain

Less common symptoms are:

  • Loss of balance
  • Pain or numbness in the legs
  • Loss of control over the bladder or bowels (if there is pressure on the spinal cord)

Related Links

Quick Access

Spinal conditions treated by Wesley Bronson, MD | New York Spine Surgeon in Manhattan & Scarsdale

Conditions We Treat

Dr. Bronson is experienced in treating complex spinal conditions including spinal trauma, tumors, stenosis, disc herniation, myelopathy, radiculopathy, scoliosis, sciatica, spondylolysis, sponsylolisthesis, kyphosis, and more.

Learn More

Orthopedic procedures performed by Wesley Bronson, MD | New York Spine Surgeon in Manhattan & Scarsdale

Common Surgeries Performed

Dr. Bronson’s clinical focus comprises the full gamut of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal conditions, ranging from outpatient minimally invasive procedures to complex adult spinal deformity and scoliosis surgery.

Learn More

Mount Sinai office locations of Wesley Bronson, MD | New York Spine Surgeon in Manhattan & Scarsdale

World Class Medical Facilities

Mount Sinai Health System hospitals rank among the finest nationwide when it comes to excellence in delivery of patient care, and Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked worldwide in four specialties including orthopedics.

Learn More