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)