Spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that may cause loss of normal spinal structure and function. Spondylosis is considered to be another element of getting older. It is related to degeneration of the spine from wear and tear. This degenerative process of spondylosis affects the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (low back) regions of the spine. This disorder arises when the space between two adjacent vertebrae narrows. Thus the compression of a nerve root emerging from the spinal cord result in radiculopathy that is sensory and motor system disturbances, such as severe pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, back, and leg, accompanied by muscle weakness. Furthermore, direct pressure on the spinal cord, mainly in the cervical spine results in global weakness, gait dysfunction, loss of balance, and loss of bowel and bladder control. A patient suffering from spondylosis experiences a phenomenon of shocks (paresthesia) in hands and legs because of nerve compression and lack of blood flow. Spondylosis is of two different types. When vertebrae of the neck are involved, it is known as cervical spondylosis and when the lower back portion of the body is affected, it is lumbar spondylosis.

Spondylosis often affects the spinal elements that include `Intervertebral Discs`. When people grow old, certain biochemical changes happen in the body, affecting tissue throughout the body. The structure of the intervertebral discs comprise of annulus fibrosus, lamellae and nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus, further is composed of sixty or more concentric bands of collagen fiber termed lamellae. The nucleus pulposus is a gel-like substance inside the intervertebral disc encased by the annulus fibrosus. Collagen fibers form the nucleus along with water and proteoglycans. The degenerative effects of aging weaken the structure of the annulus fibrosus causing the `tire tread` to wear or tear. The water content of the nucleus decreases with age and affect its ability to rebound following compression. The structural alterations from degeneration may decrease disc height and increase the risk for disc herniation.

There are numerous reasons for the occurrence of Spondylosis. The two types of the disorder have its own associated symptoms. Symptoms of the different Spinal Levels include Cervical (Neck), Thoracic (Mid-Back) and Lumbar (Low Back). The complexity of the cervical (neck) anatomy and its wide range of motion make this spinal segment vulnerable to Spondylosis. The most common symptom of the Cervical (Neck) is neck pain. The pain spreads into the shoulder or down the arm. When bones spur (osteophyte) causes nerve root compression, extreme weakness is experienced. Bone spurs is some cases form at the front of the cervical spine, may cause difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). In addition to that pain associated with degenerative disease is often set off forward flexion and hyperextension. Thoracic spine disc is associated with pain that may be caused by flexion--facet pain. Spondylosis often affects the lumbar spine in people who are over the age of 40. The common symptom of lumbar spondylosis includes pain and morning stiffness.

Treatment of spondylosis is mainly conservative in nature. Spondylosis is treated commonly by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The basic means of treating spondylosis include physical modes and lifestyle modifications. Other alternative therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture are also employed to control pain and maintain musculoskeletal function. Apart form medications and alternative therapies, surgery is also occasionally performed. Spondylosis can be caused in any individual at any age. However, the degeneration can be rectified with specific treatment.