Spondylosis

Spondylosis Treatment in Kansas City, MO

What is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a general term that refers to the wear-and-tear changes that happen in your spine as you get older. These changes are a normal part of aging and are similar to the wear-and-tear damage that occurs in other parts of your body.

When we talk about spondylosis, we usually mean changes like disc degeneration, bone spurs, and stiff ligaments. These changes can occur in any part of the spine, but they are most common in the neck and lower back.

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Spondylosis Symptoms

Spondylosis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, depending on where in the spine the condition is present. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others might have severe discomfort. Common symptoms of spondylosis include:

  • Pain and stiffness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness
  • Headaches
  • Loss of balance

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see one of our orthopedic specialists here at Orthopedic Health of Kansas City. They can help determine if spondylosis is the cause and work with you to develop a treatment plan.

What Causes Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is mostly caused by natural aging, leading to the shrinkage and drying out of spinal discs, causing bone friction and formation of bone spurs, leading to discomfort. Spinal ligaments can also stiffen and overgrow, causing further discomfort.

While aging is a primary factor, other contributors can include spinal injuries, genetics, certain jobs, and lifestyle habits like smoking and lack of exercise. However, spondylosis is common and does not always cause symptoms or need treatment.

Spondylosis Treatment

The goal of spondylosis treatment is to manage pain, improve function, and prevent further damage to your spine. Your healthcare provider might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

  • Pain relievers – Over-the-counter or prescription medication can help manage the pain associated with spondylosis
  • Physical therapy – A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help make your muscles stronger, improve your balance, and make you more flexible
  • Lifestyle changes – These might include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and engaging in regular physical activity, which can all help reduce pressure on your spine
  • Assistive devices – Canes or walkers may be recommended to help you move around more easily if you’re having trouble with balance or walking
  • Surgery – In severe cases where conservative treatments aren’t effective and the condition is causing significant problems, such as loss of bowel or bladder control, spine surgery might be necessary

Every person’s experience with spondylosis is different, so it’s important to work closely with your doctor to create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Spondylosis Care in Kansas City

If you have any of the above symptoms, please call Orthopedic Health of Kansas City to schedule an appointment with one of our spine and back doctors in Kansas City. They will do a full exam, figure out what’s wrong, and then treat it.

Orthopedic Health of Kansas City will do whatever it takes to get you back to a pain-free lifestyle, offering treatments ranging from simple physical therapy to complicated surgery.