SPONDYLOSIS

noninflammatory degenerative disease of the spine reducing mobility of the intervertebral joints and resulting in abnormal bone development around the vertebrae. It is primarily a condition of age and occurs much more commonly in men than in women; onset of symptoms is gradual, but untreated spondylosis will progress to disabling tingling pain, limited motion, and partial paralysis in affected areas of the body. The lumbar and cervical spine are more frequently affected than the thoracic spine, because curvature of the latter prevents spondylosis from impinging on the spinal cord; lumbar and cervical spondylosis frequently occur simultaneously in the same individual. Spondylosis involves both hypertrophic degenerative changes (excessive growth of bone) and reactive osteoarthritis. The narrowing of the intervertebral spaces by the former process produces symptoms by compressing nerves that emerge from the spinal cord; these symptoms are worsened when arthritic bone growth further narrows the spinal canal. Eventual fusion of the intervertebral joints results when connecting ligaments are replaced with bone or when osteoarthritic bony spurs unite. Lumbar spondylosis is treated by surgical decompression of the affected nerves to relieve leg pain and paralysis, although low back pain may recur after surgery. Mild, uncomplicated cervical spondylosis may respond to rest and traction, but more severe cervical symptoms also require surgical decompression.