A degenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of the spine and caused by excessive wear and tear on cartilage and bones of the spine. The discs, joints and ligaments of the spine are generally involved: the discs lose their cushioning effect between the spinal bones, the ligaments become weaker and the bones can develop bony growths or spurs. Aging is the primary cause of this degeneration which can be very painful in some cases.Stress on the back is the main cause of spondylosis. Bending and lifting heavy weights can lead to swelling in the spine. It can occur due to a sedentary lifestyle. Looking downwards for a long time during the day can be another reason too.

Symptoms of Spondylosis:

• * Pain which occurs irregularly in the neck and shoulder, which is most commonly observed in clinical cases. This can confuse both doctors and patients as sometimes there are no associated signs of a neurologic kind. In cases where neurologic symptoms are present, diagnostic imaging can be used. When they are not present, however, imaging findings are not usually helpful because the incidence of radiologic abnormalities is quite high in persons in this age group, even in asymptomatic patients.

• * The second major symptom is chronic suboccipital headache. This is especially true on cases where there is degeneration of the cervical region.

• * Sensation loss or abnormality of the shoulders, arms, or (rarely) legs : this could be one of the alarming signals of the onset of spondylosis.

• * Weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs

• * Neck stiffness : This starts as a mild form of stiffness and then gradually and perceptibly worsens into a painful condition.

• * Loss of balance : This is a condition known as vertigo and though it could be attributed to other reasons as well, it is also one of the symptoms of spondylosis.

• * Loss of control of the bladder or bowels: This is another symptom that calls for medical attention to ascertain as to whether it is spondylosis.

Treatment of Spondylosis:
Most patients do not need surgery for curing spondylosis. Non-operative techniques mostly are sufficient. However, in certain chronic and serious cases surgery may be called for by way of corrective and curative action.

In the mildest cases, rest, non mobility and certain simple anti inflammatory medications are used. Sometimes cortisone injections could also be used to correct the situation and give relief to the patient.

In some cases which are more serious, the patient may be advised traction or a cervical collar to give relief. Use of weights and pulleys in the traction helps to alleviate the pain in patients.

For severe cases, hospitalization with complete bed-rest and traction for 1 or 2 weeks may be needed. Narcotic medicine or muscle relaxants may help to reduce pain. Surgical decompression of the spinal cord in the neck may be recommended for severe pain or for significant loss of movement, sensation, or function.

Surgical procedures may involve removal of bone and disk tissue impinging on the nerves of the spinal cord and stabilization of the neck by fusing the cervical vertebrae.