Spondylosis, also referred to as Cervical Spondylosis, is a disorder in which there is wear on the cartilage (disks) and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae). It is a common cause of chronic neck pain.

Pain as a result of spondylosis is treated by Maxime Debrosee, MD through pain management. Visit Relieve Pain and Spine Center located in Mount Dora, just outside of Orlando. Our office is nearby Tavares, Apopka, Winter Park, Winter GardenOcocee, Leesburg, Horizon West, Groveland, and Oviedo.

Causes of Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is caused by aging and chronic wear on the cervical spine. This includes the disks or cushions between the neck vertebrae and the joints between the bones of the cervical 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. This can affect a patient's arms, legs, and balance.

Factors that can result in the development of spondylosis are:

• Being overweight and not exercising
• Having a job that requires heavy lifting or a lot of bending and twisting
• Past neck injury (often several years before)
• Past spine surgery
• Ruptured or slipped disk
• Severe arthritis

Everyday wear and tear may initiate spondylosis. Individuals who are active at work or who participate in sports are more likely to experience spondylosis. However, the major risk factor is aging. Typically by age 60, most people show signs of cervical spondylosis on x-ray.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus
• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• WebMD