Cervical & lumber Spondylitis

Spine is a column made of 33 small bones called vertebrae.  Within this column of vertebrae lies the spinal cord. Discs are cushions lies in between vertebrae which protects the spine and make it more flexible. Vertebrae are connected by facet joints, which are the victims in spondylosis, Spondylosis is a general term used for this age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal discs. As age increases most people’s spinal discs begin drying out and shrinking, which allows more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae. Age also affects the exterior of spinal discs. Cracks often appear, leading to bulging (herniated) discs — which sometimes can press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Discs degeneration often results in the spine producing extra amounts of bone in a misguided effort to strengthen the spine. These bone spurs can sometimes pinch the spinal cord and nerve. Finally ligaments which are cords like tissue that connect the bone to bone and strengthen the spine, gets  stiff making spine less flexible. Spondylosis can affect any region of the spine. Including:

• Cervical — the neck is susceptible because it supports the head’s weight throughout a wide range of movements
• Thoracic — upper, mid-back
• Lumbar — The low back is at risk because it manages and distributes most of the body’s weight and related structural stresses.
• Lumbo _sacral — low back/sacrum.

Technically, spondylosis is a form of spinal osteoarthritis. As the discs dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develops. More than 85 percent of people older than age 60 are affected by spondylosis.