When one bone of the spine slips forward over another, it causes damage to the spinal structure. In contrast, spondylolisthesis is defined by a slipped vertebra. Spondylosis involves the separation of the pars interarticularis. When spondylosis is left untreated, it may lead to spondylolisthesis. Spinal decompression surgery or spinal fusion surgery can help relieve pressure on the affected area and provide much-needed stabilization. If these treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be an option. Treating spondylosis often involves conservative treatments like back braces, pain medications, and stretching exercises. Also, X-rays, a bone scan, or MRI can help with diagnosis. If this position causes pain it may indicate this condition. While standing in a certain one-legged position, the lumbar spine gets stretched out. One effective diagnostic test is the one-legged hyperextension maneuver. Young athletes and older adults suffering from lower back pain may want to get checked for spondylosis. It spondylosis isn’t identified and managed correctly, however, it can result in more serious problems. Younger people may not have many symptoms, so the condition may not get diagnosed. This includes gymnastics, rowing, wrestling, and track & field sports. Those participating in sports requiring repeated hyperextension of the lower back are at risk. In fact, adolescents may develop the condition. Spondylosis, however, doesn’t only affect older people. In addition, cartilage can wear away from the joints leading to facet joint osteoarthritis. When the soft gel-like layer of the inner disc breaks through the thick fibrous tissue of the outer disc, it often affects spinal joints and can compress nerves. This condition, known as degenerative disc disease, puts pressure on the discs and may cause a bulging or herniated disc. As a result, the soft tissues supporting the spine–discs, muscles, tendons, etc.–slowly begin to deteriorate.įor example, the discs protecting the spine tend to dry out and lose shape as we age. As we grow older, normal wear and tear, as well as cellular changes, affect the structure of the spine. This condition is a form of spinal degeneration occurring due to the natural effects of aging.
It involves a defect in the pars interarticularis–a piece of bone attaching the facet joints at the back of the spine. It is most common in the neck and lower back. Spondylosis can affect any region of the spine. Let’s take a look at the 3 “Spondy” conditions. While a little scary, it may be the answer to finally enjoy the life you want to live. Surgery may be an option for more advanced cases. Don’t fret, some of these conditions can be treated conservatively. After all, the spine is a very important part of your body. If you were diagnosed with any of these conditions, something in your spine is abnormal. This refers to the vertebral or spinal column. So what do these words mean? Each starts with the prefix “spondy”. Do you want to learn more about a recent “spondy” diagnosis related to your lower back pain? This guide will help you understand the differences among these conditions. While some think certain terms are interchangeable, they actually describe different types of conditions that need unique care. When dealing with lower back spinal issues, the terminology can be confusing.