The term spondylosis doesn’t necessarily describe a single condition; therefore, there is not a single treatment. The reason for your spondylosis, sometimes called “spine degeneration,” will determine what kind of treatment you receive.
While there can be many factors involved in coming to a diagnosis of spondylosis, generally speaking, spondylosis is considered some type of spinal degeneration, like spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease. And although most adults over 60 years of age will show signs of degeneration, not all people experience painful symptoms. And just as there is no “cure” for aging, there is no cure for certain age-related problems … but there are definitely things you can do to make yourself more comfortable.
Whether you have cervical spondylosis (neck related) or lumbar (low back) spondylosis will also determine how you and your doctor approach treatment. Regardless of the type of spondylosis from which you suffer, most physicians prefer to begin treatment “conservatively,” which means non-surgically. The most common non-surgical approach involves taking medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs), like aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. As with other forms of arthritis, sometimes NSAID therapy is adequate to improve a patient’s quality of life, and thus defer more extreme interventions. Other adjuncts could include exposure to infrared lamps, which heat the troubled region. The doctor may also suggest trying a hot and cold Hip Bath, an immersion bath, or a steam bath.
Other non-surgical complements to NSAID therapy include so called “alternative” treatments such as acupuncture, massage, light yoga, and “aqua therapy,” which is a fancy term for swimming. Most people will get some relief from these therapies, but they take work. It’s easier for some patients to simply take pills than to sign up and attend a water aerobics class.
If you and your doctor have tried everything, but your quality of life is still poor, some doctors will try epidural therapy before resorting to surgery. Most people are familiar with the term epidural because this is the procedure some women choose to manage the extreme pain of childbirth. In the case of spondylosis, however, the epidural is more likely to be in the form of an anti-inflammatory steroid, not an anaesthetic. Steroids can provide the desired relief for some people, especially in the short term (read: months, not years).
Finally, surgery is also an option, but almost always a last resort. You have talk to your doctor, and find out opinions and outcomes of others who have had operative therapy. Doctors are improving all the time at minimally invasive techniques, so one should remain open to whatever is most likely to produce the best outcome.
What is Spondylosis?
