spondylotic

Spondylotic is an adjective relating to spondylosis, a degenerative condition of the spine characterized by age-related changes in the intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments, and bone. It is used to describe disorders caused by these degenerative processes, including spondylotic radiculopathy and spondylotic myelopathy.

The degenerative cascade includes disc height loss, annular fissures, osteophyte formation, facet arthropathy, and thickening of ligaments. These changes can narrow the spinal canal or exiting foramina, potentially compressing nerve roots or the spinal cord.

Clinical features vary by region. Cervical spondylosis commonly presents with neck pain and stiffness, and may cause radicular arm symptoms or hand weakness. Cervical myelopathy can show gait disturbance, clumsiness in the hands, sensory changes, and exaggerated reflexes. Lumbar spondylosis can cause lower back pain with leg pain or sciatica. Many individuals have radiographic changes without symptoms.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and imaging. X-rays can reveal osteophytes and disc space narrowing; MRI or CT provides detailed information about canal or foraminal stenosis and neural compression. Nerve conduction studies may help in unclear radiculopathy.

Management is individualized. Conservative measures include physical therapy, activity modification, NSAIDs or other analgesics, and muscle relaxants. Injections such as epidural steroids may be considered for selected cases. Surgical decompression with fusion or, in some situations, joint replacement may be indicated for progressive neurological deficits or refractory pain when conservative therapy has failed.

Prognosis varies; many cases remain stable or slowly progressive, and outcomes are favorable with appropriate treatment in selected patients.