Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)
What is it?
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Spondylosis is a name for osteoarthritis located in the spine.
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Generally this is seen in those aged over 65 years as part of the normal aging process.
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Within a joint, you have a tough slippery tissue called cartilage that covers the surface of the bones. This cartilage is there to protect the bones, help the bones to move against each other freely and to cushion the joint. Over the years, the cartilage gets thinner, and the surface becomes less smooth. This can cause the joint to feel stiff, and you may notice creaking sounds when moving.
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Sometimes the altered joint structure compensates for the changes and does not cause pain. It’s when the natural repair process cannot compensate enough that the joint starts to become painful.
Typical Symptoms/features:
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Stiffness and/or restriction with neck movements, particularly when looking upwards or side to side.
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Neck pain. This may be more pronounced at night, and it can be difficult finding a comfortable position.
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Difficulty looking over shoulder when driving.
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Grinding, grating or clicking noises from the neck.
Management:
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Activity modification
- When you first start noticing neck pain, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle.
- However, there is strong evidence that says keeping active and slowly returning to your normal levels of activity can actually help the pain to settle quicker.
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Ice or heat.
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Pain relief.
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Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme.
Do I need imaging?
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Imaging (X-rays or scans) is rarely required to diagnose spondylosis.
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X-rays and scans are most appropriately used after a serious injury.
