Everyone’s Osteoarthritis of the Spine Is Different
Spondylosis affects everyone differently. For many people, symptoms develop gradually over time. For others, they start suddenly or intensify quickly.
Some people have this condition without experiencing pain or other symptoms. People without symptoms (asymptomatic) may become aware of their condition during a physical exam or a diagnostic test such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan being conducted for another reason.
Recognizing Symptoms of Spondylosis
See your doctor right away if you experience any new, persistent or unexplained symptoms sometimes associated with nerve compression or inflammation, such as:
- Chronic pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Bladder or bowel disfunction, especially incontinence
- Loss of balance
- Unexplained weakness
Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms
Symptoms of spondylosis in the neck may include any of the following:- Neck pain or stiffness, or a grinding feeling with movement
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms or hands
- Decreased range of motion or flexibility in the neck
- Headaches, especially in the back of the head
- Shooting or sharp pain with sudden movements, such as sneezing, coughing, bending or standing
- Weakness or impaired motor function in the arms or hands
Thoracic Spondylosis Symptoms
- Middle back, chest or upper abdomen pain
- Pain or tingling that extends to the hip or down the leg (lumbar radiculopathy) from nerve compression or inflammation
- Irritation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica) that feels like a dull ache or burning sensation
- Shooting or sharp pain with sudden movements, such as sneezing, coughing, bending or standing
- Weakness or impaired motor function in the legs or feet
Lumbar Spondylosis Symptoms
- Lower back, buttock or leg pain
- Pain or tingling that extends to the hip or down the leg (lumbar radiculopathy) from nerve compression or inflammation
- Irritation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica) that feels like a dull ache or burning sensation
- Shooting or sharp pain with sudden movements, such as sneezing, coughing, bending or standing
- Weakness or impaired motor function in the legs or feet
Monitor Your Symptoms at Home
If you experience unexplained pain in the neck, back, arms or legs that does not respond to rest and self-care, it's time to see a spine specialist. Consult your doctors when symptoms begin or worsen. This can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcome.
Keep a record of your symptoms, how often they occur and if they are getting better or worse with time. If something feels “off” — even if it’s only every so often — or is a change from your normal experience, schedule an appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible.
Relief From Chronic Arthritis Pain
In some cases, your doctor will order nerve tests or imaging exams such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to confirm or rule out other conditions. If you receive a spondylosis diagnosis, our specialists work together to create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief.
What Makes Arthritis Flare Up?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It's the “wear and tear” type of damage that affects the cartilage in your joints — which becomes more common with age. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain that can tend to flare up from time to time.
Chronic Neck Pain: When to Seek Help
Chronic neck pain is pain lasting more than three months. Age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause inflammation, leading to lingering neck pain. If an occasional annoying ache becomes chronic neck pain, here is when to seek help.
Convenient Spine Care Locations Across the Greater Houston Area
Across Houston, our patients have access to our expert neck, back and spine specialists so that you can get the best possible care personalized for your needs — without traveling far from home. Explore our footprint of locations in the greater Houston area and suburbs below.