What Is Spondylosis? Understanding Spinal Degeneration

Experiencing Chronic Back or Neck Stiffness as You Age?

If your back feels stiff every morning… if your neck cracks a little more than it used to… you might be dealing with something called spondylosis.

Don’t let the word intimidate you—it’s just a medical way of describing wear and tear in your spine. And while it’s incredibly common (especially over 40), it can show up earlier—and cause a lot of discomfort if left unchecked.

As a chiropractor, I see this pattern often. And while spondylosis isn’t always painful, understanding it early can help you move better, feel better, and avoid long-term complications.

What Is Spondylosis?

A Simple Definition

Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in your spine. That includes:

• Arthritic changes in the joints

• Disc degeneration, where the discs lose height or hydration

• Development of bone spurs or changes in spinal alignment

Think of it like rust slowly forming on a joint that’s been used a lot over the years. Totally normal—but manageable with care.

Importantly, spondylosis is an umbrella term—not a single condition. It covers different parts of the spine, depending on where the changes occur.

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All right, so spondylosis—spondylosis basically is a term used for degeneration in a segment or an area, an arthritic change. So that's going to be an arthritic change in the joints and a disc change as far as degeneration.

So, the disc height will diminish. You can have spondylosis anywhere in the spine. You have what's known as cervical spondylosis, which is in the neck; thoracic, which is in the mid-back—anything with the ribs; and lumbar spondylosis, which is in the low back.

That is probably the most common, and that's the one that's going to give you pain in the low back, especially with increased movement, position, posture, weight bearing, and change of weather. Those are all ways that it can present.

Common Areas Affected

You can have spondylosis in any part of your spine:

• Cervical spondylosis (neck)

• Thoracic spondylosis (mid-back)

• Lumbar spondylosis (lower back – the most common)

Each area presents differently, but the root issue is the same: degeneration from daily life, age, or posture habits.

What Causes Spondylosis?

The Natural Aging Process

Like gray hair and wrinkles, this is something many of us face over time. Your spinal discs:

• Lose hydration

• Shrink in height

• And become less shock-absorbent

This causes added pressure on the joints and surrounding structures.

Contributing Lifestyle and Genetic Factors

It’s not all about age. Other things speed up the process:

• Poor posture (hello, phone and desk habits)

• Repetitive stress or injury

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Even genetics—some spines just wear faster than others

If you’re sitting a lot, not moving much, or dealing with old injuries, it’s time to be proactive.

Symptoms of Spondylosis

When It’s Asymptomatic

Surprise—many people with spondylosis don’t feel a thing. Their spine has changed structurally, but they don’t have symptoms (yet).

That’s why early chiropractic evaluation is so helpful—we can catch it before it flares up.

When Symptoms Show Up

When symptoms do appear, you may experience:

• Chronic stiffness or soreness

• Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling (if nerves are involved)

• Reduced range of motion—can’t turn your head or twist your back like you used to

Symptoms tend to worsen with posture strain, weather changes, or increased activity.

How Chiropractors Diagnose Spondylosis

Patient History and Functional Assessment

We start with questions:

• When did the stiffness start?

• Does it change with weather or movement?

• What’s your typical posture like?

This tells us how your spine is functioning day-to-day.

Physical Exams

We test:

• Spinal mobility

• Nerve responses

• Muscle tension patterns

We’re looking for where your spine has lost movement—or where it’s compensating.

Imaging Techniques

If we need a closer look, we may order:

• X-rays – to check for disc height loss, arthritis, or bone spurs

• MRI – in more complex cases, to assess soft tissues and nerve involvement

Chiropractic Treatment Options for Spondylosis

Gentle Spinal Adjustments

Our goal is simple: get the spine moving again. Adjustments help:

• Relieve joint pressure

• Restore alignment

• Improve comfort and function

We always tailor these to the specific part of the spine affected—whether that’s your cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region.

Therapeutic Exercises and Mobility Work

We’ll guide you through movements to:

• Strengthen the core and spinal stabilizers

• Improve posture and flexibility

• Teach your body to move better—long term

This may include stretches similar to our work on postural muscles like the levator scapulae or other supportive routines.

Soft Tissue Therapy

We may use techniques to release:

• Trigger points

• Muscular tension

• Fascia adhesions that build up from years of limited motion

Lifestyle Coaching

You’ll also get tips on:

• Ergonomic desk setups

• Better sleep positions

• Simple ways to move smarter each day

All part of a customized care plan, designed just for your spine.

Spondylosis vs. Other Spinal Conditions

People often confuse spondylosis with:

• Herniated discs – more sudden and acute

• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the canal

• Osteoarthritis – more localized to joints

The truth? These conditions often coexist. That’s why thorough chiropractic evaluation matters—we look at the whole picture, not just the symptoms.

When to Seek Chiropractic Care

Still wondering if you should get checked out? Here's when to stop waiting:

• Chronic stiffness that won’t budge

• Pain that flares up with posture or weather

• If medications or stretching just aren’t cutting it

The good news? Chiropractic is:

• Non-invasive

• Drug-free

• Personalized to your exact spinal needs

Let’s Get Your Spine Moving Again

Spondylosis is common—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

Whether it’s stiffness, soreness, or reduced motion, we’ve got options that don’t involve medication or surgery. I’ve helped patients regain mobility, ease pain, and understand what’s really going on in their spine.

Schedule your free chiropractic consultation today and let’s figure out what your spine is trying to tell you.