Spondylosis Treatment In New Jersey
The Spine Center
at Modern Orthopedics of New Jersey
Paramus
72 Route 17 North
Paramus, NJ 07652
Wayne
2025 Hamburg Turnpike
STE C, Wayne, NJ 07470
Parsippany
3799 US-46
#207, Parsippany, NJ 07054
The human spine protects the spinal cord, supports the body, and is essential for a wide range of movements. Degenerative changes of the spine are known as spondylosis and can lead to significant pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility over time.
If ongoing back or neck pain limits your ability to perform daily tasks and negatively impacts your overall quality of life, spondylosis could be a possible underlying cause. Schedule a consultation at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey to receive an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What Is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis is an umbrella term that refers broadly to age-related degeneration of the spine. Over time, the strain associated with normal daily physical activity can lead to wear and tear on spinal structures, including the vertebrae and facet joints, intervertebral discs, and spinal ligaments. As the breakdown of spinal structures progresses, pressure may be placed on the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in radiating nerve pain or other neurologic symptoms like tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
The term spondylosis can encompass a variety of degenerative spinal conditions, including osteoarthritis of the spine and degenerative disc disease (DDD). Bone spur formation and thickened spinal ligaments may also be present.
Spondylosis most often affects the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back), but may less commonly affect the thoracic region of the spine (upper back). The condition is often manageable with conservative treatments such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or pain medication. In more severe cases, minimally invasive spine surgery may be considered.
What Causes Spondylosis?
Spondylosis occurs when age-related deterioration affects the structures of the spine. Underlying physical changes that often contribute to the development of the condition include:
- Disc Degeneration – With age, spinal discs can become dehydrated, brittle, and lose height. This can lead to bulging or uneven wear that reduces shock absorption, limits spinal flexibility, and increases stress on surrounding structures.
- Osteoarthritis and Bone Spurs – Spinal osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage and underlying bone in the facet joints wear down. Bone spurs may form in response, contributing to stiffness and potentially affecting nearby nerves.
- Ligament Thickening – Over time, spinal ligaments can become thickened and lose flexibility, leading to increased stiffness and possible nerve compression.
- Progressive Instability of the Spine – As discs, joints, and ligaments deteriorate, the spine may undergo subtle shifts in alignment that place further strain on nerves and surrounding tissues.
Spondylosis Symptoms
The symptoms of spondylosis can vary depending on the location and severity of degenerative changes to the spine. They may be consistently present or come and go sporadically over time.
General symptoms of spondylosis include:
- Pain in the affected region of the spine
- Stiffness in the spine
- Radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation in the extremities
- Muscle spasms
- Balance difficulties (more common in cervical or advanced cases)
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:
- Headaches
- Pain and/or stiffness in the neck area
- Radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation in the arms or hands
Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis include:
- Pain and/or stiffness in the lower back
- Radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation in the legs or feet
- Difficulty walking
- Pain that is worse in the mornings and improves with activity throughout the day
- Bowel or bladder control issues (Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control can indicate cauda equina syndrome and should be treated as a medical emergency. Seek care immediately.)
Common Risk Factors
Age is the primary risk factor for spondylosis, with spinal degeneration naturally progressing over time. However, recent clinical research suggests that cervical spondylosis is also increasingly being diagnosed in younger patients, likely due to lifestyle factors and earlier use of imaging.
Other risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing spondylosis include:
- Poor Posture – Slouching or improper alignment can place additional stress on spinal structures over time.
- Repetitive Stress – Jobs or activities that involve frequent bending, lifting, or twisting can accelerate the deterioration of discs and joints.
- Traumatic Injuries – Degenerative changes can be triggered or exacerbated by collisions, falls, or high-impact sports injuries involving the spine.
- Obesity – Carrying extra weight places increased pressure on the joints and structures of the spine, particularly in the lumbar region.
- Smoking – Tobacco use reduces blood flow to spinal tissues, which can accelerate disc and joint deterioration.
Treatment Options
Spondylosis often improves with conservative care, but surgery may be considered when symptoms persist. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon prioritizes minimally invasive surgical options whenever possible.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Pain Management – Injections
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
Surgical Treatment Options
- Cervical Fusion
- Cervical Disc Replacement
- Lumbar Fusion
- Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
- Lumbar Microdiscectomy
- Lumbar Laminotomy/Laminectomy
About Dr. Joseph Pyun
Dr. Joseph Pyun is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive spine care. Spondylosis treatment is one of his areas of expertise and he uses advanced technology and surgical techniques to tailor treatment to the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Pyun is committed to a human-focused approach that prioritizes relationship building and positions patients as active partners at every stage of their treatment and recovery journey.
Why Choose Modern Orthopaedics Of New Jersey
Modern Orthopaedics is a world-class orthopedics clinic known for its award-winning doctors, cutting-edge technology, patient-centered care, and state-of-the-art clinical environment. Contact us directly to learn more about our innovative approach to spondylosis care and take your first step toward active, pain-free living.
Book An Appointment Today
Early spondylosis diagnosis and intervention can help prevent further degeneration of the spine and improve quality of life. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Joseph Pyun at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey!
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