Conditions related to arthritis of the spine and may occur as part of the normal aging process or be exacerbated due to injury or disease.
Spondylosis occurs during normal aging, and usually refers to arthritis of the spine. As tissues, bones and cartilage in the spine deteriorate over time, stress fractures and vertebrae slipping out of place can occur.
Spondylitis refers to inflammation of vertebrae in the spine. Caused by arthritis in the facet joints, this results in inflammation and swelling in these vertebra-connecting joints.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slides over another, with this vertical displacement potentially occurring in any direction in the spine.
Often treatment for any of these related conditions begins with attempting to non-surgically treat and relieve pain and other symptoms. In the event that a surgical procedure is necessary, our doctors will use the minimally invasive AccuCision® Spine procedure to provide the best results for the patient’s particular condition.
Not every sufferer will experience symptoms, but spondylosis can result in pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness and reduced range of motion. Spondylosis can also lead to other spinal issues.
Spondylitis can result in chronic pain, discomfort, loss of motion, stiffness, and can lead to more extreme cases of arthritis.
Spondylolisthesis can result in symptoms including stiffness of the back muscles, lower extremity pain, spine pain in the area where the displacement has occurred, and even loss of a specific muscle group function. If a patient has suffered a complete displacement of the vertebrae, this could cause spinal cord compression with serious effects including a large loss of muscular function or even lower body paralysis.