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Spine Services

Advanced, Comprehensive Spondylosis Care

At University Hospitals, we offer comprehensive care for patients with spondylosis, a degenerative spinal cord disease that is common in individuals who are older than 40 years of age. We focus on relieving immediate pain and preventing permanent spinal cord and nerve root injury.

Over time, spondylosis breaks apart the discs in your spine that separate and cushion the spinal bones known as vertebrae. Aging causes discs to deteriorate and often leads to pain and osteoarthritis or stiffness in the spine. Your neck, upper and middle back and lower back can all be affected by spondylosis.

Our nationally recognized spine specialists at UH are highly skilled in diagnosing this condition and offer the most effective spondylosis treatment options available based on your unique care needs.

Diagnosing Spondylosis in Patients Over 40

If you are older than 40 and showing spondylosis symptoms such as back or neck pain, headaches, stiffness after periods of inactivity, balance challenges or weakness in the arms or legs, a spine doctor may suggest testing for spondylosis. Here at UH, we offer the following advanced testing techniques:

  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan: Using two X-ray beams, DEXA scans are conducted to determine your bone density.
  • Electromyography (EMG): An EMG test shows how the nerves in your body pass along signals from the spinal cord to the muscles.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays, EOS X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all examples of imaging tests that can provide in-depth images of your spine.
  • Myelography: In a myelography, a dye will be injected into the fluid around your spinal cord. Once a CT scan is taken, the dye will reveal any bone spurs and whether a herniated disc is affecting your nerves.

Wide Range of Conservative Treatments

While there is no cure for spondylosis, most patients respond well to conservative treatments. Our multidisciplinary team of spine experts will work together to design a plan that meets your needs. Your plan will likely include:

  • Collar usage: A soft collar can help you restrict head motion and alleviate your spondylosis or spondylolisthesis symptoms.
  • Injections: Steroid injections can pinpoint the source of your pain while bringing you temporary or in some cases, long-term relief.
  • Medications: Oral pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen as well as muscle relaxants may relieve your pain.
  • Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you strengthen your neck or back muscles and improve your flexibility so you can move without back pain.

Expert Spine Surgeons Provide Spinal Fusion Approach

If conservative treatments do not alleviate your pain, one of our skilled spine surgeons may recommend surgery. One surgical option may include removing bone spurs or disc material that is causing your discomfort. A minimally invasive spinal fusion to join two or more vertebrae can also create stability and provide you with lasting pain relief.

Learn More About Spondylosis Diagnosis and Treatment at University Hospitals

Contact our spine specialists today for further details on how we can help improve your specific case of spondylosis or to schedule an appointment at 216-286-8888.