Treatment from a Spondylosis Specialist in North Jersey, Staten Island & Long Island
Spondylosis causes intense back pain and limited mobility, both of which can harm your quality of life. Expert orthopedic surgeon Dr. Faisal Mahmood diagnoses and treats the cause of spondylosis at One Oak Medical. He practices at their offices in Wayne, Paramus, Middletown, and Point Pleasant, New Jersey, as well as Staten Island, New York. If you suffer from severe back pain, don’t hesitate to call or schedule an appointment online for a consultation.
Spondylosis Q & A
What is spondylosis?
Spondylosis is a term that refers to wear and tear damage to your vertebrae, or the individual bones that comprise your spine. The term spondylosis comes from the Greek word for vertebrae.
Since spondylosis is a descriptive term rather than a diagnosable condition, it often refers to osteoarthritis or other degenerative diseases.
Spondylosis can occur anywhere in your spine, but the most common locations are the neck (cervical spondylosis) and the low back (lumbar spondylosis).
What causes spondylosis?
Spondylosis occurs when your spine changes and begins to degenerate. This condition becomes increasingly common with age, affecting more than 85% of people older than 60.
Over time, repetitive wear and tear to your spine can cause several back problems, such as:
- Bone spurs
- Herniated discs
- Dehydrated discs
- Stiff ligaments
What are the symptoms of spondylosis?
Many people who have spondylosis don’t experience any symptoms at all. When symptoms do exist, the primary ones are pain and stiffness in the affected area of the spine. Other common symptoms of spondylosis include:
- Headaches
- Grinding or popping noise in your spine
- Numbness or weakness in the hands and fingers
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Muscle spasms in the back, neck, and shoulders
How is spondylosis diagnosed and treated?
Dr. Mahmood begins with a review of your medical history and a thorough exam of your back, neck, shoulders, arms, and legs. He may test your reflexes, strength, and flexibility by gently pressing on various parts of your body and asking you to move them. To confirm the diagnosis, he may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
Then, Dr. Mahmood develops a treatment plan that most effectively addresses the underlying cause of your spondylosis. Treatment may involve:
- Physical therapy
- Massage
- Medications to relieve pain or relax muscles
- Orthotic devices
- Steroid injections
- Applying ice or heat at home
Spondylosis treatment rarely involves surgery. However, Dr. Mahmood may recommend surgery in severe cases, such as if your spinal cord is compressed or a spinal nerve is being pinched. Surgery may also be necessary if you have severe pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments.
If you suffer from back pain or stiffness, call One Oak Medical or schedule an appointment online today.
