17/12/2025
Spondylosis
🔎 What is it?�
A degenerative spinal condition affecting intervertebral discs, facet joints, and vertebral bodies—an umbrella term similar to “spinal osteoarthritis.”
🧠 Anatomy refresher:
Disc dehydration (loss of proteoglycans)
Osteophytes at vertebral endplates
Facet arthropathy → capsular thickening
May contribute to foraminal or canal narrowing.
⚠️ Aetiology (Causes):
Natural ageing + cumulative load.
Repetitive flexion/compression tasks.
Genetic predisposition
Smoking and sedentary lifestyle.
📊 Incidence:
Extremely common >40 years.
Cervical and lumbar regions most affected.
Often radiologically present without symptoms.
💡 Why Physiotherapy Matters:
Exercise > passive therapy.
Strengthen spinal stabilisers + hip hinge patterning.
Education on pain neuroscience reduces catastrophising.
Aerobic exercise improves outcomes + function.
Surgery rarely indicated unless progressive neurological compromise.
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