Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms & How Physiotherapy Can Help

Reviewed by the Physiotherapy Team at Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre 

Spondylosis refers to age- and load-related changes in the spine that can affect the discs, joints, and surrounding structures. While these changes are common, they do not always cause pain.  

What Is Spondylosis? 

Spondylosis is a general term used to describe degenerative changes that occur in the spine over time. It can affect different areas of the spine, including the: 

• Cervical spine – neck  

• Thoracic spine – mid-back  

• Lumbar spine – lower back  

These changes can include degeneration of the intervertebral discs, changes to the facet joints, and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes). 

Spondylosis is extremely common as we age. Importantly, having spondylosis on an X-ray or MRI does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of your pain. Some people have significant degenerative changes without experiencing symptoms. 

What Causes Spondylosis? 

Spondylosis develops gradually as the spine is exposed to normal aging and repeated loading. Factors that may contribute include: 

• Increasing age  

• Previous spinal injuries  

• Repetitive lifting or physical work  

• Repetitive spinal loading  

• Genetics  

• Smoking  

• Physical inactivity  

• Certain occupational or recreational demands  

Spondylosis is not necessarily caused by one injury or by having “poor posture.” Instead, it is usually the result of multiple factors interacting over time. 

What Are the Symptoms of Spondylosis? 

Some people with spondylosis have no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present, they depend on which part of the spine is affected and whether nearby nerves are irritated. 

Cervical Spondylosis 

Neck spondylosis may cause: 

• Neck pain or stiffness  

• Reduced neck mobility  

• Pain around the shoulders or upper back  

• Headaches associated with neck pain  

• Pain, numbness, or tingling extending into the arm if a nerve is irritated  

  
  

Lumbar Spondylosis 

Lower-back spondylosis may cause: 

• Low-back pain  

• Stiffness  

• Reduced spinal mobility  

• Pain with certain activities or positions  

• Buttock or leg symptoms when nerves are affected  

The presence of degenerative changes on imaging does not automatically mean that these changes are responsible for someone's symptoms. Your symptoms, physical examination, and functional limitations are all important when determining an appropriate treatment plan. 

How Is Spondylosis Diagnosed? 

A physiotherapist or physician will assess your symptoms, medical history, movement, strength, mobility, and neurological function. 

X-rays, MRI, or other imaging may sometimes be recommended, particularly when symptoms are persistent, severe, or suggest involvement of a nerve or other spinal structure. However, imaging is not always necessary for uncomplicated neck or back pain. In many cases, treatment decisions can be based on the clinical assessment rather than imaging alone. 

How Can Physiotherapy Help Spondylosis? 

Physiotherapy focuses on helping you move more comfortably, improve physical capacity, and return to the activities that are important to you. This may include exercise therapy, improving mobility, movement and posture education, manual therapy, and activity modification. 

Exercise Therapy 

 Your program may include: 

• Core and trunk strengthening  

• Back extensor strengthening  

• Neck and cervical stabilizer exercises  

• Hip strengthening  

• Mobility exercises  

• Balance and movement training  

• Aerobic exercise  

Does Spondylosis Get Better? 

The structural changes associated with spondylosis generally do not simply disappear or “heal” back to normal. However, physiotherapy can help reduce your symptoms. 

Looking for spondylosis treatment or physiotherapy for neck or back pain in Waterloo or Kitchener-Waterloo? 

At Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre, our physiotherapists provide individualized assessment and treatment for neck and back pain, spinal conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries. Your treatment plan can be tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals!