Most of us have a sedentary lifestyle ( I am not an exception). This leads to chronic stiffness and pain, particularly in her neck and lower back. At times, we wonder if it is just due to normal ageing or something more serious like spondylosis or spondylitis.
You may have heard terms like “spondylosis” and “spondylitis” from friends and internet searches but find it confusing. You are uncertain which one might be causing the symptoms and need clarity to understand the condition better.
Many of you might be trying to find simple, noninvasive solutions to improve your condition through physical therapy, posture correction, and other treatments before the problem worsens and leads to surgery.
I get it!
As an orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai, today, I wish to explain the main difference between spondylosis and spondylitis (without boring you with medical terms). This will help you better understand your condition and also help you approach a specialist for treatment.
It is an inflammatory condition caused by an overactive immune system. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. The pain may radiate to the buttocks or thighs. Other symptoms include neck pain, fatigue, tingling in the extremities, and waking up while sleeping due to back pain. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, exercise, steroid injections, and surgery.
A degenerative condition caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. Symptoms include pain in the neck that may travel to the arms or shoulders, headaches, a grinding feeling when moving the neck, weakness in the arms and legs, numbness in the shoulders, arms, or hands, stiffness in the neck, and trouble keeping balance. Treatments include medication, physical therapy, and exercise.
Do Not Confuse Spondylosis with Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis references a specific injury (crack and/or fracture) caused by a structural defect in the parts of affected vertebrae.
Inflammatory conditions refer to health problems where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, heat) in various parts of the body. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but in inflammatory conditions, the immune system triggers this response without a real threat.
For example, in spondylitis, which is an inflammatory condition, the immune system can cause chronic inflammation in the joints of the spine. This leads to pain, stiffness, and, over time, possibly damage to the bones and joints. Inflammatory conditions are often associated with autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system turns against its own tissues.
Common examples of inflammatory conditions include:
These conditions usually require treatments that target the immune system or reduce inflammation, like anti-inflammatory medications or immunosuppressants.
Now that you know the basic difference between the two, let us go into more detail and understand about various other differences.
Here’s where things can get tricky—and it happens more often than you’d think. The problem lies in the misinterpretation of symptoms. It’s easy to assume that your stiff back is just from ageing (spondylosis) and try to push through with over-the-counter painkillers or rest. But what if it’s actually spondylitis, and the more you rest, the worse it gets?
The risk here is that you might be delaying the proper diagnosis and treatment by self-treating based on what you think the problem is. If spondylitis goes untreated, it can lead to more severe complications, like fused spinal joints, which could affect your mobility long-term. On the other hand, ignoring signs of spondylosis and continuing strenuous activities could cause more wear and tear on your spine.
So, while both conditions involve back pain, getting the right diagnosis is crucial. It’s always best to consult a spine specialist who can help identify what’s really going on and get you started on the proper treatment plan.
I know after reading this, you might be thinking
Spondylosis is common as you age. However, spondylitis is an auto-immune condition. Spondylitis has more severe outcomes and a higher risk of spinal fusion if it is not diagnosed and treated in time.
Spondylitis can cause inflammation and pain in various parts of the body, including:
Additionally, it can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness or spasms, and motor problems such as poor balance, trouble breathing, difficulty walking, limited range of motion, and trouble swallowing.
Some of you might be worried about the treatment options.
Spondylosis is more common in older adults, while spondylitis typically develops in younger adults.
Spondylitis can also run in families. You may be more likely to develop it if you carry the HLA-B27 gene.
Honestly, there is no 100% cure for spondylitis or spondylosis. But having said that, a medical intervention can definitely help you to slow the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that I have come across about Spondylosis and Spondylitis treatment.
Spondylitis, particularly ankylosing spondylitis, cannot be completely cured, but its symptoms can be managed effectively. The goal is to control pain, reduce inflammation, and maintain mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent or delay further complications.
The treatment for spondylitis typically includes:
There isn’t a single “best” medicine for spondylitis, as it depends on the severity and individual response. Commonly used medications include:
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for spondylosis. Since it is a degenerative condition related to ageing, the focus is on managing symptoms and slowing the progression. Treatments like physical therapy, pain management medications, and lifestyle changes can help significantly, but the underlying degeneration cannot be reversed.
While you can’t fully recover from spondylosis in the sense of reversing the condition, symptoms can be managed effectively to improve your quality of life. With the right combination of treatments- like medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery—you can reduce pain and improve mobility.
For lumbar spondylosis (which affects the lower back), the best treatments include:
Surgery for spondylosis is generally considered safe but is usually only recommended when non-surgical treatments (like medication and physical therapy) aren’t providing enough relief. Procedures like spinal fusion or decompression surgery can help reduce pain and stabilize the spine. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, and the decision should be made after careful consideration with your doctor.
Most cases of spondylitis do not require surgery. Surgery might be considered if the condition leads to severe complications, like spinal fusion or deformities that impact mobility and daily life. Common surgical options may include joint replacement or spinal correction surgeries, but these are rare and typically a last resort when other treatments fail.
Spondylitis cannot be cured completely as it is a chronic autoimmune condition. However, with the right treatment, the symptoms can be controlled, and flare-ups minimized, allowing most people to live active, healthy lives.
I hope my article has cleared your doubts about spondylitis and spondylosis. Both are totally different. My advice to you is rather than self-diagnosis or just using Google to understand the symptoms, it is good to take medical advice. This will help you in correct diagnosis and proper treatment. In case, you have any doubts you can reach out to me and I’ll be happy to guide you.
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