Causes
- Advancing age
- Degenerative disc disease
- Arthritis
- Trauma
NYC Spondylosis
Understanding Spondylosis and Spinal Degeneration
Spondylosis is a term referring to degenerative disease of the spine and is analogous to the term ‘arthritis’. While true arthritis may occur in joints that are located within the spine, the spine is a complex structure that also contains other components including intervertebral discs, and ligaments that may be subject to degeneration. With advancing age, discs can lose water content, causing erosion or collapse. Loss of the protective cushion between the vertebrae results in bone rubbing against bone.
Excessive wear and tear on spinal structures may promote the development of osteophytes (bony spurs) that push against the spinal cord, compress spinal nerves, and restrict joint movement. Over time, spondylosis may cause thickening of the spinal ligaments, contributing to nerve compression and pain. Spondylosis usually affects the neck or lower back, although it can occur in any area of the spine. The terms osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease are often used interchangeably with spondylosis.
Why Choose Dr. Stieber?
As a board-certified, Fellowship-educated orthopedic spinal surgeon in NYC, Dr. Jonathan Stieber is passionate about alleviating discomfort and pain to restore your quality of life and peace of mind. He is a thoughtful, caring provider who goes above and beyond to create a successful treatment plan tailored to the patient that will yield lasting changes and relief. Dr. Stieber is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the world-renowned NYU School of Medicine and is the trusted Director of the Spine Center at OrthoManhattan. He was honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2022 and as a New York Magazine Best Doctor for 2021.