Spondylosis
Spondylosis refers to age-related wear and tear affecting the spine, discs, and surrounding joints.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important if pain comes with arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, bladder or bowel problems, fever, or significant recent trauma.
Common symptoms
Symptoms often include neck or back pain, stiffness, pain that is worse after activity or poor posture, and sometimes tingling, numbness, or weakness if nerves are affected.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show wear in the spine, narrowing, bone spurs, and whether the spinal cord or nerves may be under pressure.
What radiology does
X-rays and MRI help show degenerative change, narrowing, bone spurs, and possible nerve or cord involvement.
What usually happens next
Care may include physiotherapy, pain treatment, posture support, injections, or surgery in selected cases.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related articles
Related scan guides
- Cervical Spine MRIA Cervical Spine MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the seven vertebrae that make up the neck, as well as the surrounding soft tissues. It is highly effective for investigating persistent neck pain, headaches, or numbness radiating into the arms.
- Neck MRIA Neck MRI provides exceptionally clear, detailed pictures of the soft tissues, muscles, spine, blood vessels, and glands in the neck. It is highly recommended when investigating persistent neck pain, swallowing difficulties, or suspected tumors.
- Spine X-RayA spine X-ray is a scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones and alignment of your neck, upper back, lower back, or tailbone. It is often requested for pain, injury, posture changes, arthritis, or scoliosis.