The MSK Studio - spinal physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates clinic in Adelaide

Spondylosis / Spinal Osteoarthritis

Region affected

Lumbar / Cervical / Thoracic spine

Common in

Adults 50+

Onset

Gradual

Related conditions

Degenerative Disc Disease, Facet Joint Syndrome, Spinal Stenosis

Spondylosis is a broad term describing age-related degenerative changes in the spine, including wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, facet joints, vertebral bodies and surrounding ligaments. It is essentially osteoarthritis of the spine, and is extremely common, affecting the majority of people over 50 to some degree, though the presence of degenerative changes on imaging does not always correlate with pain or disability.

Spondylosis can affect any region of the spine. Cervical spondylosis (neck) commonly contributes to neck pain, stiffness and in some cases arm symptoms. Lumbar spondylosis (lower back) is one of the most frequent findings on spinal imaging in adults over 40 and is often associated with chronic low back pain and, in advanced cases, spinal stenosis.

What Contributes to Spondylosis?

Signs and Symptoms

Spondylosis is primarily a product of ageing, but certain factors influence the rate and severity of degenerative change:

Symptoms vary considerably depending on the region and severity of change:

  • Natural ageing – degenerative changes are present in the majority of adults over 50
  • Previous spinal injury that accelerates degeneration at the affected level
  • Repetitive occupational or sporting loading of the spine
  • Reduced spinal mobility and core stability over time
  • Genetic predisposition to more rapid disc and facet degeneration
  • Persistent aching in the back or neck, often worse with prolonged activity or loading
  • Morning stiffness that eases with gentle movement
  • Reduced spinal mobility, particularly into rotation and extension
  • Episodic flare-ups of more acute pain following specific activities
  • In cervical spondylosis – headaches, arm pain or tingling if nerves are involved
  • In lumbar spondylosis – leg symptoms if stenosis is present at the affected level

What Contributes to Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is primarily a product of ageing, but certain factors influence the rate and severity of degenerative change:

  • Natural ageing – degenerative changes are present in the majority of adults over 50
  • Previous spinal injury that accelerates degeneration at the affected level
  • Repetitive occupational or sporting loading of the spine
  • Reduced spinal mobility and core stability over time
  • Genetic predisposition to more rapid disc and facet degeneration

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary considerably depending on the region and severity of change:

  • Persistent aching in the back or neck, often worse with prolonged activity or loading
  • Morning stiffness that eases with gentle movement
  • Reduced spinal mobility, particularly into rotation and extension
  • Episodic flare-ups of more acute pain following specific activities
  • In cervical spondylosis – headaches, arm pain or tingling if nerves are involved
  • In lumbar spondylosis – leg symptoms if stenosis is present at the affected level

How The MSK Studio Treats
Spondylosis

At The MSK Studio in Adelaide, the focus is on reducing pain, restoring movement and building the physical capacity to support the spine. Manual therapy and targeted joint mobilisation address stiffness and pain, while a progressive strengthening and conditioning program builds the muscular support around the affected segments. Education about load management, pacing and long-term self-management is a central part of every program.

See our low back pain physiotherapy service below:

Low Back Pain Physiotherapy

Related Conditions

Degenerative Disc Disease

Facet Joint Syndrome

Spinal Stenosis

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