The human spine is a complex structure that provides support for the head and torso, absorbs mechanical stress, enables movement of all kinds, and is the central corridor for nerve pathways throughout the body. Composed of numerous components including the vertebrae (backbones), facet joints, and intervertebral discs, it is vital to the performance of activities ranging from daily tasks to elite-level athletics.
As the spine ages over time, its integral components naturally begin to deteriorate and break down, often resulting in pain, discomfort, and limitations on mobility and quality of life. This process is known medically as spondylosis and can encompass a spectrum of different degenerative diseases and conditions. The prevalence of spondylosis increases with age, but it can also be caused by other factors including lifestyle choices, injuries, and issues affecting the intervertebral discs. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, spondylosis is one of the most common conditions we treat.
Multilevel spondylosis describes spondylosis that affects multiple vertebrae in one segment of the spine (neck, mid-back, lower back) and/or vertebrae in multiple segments of the spine. Because multilevel spondylosis impacts stability and function in a greater area of the spine than spondylosis in a single vertebra, its symptoms are often widespread and require a high level of expertise to treat effectively.
Are you living with multilevel spondylosis or undiagnosed pain in multiple areas of your spine and seeking an experienced spondylosis doctor in New Jersey with a proven track record of success? If so, then look no further than the world-class team of spine specialists at the New Jersey Spine Institute. After reading the overview of multilevel spondylosis below, contact our Bedminster location directly to schedule an initial consultation!
What Is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis is not a clinical diagnosis, but rather a medical term that refers to a variety of different degenerative conditions that affect the spine’s vertebrae, intervertebral discs, joints, and other structural components. It can be the cause of joint, muscle, and/or nerve pain that severely impacts mobility and quality of life, and in many cases, involves disc degeneration, spinal osteoarthritis, or both.
More than 85% of individuals over the age of 65 are impacted by spondylosis to some extent, though symptoms may range from extremely mild to debilitating depending on the circumstances. Treatment options for spondylosis vary according to its causes, scope, and severity and may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, spine surgery, and more.
Spine Levels
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and form an S-shaped curve which provides stability, support, and sensation to the body. Between the vertebrae are cushion-like intervertebral discs which, in a healthy spine, act as shock absorbers and allow for optimal flexibility and movement.
Spine doctors divide the spine into three distinct levels, all of which come together to form one cohesive structure. These levels are known as:
- The Cervical Spine – The cervical spine, commonly referred to as the neck, makes up the highest level of the spine. It has 7 vertebrae, C1-C7.
- The Thoracic Spine – The thoracic spine, commonly referred to as the mid-back, makes up the central level of the spine. It has 12 vertebrae, T1-T12.
- The Lumbar Spine – The lumbar spine, commonly referred to as the lower back, makes up the bottom level of the spine. It has 5 vertebrae, L1-L5.
Multilevel Spondylosis
Multilevel spondylosis involves spinal degeneration in multiple levels of the spine and/or affects multiple vertebral bodies within one level of the spine. Because deterioration in one area of the spine can impact the health and function of other parts of the spine over time, it is not uncommon for degenerative changes that begin in a localized area to become more widespread. Multilevel spondylosis can involve cervical spondylosis, thoracic spondylosis, and/or lumbar spondylosis.
Multilevel spondylosis is most common in the cervical spine and lumbar spine, but can also affect the thoracic spine in some cases. Like spondylosis, it is not a clinical diagnosis, but rather a term that describes pain and discomfort caused by the deterioration of spinal structures due to various causes.
Degenerative Multilevel Spondylosis
You may have heard doctors refer to the symptoms of neck and/or back pain you are experiencing as degenerative multilevel spondylosis. This term is often used interchangeably with Degenerative Disc Disease or spinal osteoarthritis and describes back pain that affects multiple levels of the spine due to degenerative changes. Degenerative multilevel spondylosis may restrict movement in vertebrae, facet joints, discs, and other essential structures. Treatment plans tailored precisely to the needs of each patient are key.
Common Causes
At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we treat multilevel spondylosis stemming from a wide variety of different causes. Four of the most common are listed below:
Aging
Natural age-related wear and tear is by far the most common cause of multilevel spondylosis. As the body gets older, various components of the spine may begin to deteriorate, leading to potential back pain and discomfort.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices that may place extra pressure on the spine and lead to a higher likelihood of developing multilevel spondylosis include:
- Carrying excess weight (overweight or obesity)
- Living an inactive lifestyle
- Engaging in strenuous activity, such as lifting heavy items, especially without proper support or technique
- Performing repetitive movements over a long period of time, such as for a job
Intervertebral Disc Issues
Intervertebral disc issues are often the first domino in the development of multilevel spondylosis. Disc problems, including Degenerative Disc Disease, bulging discs, and herniated discs, can lead to nerve pain and impact the integrity and function of other spinal structures.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in the spine can lead to the breakdown of cartilage in the facet joints and result in increased friction, inflammation, and degeneration that contributes to multilevel spondylosis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Multilevel Spondylosis?
Every individual’s experience of multilevel spondylosis is unique, but certain symptoms commonly characterize the condition. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we work with many patients with multilevel spondylosis who experience one or more of the following:
- Pain in the neck, back, and/or extremities
- Stiffness in the neck or back, especially after waking up in the morning, which may improve with activity
- Abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Limited range of motion in affected areas of the spine
If you are living with back pain that is affecting more than one area of the spine, multilevel spondylosis could be the underlying cause. Contact the New Jersey Spine Institute to receive a definitive diagnosis and move forward on the path to recovery!
How Can I Prevent Multilevel Spondylosis?
It is not always possible to prevent multilevel spondylosis, but certain choices can reduce the risk of developing the condition. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we recommend the following:
- Maintain good posture
- Live an active lifestyle (explore low-impact activities, if possible)
- Eat a well-balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid trauma and injuries to the back and neck (use proper equipment and technique during strenuous activities)
Conclusion
Multilevel spondylosis is a degenerative condition that can cause widespread pain throughout the neck, back, and extremities. Proper diagnosis of its underlying causes and the development of a personalized treatment plan are essential.
At the New Jersey Spine Institute, our leading team of spine specialists possesses the expertise and experience to accurately pinpoint what is causing your multilevel spondylosis symptoms. We will work closely with you to explore innovative treatment options, ranging from conservative measures to surgical procedures, and help you regain your mobility and quality of life.
Contact our exceptional team of spine doctors in New Jersey today to book an appointment. We look forward to working with you!