Spondylosis Treatment in Dallas

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Spondylosis is an age-related condition that affects the function and structure of the spine. This degenerative arthritic process most commonly affects the vertebrae and discs of the neck or lower back. Spondylosis can encompass a number of spine conditions and is often associated with:

Degenerative disc disease
Bone spurs
Osteoarthritis
Herniated discs.

Dr. David Barnett offers several spondylosis treatment options and recommends non-surgical approaches as a first-line remedy whenever possible.

What Causes Spondylosis?

Advanced age and normal wear-and-tear are the leading causes of spondylosis. As you get older, the intervertebral discs lose moisture and elasticity. When the cartilage wears down, the facet joints can rub against one another, producing osteophytes or bone spurs. Spondylosis is common in men and women but can be exacerbated or brought on early in individuals who have suffered spinal injuries, play contact sports, or perform repetitive movements.

Spondylosis Symptoms

For many people, spondylosis of the cervical or lumbar spine produces no symptoms. However, when this degenerative disorder progresses, symptoms will usually present as neck (in the case of cervical spondylosis) or lower back (lumbar spondylosis) pain that is localized or radiates outward due to a compressed nerve.

Symptoms may include:

Stiffness
Muscle spasms
Sciatica
Tingling
Weakness of the extremities may also occur.

In more advanced cases, people may experience:

Reduced mobility
Coordination problems
Bladder or bowel dysfunction.

Types of Spondylosis

Spondylosis can affect any area of the spine, but is most prevalent in the neck and lower back region:

Cervical Spondylosis – Spondylosis in the neck
Lumbar Spondylosis – Spondylosis in the lower back region

Treatment for spondylosis will depend on the location, severity of pain, and the presence of neurological symptoms.

How Is Spondylosis Diagnosed?

After taking a thorough medical history, Dr. Barnett will perform a physical examination to assess:

Sensation
Strength
Gait
Range of motion
Reflexes
Spinal stability

He may also request X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan to identify nerve compression and stenosis and to rule out other diseases.

Spondylosis Surgery & Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments for Spondylosis

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Barnett will generally opt for conservative treatments to mitigate pain and improve mobility. Non-surgical options may include:

Pain relievers
Muscle relaxants
Anti-inflammatories
Physical therapy
Spinal injections with steroids can also help reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgery For Spondylosis

Surgery is typically reserved for patients who don’t improve with conservative approaches or whose spondylosis is extremely advanced. Dr. Barnett performs two types of minimally-invasive spine surgery to treat this degenerative condition. Both are decompression surgeries that remove boney outgrowths and herniated disc material.

Microdiscectomy and Spinal Fusion – Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion
Microdiscectomy and Disc Replacement – Lumbar Microdiscectomy & Lumbar Arthrodesis

Spondylosis Specialist in Dallas-Fort Worth

Spondylosis of the neck or low back can progress and worsen over time without medical intervention. To learn more about surgical and non-surgical spondylosis treatment with a leading Dallas neurosurgeon and spine specialist, we invite you to book a private consultation with Dr. David Barnett.

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What Our Patients Have to Say

From start to finish, Dr. Barnett and his staff were always informative and professional. Dr. Barnett performed my neck surgery and lower back surgery all during a pandemic and everything worked out perfect. Highly recommend Dr. Barnett. Top notch.

-Healthgrades