Degenerative changes in the spine are called spondylosis, and these spondylosis changes are referred to as osteoarthritis. Whenever in the spine bony growth or bridges grow around the degenerating intervertebral disc it is referred to as spondylosis deformans.

The different types of spondylosis include:
-Cervical spondylosis (neck region)
-Thoracic spondylosis (upper and mid-back)
-Lumbar spondylosis (low back)
-Lumbosacral spondylosis, affecting both the lumbar and the sacral spine (between buttocks in the midline, below the lumbar spine)
-Lumbar and cervical spondylosis are most common, and mainly no symptoms are seen with thoracic spondylosis.

Some of the causes of spondylosis include:
-Ageing
-Genetic predisposition
-Family history
-Spinal injury
-Dehydrated or herniated disks
-Bone spurs
-Stiff ligaments

Spondylosis can be diagnosed by the following:
-Physical examination by the physician checking for a range of motion, checking gait, checking reflexes, and muscle strength
-X-rays
-MRI
-CT scan
-Electromyography
-Nerve conduction study.

The symptoms of spondylosis include:

-Pain along with stiffness in the affected area
-Headache
-Abnormal reflexes
-Inability to move the affected joint limiting the related function
-Numbness, weakness or tingling, sensations in the limbs
-Walking difficulty with no coordination
-Spasm of muscle
-Lack of bladder or bowel control