Spondylosis vs Spondylitis: What’s the Difference?

Spondylosis vs. Spondylitis: Don’t confuse these spine conditions! Spondylosis and Spondylitis are distinct medical conditions affecting the spine. Still, they are often confused with overlapping symptoms and similar-sounding names. While both conditions involve the spinal region, they differ in their causes, symptoms, progression, and impact on quality of life. 

Understanding the difference between Spondylitis and spondylosis is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatments for long-term outcomes. 

In this blog, let’s break down the facts between Spondylosis Vs Spondylitis! Explaining the surprising differences in back conditions. 

Spondylosis Vs. Spondylitis: What’s the difference?

Feature

Spondylosis 

Spondylitis

Nature of back pain

Degenerative disorder

Inflammatory disease

Causes

Aging or lifestyle factors

Genetic or immune system dysfunction

Symptoms

Chronic pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility

Inflammatory back pain,  weariness, and stiffness.

Progression

Gradual with aging

Leads to complications if untreated

Age group affected 

Older adults

Young adults 20 to 40 years

Diagnosis

Imaging tests- X rays

Imaging tests, MRI, blood test, & clinical evaluation

Treatment

Lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and pain management 

Anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery in severe conditions. 

Spondylosis vs spondylitis: Understanding the types

What is spondylosis?

Spondylosis occurs due to the age related wear and tear of the spine. It’s often associated with aging, caused by natural degeneration of the spinal discs, joints, and vertebrae. 

Types of Spondylosis
  • Cervical spondylosis – affects the neck region and extends to arms and head, leading to stiffness and pain.
  • Thoracic spondylosis – affects the spine’s middle part, a less common spondylosis.
  • Lumbar spondylosis – affects the lower back, causing pain and restricting mobility. 
What is Spondylitis?

Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints and bones of the spine or other areas. If left untreated, it results in severe back pain and stiffness, which can lead to severe complications. 

Types of Spondylitis

Spondylitis is categorized into axial or peripheral Spondylitis. Axial primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Peripheral Spondylitis affects the joints outside your spine. 

Axial Spondylitis is divided into ankylosing Spondylitis and nonradiographic axSpA. Peripheral Spondylitis is divided into psoriatic Spondylitis, enteropathic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and undifferentiated Spondylitis. 

Ankylosing spondylitis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Its progression restricts flexibility and posture.

Spondylitis Vs Spondylosis: Understanding the causes

Spondylitis causes 

The causes are typically unknown, but genetics or environmental factors are crucial in spondylitis development. Genetic predisposition occurs due to the presence of the HLA-B27 gene. It’s also caused by an overactive immune system. 

Spondylosis causes

The natural degenerative changes are the primary causes of spondylosis. It’s also caused by occupational and lifestyle factors such as driving, prolonged hours of standing or sitting, and heavy lifting. 

Spondylosis Vs Spondylitis: What are the symptoms?

Spondylosis Symptoms

  • Pain and stiffness in the spine
  • Bone Spurs
  • Muscle weakness
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Radiating pain in the body
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Difficulty to walk

Spondylitis symptoms

  • Chronic pain and stiffness
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Swelling and tenderness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Eye inflammation
  • Morning stiffness

Spondylitis Vs Spondylosis: How to diagnose?

Spondylosis diagnosis: The doctor initially performs a clinical examination, looking for areas of stiffness, tenderness, or limitations in movement. They also suggest advanced imaging techniques such as MRI, X-rays, and CT scans to understand the spine’s structure. 

Spondylitis diagnosis: Doctors prefer blood tests such as ESR and CRP to measure inflammation levels. They also test for the HLA-B27 gene associated with ankylosing Spondylitis. X-rays mainly detect structural changes, while MRIs detect the early signs of inflammation and progression. 

spondylosis vs spondylitis

Spondylosis Vs Spondylitis: What are the treatment options?

Spondylosis treatment

Conservative treatments—Initially, doctors prefer conservative methods that include ice packs to reduce inflammation, heat therapy to relax stiff muscles and joints, and pain relief medications such as NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. 

Interventional therapies—When conservative treatments don’t reduce pain, doctors recommend interventional corticosteroid injections to reduce pain or inflammation around the joints or spinal nerves. Hyaluronic acid injections lubricate joints, providing pain relief and improved mobility. 

Spondylitis treatment 

Regular monitoring—Doctors conduct regular follow-ups to assess Spondylitis. They perform clinical evaluations, routine blood tests to check inflammation levels, and periodic imaging tests to observe any progression in Spondylitis. Based on the findings, they make necessary changes to medications or therapy. 

Surgical options—In severe cases, Spondylitis leads to joint damage or spinal deformity. Surgery can relieve pain, correct alignment, and restore function. Standard surgical options include spinal fusion or joint replacement based on the affected area.

Spondylosis Vs Spondylitis - Expert treatment at King’s Spine Centre, Dubai

 

While spondylosis and Spondylitis affect the spine, they fundamentally differ in their causes and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences is significant for effective management and improving quality of life. 

If you’re experiencing persistent back pain or stiffness, consult the expert team of spine doctors at King’s Spine Centre.  The team offers world-class healthcare facilities and experienced specialists dedicated to spinal health. 

Whether you’re dealing with degenerative pain or inflammatory stiffness, get tailored treatments from King’s Spine Centre experts. 

Your spine deserves the best care! Book a consultation today!

FAQS On Spondylosis vs Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, often autoimmune, that primarily affects younger individuals and can lead to the fusion of spinal joints over time. In contrast, spondylosis is a degenerative condition linked to aging, characterized by the wear and tear of spinal discs and joints.

In addition to medical treatment, a few lifestyle changes help to manage the symptoms of spondylosis and Spondylitis. Some of the lifestyle changes include, 

  • Maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress on the spine
  • Ensure regular exercise
  • Maintain good posture
  • Follow stretching exercises to alleviate stiffness

Spondylitis is rare and affects less than 1% of the population, but spondylosis is common and mainly affects older adults. 

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