Spondylosis: When Your Spine Ages Before You Feel Old
Introduction
With age come changes–and not all of them are as graceful as grey hair or laugh lines. Some changes bring stiffness, pain, or postural shifts that make everyday life more difficult. One of these common changes is called spondylosis. It may sound like a big word, but it’s actually quite simple: spondylosis is arthritis of the spine. It means the discs and joints in your back or neck–the natural cushions between your vertebrae–have begun to wear down.
Why Does Spondylosis Happen?
It’s all part of growth, aging, and use. As we move through life–walking, lifting, bending, sitting–our spine absorbs a lot of stress. Over time, the discs between our vertebrae, which act like shock absorbers, start to lose moisture, flatten out, and become less flexible. Think of it like a cushion on your favourite chair: no matter how carefully you sit, years of use eventually cause it to flatten and soften. The same thing can happen in your spine–especially in the neck and lower back. As this happens, the space between the vertebrae narrows, and the joints can become stiffer. To compensate, the body might even grow small bony outgrowths–called bone spurs–to help support the area. But here's the twist: those same changes meant to help can sometimes irritate or press on the nearby nerves.
And that’s where things can get tricky–because when nerves are affected, you won’t just feel stiff or sore. You might begin to notice something else entirely–you feel numb.
Why Do Some People Feel Tingling or Numbness?
Between every pair of vertebrae, there are nerves exiting your spine and traveling into your arms, hands, legs, and feet. These nerves are like highways carrying messages between your brain and your body. When those nerves are compressed–whether by a flattened disc or a bone spur–it can interrupt the signal. That’s when you might feel:
Tingling in your fingers or toes
Numbness down your arms or legs
Weakness in your grip or while walking
A “pins-and-needles” sensation, especially after being in one position too long. In medical terms, this is called paresthesia. However, just because a nerve is irritated doesn’t mean it’s permanently damaged. So, what can you do?
Can Something Be Done About It?
Depending on the severity and symptoms, a physiotherapist (from The Physio Diary: +2348126973878) can guide you through a tailored plan that may include:
Pain relief and gentle mobility work to get the joints moving again
Core and postural muscle activation to support your spine and reduce pressure
Nerve-glide exercises and targeted stretches to relieve tingling or numbness
Lifestyle and posture coaching to keep flare-ups from returning
The key is not just treating the pain–but restoring movement, building strength, and helping your nervous system feel safe again.
For the exercises to perform, watch out for our DIY post to explain it.
Final Thoughts
Spondylosis doesn’t mean your spine is “bad” or “broken.” It simply means it’s lived–and like anything well-used, it deserves a little care. With the right combination of movement, strength, posture awareness, and professional guidance, you can absolutely live well with spondylosis–and keep doing the things you love. You should also reach out to us at The Physio Diary for your daily exercises.
Contact: +2348126973878
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