The likelihood of developing multilevel spondylosis (spinal degeneration) becomes increasingly common later in life. Spondylosis is a term used to describe the presence of spinal degeneration as a potential source of neck or back pain. When multilevel spondylosis is present, it means degeneration exists between multiple vertebrae along the spine. The term “multilevel” could refer to multiple levels of one spinal area, such as multiple vertebrae in the cervical spine (neck), or it could refer to spondylosis among several areas of the spine, such as multiple vertebrae in the cervical (upper) and lumbar (lower) spine.

In most cases, spondylosis is caused by nothing more than regular aging and wear on the spine. In addition, spondylosis isn’t necessarily symptomatic. Spinal degeneration usually only becomes problematic when it is accompanied by worn down joints and/or nerve compression in the spinal column, which can be the result of herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and other conditions.

Multilevel spondylosis symptoms

The symptoms of multilevel spondylosis depend on the extent and location of the spinal degeneration. For example, degeneration of the lumbar spine (lower back) may lead to symptoms that are experienced in the lower back, buttocks, pelvis, thighs, legs, feet and toes. Some of the most common symptoms caused by joint deterioration and nerve compression include:

• Dull pain and stiffness
• Chronic pain in the neck and/or lower back
• Pain that travels along the compressed nerve
• Fatigue
• Dull pain or stiffness
• Muscle weakness or stiffness
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• A pins-and-needles sensation

Multilevel spondylosis treatment

Treatment of multilevel spondylosis depends on identifying the exact source of symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms of spine degeneration can be managed effectively with conservative nonsurgical treatment, such as pain medication, hot/cold therapy, massage and physical therapy. However, severe multilevel spondylosis may require surgical attention if symptoms persist for several weeks or months of conservative treatment.

If you have exhausted your nonsurgical options and you are considering an invasive open spine operation, contact USA Spine Care to learn about the benefits of our minimally invasive procedures. Unlike traditional open spine surgery, which requires hospitalization and has a lengthy recovery, an outpatient procedure from USA Spine Care is a safer and effective alternative.^

At USA Spine Care, we have helped more than 75,000 patients to date find relief from chronic neck or back pain. Our surgeons use a less than 1-inch incision and muscle-sparing techniques to relieve multilevel spondylosis. To find out if are a candidate for our minimally invasive spine surgery reach out to our dedicated team today and ask for a no-cost MRI review.*

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