Spondylosis
Understanding the Condition & Finding Lasting Relief
What Is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis, also known as arthritis of the spine, is a degenerative condition that affects the joints, discs, and bones of the spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
This condition most commonly develops in the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) and is often associated with age-related wear and tear.
Over time, spinal arthritis can contribute to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), disc degeneration, and nerve compression, resulting in chronic pain, nerve-related symptoms, and spinal instability. While spondylosis is a progressive condition, expert treatment can help relieve symptoms, restore mobility, and prevent further deterioration.
How Spondylosis Impacts Your Life
Without treatment, spinal arthritis can lead to:
Chronic pain that interferes with daily activities and mobility.
Nerve compression, leading to conditions such as sciatica or cervical radiculopathy.
Spinal stenosis, where arthritis contributes to narrowing of the spinal canal, causing nerve irritation.
Reduced ability to work, exercise, or perform daily activities due to pain and stiffness.
Common Causes of Spondylosis
How Mr Gordan Grahovac Can Help
As a Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon in London, Mr Grahovac specialises in diagnosing and treating spondylosis (arthritis of the spine) using the latest medical, non-surgical, and minimally invasive techniques. His goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent further spinal deterioration.
To accurately diagnose spondylosis, Mr Grahovac will conduct:
Medical History & Physical Examination – Assessing pain patterns, mobility, and nerve symptoms.
Advanced Imaging (MRI/CT/X-ray) – Identifying arthritis, bone spurs, nerve compression, and joint degeneration.
Nerve Function Tests – Evaluating reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation loss to assess nerve involvement.
His Diagnostic Process:
Treatment Options for Spondylosis
Mr Grahovac and the teams he works with take a holistic approach to your treatment, considering the severity of your symptoms, underlying condition, and overall well-being to create a personalised plan that promotes long-term relief and spinal health.
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These first-line interventions help reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow disease progression.
Postural & Ergonomic Advice – Adjusting desk setup, sleeping posture, and movement habits to reduce strain on the spine and affected joints.
Physiotherapy & Targeted Exercises – Strengthening core, back, and postural muscles to enhance spinal stability, reduce stiffness, and improve flexibility.
Pain Management Strategies – Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, heat/cold therapy, and activity modifications to reduce discomfort and flare-ups.
Weight Management & Nutrition – Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce excess load on spinal joints, limiting pain and progression of arthritis.
Low-Impact Exercise (Swimming, Yoga, Walking, Pilates) – Improving joint flexibility, circulation, and strength without excessive strain on the spine.
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These targeted therapies help control pain and inflammation when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
Epidural Steroid Injections – Reducing inflammation and relieving nerve irritation caused by arthritis-related compression of spinal nerves.
Nerve Root Blocks – Providing targeted pain relief by blocking signals from irritated spinal nerves, reducing radiculopathy (radiating nerve pain).
Facet Joint Injections – Directly treating inflamed facet joints, a common source of spinal arthritis pain.
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For patients whose pain persists despite non-invasive treatments, minimally invasive options provide effective pain relief and improved mobility.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS) – Small incisions with reduced recovery time, used for nerve decompression or arthritis-related spinal procedures.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery– High-precision technology to aid in spinal stabilisation, decompression, or joint repair.
Decompression Surgery (Laminectomy or Foraminotomy)– Removing bone spurs (osteophytes) or excess tissue that compresses nerves or the spinal cord, relieving pressure.
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When arthritis causes severe pain, nerve compression, or spinal instability, surgery may be necessary.
Cervical Disc Replacement – Replacing a damaged cervical disc with an artificial one, preserving spinal movement in the neck.
Spinal Fusion Surgery – Stabilising the spine by permanently joining vertebrae, preventing painful movement in arthritis-damaged areas.
Spinal Decompression Surgery – Relieving direct pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in severe spinal arthritis cases.
What Patients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions: Spondylosis
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Spinal arthritis often causes chronic stiffness, persistent back or neck pain, and occasional nerve irritation. Some patients experience tingling, numbness, or weakness if nerve compression occurs.
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While arthritis cannot be reversed, symptoms can often be managed effectively through physiotherapy, posture correction, and pain relief strategies. Severe cases may require medical intervention.
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Surgery may be needed if:
Pain persists despite conservative treatments.
Weakness, numbness, or loss of function worsens.
Symptoms significantly affect daily activities or mobility.
Red flag symptoms such as bladder or bowel dysfunction appear.
If you're unsure, book a consultation with Mr. Gordan Grahovac for an expert evaluation.
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While arthritis is not reversible, natural approaches can help manage pain and improve mobility:
Postural Correction – Keeping the head aligned and using ergonomic support for prolonged sitting.
Stretching & Mobility Exercises – Gentle neck rotations and stretches to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Heat & Cold Therapy – Applying heat packs to relax muscles and ice packs to reduce inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Eating foods rich in omega-3s (salmon, walnuts), antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), and turmeric to reduce inflammation.
Massage & Acupuncture – Can help reduce tension, improve circulation, and ease discomfort.
If symptoms persist despite natural treatments, medical intervention may be necessary.
Take the First Step Towards Relief
Spinal arthritis doesn’t have to limit your life. Whether you need conservative treatment or advanced spinal care, Mr Gordan Grahovac is here to help.
Book a consultation today and start your journey towards lasting relief.