CONDITION INFORMATION
Degenerative Spine Disorders
Degenerative changes in the neck or lower back are common, but scans do not always identify the cause of pain. Assessment considers symptoms, movement, strength, sensation, and medical history to distinguish uncomplicated back pain from nerve or spinal cord involvement.
Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis describes age-related changes in the discs and joints of the neck. Many people have these changes without symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include neck stiffness or pain; nerve or spinal cord compression can cause arm symptoms, weakness, balance changes, or other neurological signs and needs prompt clinical review.
NHS: Cervical spondylosis Lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease
Discs and joints in the lower back change with age. These changes may be present without pain; in some people, symptoms include back pain or pain travelling into the leg. A diagnosis should be based on the whole clinical picture rather than an imaging phrase alone.
NIAMS: Back pain Nerve-related pain
Irritation or compression of a nerve root may cause shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. The location and pattern of symptoms help determine whether further examination, imaging, or specialist care is needed.
When to seek urgent care
New or rapidly worsening weakness, difficulty walking, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or new loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent medical assessment. Severe symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
NIAMS: Back pain symptoms and when to see a doctor This page provides general health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Many of these conditions require specialist care. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without speaking with your clinician.