Cervical and Lumbar Spondylosis

Cervical & Lumbar Spondylosis Physiotherapy | Ezee Well
Cervical & Lumbar Spondylosis Physiotherapy

Reduce Pain.
Move Better. Stay Active.

Cervical and lumbar spondylosis can contribute to neck or lower back pain, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities. Physiotherapy focuses on understanding your symptoms, movement limitations and functional needs before developing an appropriate rehabilitation programme.

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What Is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis refers to age-related or degenerative changes affecting structures of the spine. Symptoms can vary considerably between individuals.

Neck or lower back pain
Spinal stiffness
Reduced movement
Pain related to prolonged positions
Possible arm or leg symptoms in some cases
Understand Your Spine

Cervical & Lumbar Spondylosis Can Affect Daily Movement

Spinal symptoms can affect sitting, standing, walking, working, sleeping and other everyday activities. The severity and pattern of symptoms can differ from person to person.

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Cervical Spondylosis

Degenerative changes in the neck may be associated with neck pain, stiffness and reduced cervical movement. Some people may also experience symptoms extending toward the shoulder or arm.

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Lumbar Spondylosis

Degenerative changes in the lower spine may contribute to lower back pain, stiffness and difficulty with certain movements or activities.

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Functional Difficulty

Symptoms may affect prolonged sitting, standing, lifting, walking, bending, working or participating in physical activities.

Common Symptoms

What Can Spondylosis Feel Like?

Symptoms depend on the area involved and the individual. Not every person with spinal degeneration experiences pain.

🧍 Cervical Symptoms

  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Reduced neck movement
  • Pain aggravated by certain positions
  • Upper shoulder discomfort
  • Head or neck movement difficulty
  • Arm symptoms in some cases
  • Numbness or tingling may occur when nerves are involved

🚶 Lumbar Symptoms

  • Lower back pain
  • Lower back stiffness
  • Difficulty bending or changing position
  • Discomfort after prolonged sitting
  • Discomfort after prolonged standing
  • Reduced tolerance for certain activities
  • Leg symptoms in some cases
  • Numbness or tingling when nerve involvement is present
Important Difference

Spondylosis Does Not Automatically Mean Nerve Damage

Degenerative changes seen on imaging do not always explain pain or disability. Clinical assessment is important to understand whether symptoms are mechanical, muscular, nerve-related or associated with another condition.

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Assessment

Symptoms and physical findings are considered together.

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Nerve Symptoms

Radiating pain, tingling, numbness or weakness may require specific neurological assessment.

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Movement

Spinal and limb movement may be assessed for functional limitations.

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Individual Plan

Treatment should be selected according to the person's presentation and goals.

Physiotherapy Assessment

We Assess More Than Just Your Pain

A physiotherapy assessment can help identify movement limitations, functional problems and factors that may be contributing to symptoms.

  • Discuss your symptoms and medical history
  • Understand aggravating and easing factors
  • Assess spinal movement
  • Assess strength and functional movement
  • Screen for relevant neurological symptoms
  • Understand work and activity demands
  • Establish realistic rehabilitation goals

What We Want To Know

Where is the pain? When did it begin? What movements make it better or worse? Do symptoms travel into an arm or leg? Is there numbness, tingling or weakness? Does sitting, standing, walking or working increase symptoms? Have you had previous treatment or imaging?

Physiotherapy Treatment

A Rehabilitation Plan Built Around You

Treatment depends on your symptoms, examination findings, functional limitations and rehabilitation goals.

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Pain Management

Strategies may be used to help manage pain and improve your ability to participate in appropriate movement.

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Mobility Training

Appropriate spinal and surrounding joint mobility work may be introduced according to assessment findings.

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Strengthening

Progressive strengthening can improve physical capacity and support everyday functional activities.

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Posture & Movement

We can work on movement habits and positions that are relevant to your work and daily activities.

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Functional Rehabilitation

Exercises may be progressed toward lifting, walking, working, sports or other meaningful activities.

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Progress Monitoring

Symptoms, movement, strength and functional abilities can be reviewed throughout rehabilitation.

Exercise Therapy

Exercises May Focus On

Exercises should be selected according to your assessment. There is no single exercise programme suitable for everyone with spondylosis.

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Spinal Mobility

Appropriate movements may help maintain or improve comfortable spinal mobility.

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Core Strength

Progressive trunk strengthening may be included when appropriate.

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Postural Control

Exercises may address control and endurance relevant to sitting, standing and working.

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Functional Training

Movement can be progressed toward walking, lifting, work and everyday activities.

Patient Guidance

Helpful Habits During Rehabilitation

Your physiotherapist can adapt advice according to your symptoms, examination and activity requirements.

✓ Do

  • Stay appropriately active.
  • Follow your individual exercise programme.
  • Gradually build strength and activity tolerance.
  • Change positions regularly when sitting for long periods.
  • Discuss persistent or changing symptoms with your clinician.

! Avoid

  • Do not assume imaging findings always explain your symptoms.
  • Do not remain completely inactive without clinical advice.
  • Do not repeatedly force painful movements.
  • Do not suddenly increase heavy lifting or exercise volume.
  • Do not ignore new or worsening neurological symptoms.

⚠️ When Should You Seek Medical Evaluation?

Seek prompt medical evaluation if back or neck symptoms are accompanied by significant or progressive weakness, new loss of sensation, problems with bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle region, major trauma, unexplained fever or other concerning symptoms.

Physiotherapy may be appropriate for many musculoskeletal presentations, but a clinician should determine whether further medical investigation is required when warning signs are present.

Ready to Move Better?

If neck pain, lower back pain or spinal stiffness is affecting your work, sleep, walking, exercise or everyday activities, speak with our team about an assessment.

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We Keep You Moving.