1) Spondylosis is a degenerative disorder that causes general wear and tear in the spine and is common in people over age 60.
2) It can affect the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions of the spine and may cause loss of normal spinal shape and function as well as pain.
3) The causes include aging as the discs dehydrate and lose support for the vertebrae, repetitive strain, smoking, genetics, and previous injuries. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.