Symptoms of spondylosis: Here’s what your aching spine is trying to tell you

Spondylosis is a medical term for wear and tear in your spine. “It can happen in your neck (called cervical), mid-back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbar) (Image: Pexels)

People often ignore issues like a stiff neck, lower back ache after sitting for hours, or a strange tingling in the arm or leg. Most of them either self medicate or shrug off the problem completely, calling it a poor posture problem or wrong sleeping position.

But what if your spine is actually trying to warn you? Multiple studies say these everyday aches could be early symptoms of spondylosis, a condition that slowly wears down your spine.

Spondylosis is a medical term for wear and tear in your spine. “It can happen in your neck (called cervical), mid-back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbar). It often starts with stiffness, pain, or numbness, and builds up over time,” says Dr Vuppu Ravikanth, Consultant Neuro and Spine Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada. “People think it’s just part of getting older, but that’s not always true. Spondylosis can affect younger people too, especially with the lifestyles we live today,” he adds.

Also read | The truth about back pain: 5 myths you need to stop believing

5 early symptoms of spine problem:

• Nagging pain or stiffness in your back or neck: If your back feels tight every morning, or your neck hurts after sitting at a desk, it’s worth paying attention.

• Pain that spreads to your shoulders, arms, or legs: This can happen when nerves in your spine are getting squeezed, a common sign of cervical or lumbar spondylosis.

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness: If you are feeling pins and needles or your hands "going to sleep", it may mean a nerve is under pressure.

• Dizziness or headaches from the neck: “Neck issues can sometimes trigger migraines, vertigo, or even balance problems,” Dr Ravikanth explains.

• Pain while bending, walking, or lifting: If normal movements make your back hurt, your spine may be under stress and needs attention.

Who's at risk

Says Dr Ravikant, "Previously it was older people. But we see it now in people in their 30s.” Your lifestyle, he adds, plays a huge role. While spondylosis becomes more common with age, anyone can develop it. Those at risk include:

• People who sit for long hours (like IT workers)
• Dancers, gym-goers, or athletes
• Smokers and those who are overweight
• People with a family history of spine issues

• Sit straight, especially when working or using screens
• Stay active with gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga
• Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Quit smoking and manage your weight
• Remember to take short breaks during long hours of sitting