Spondylosis, Spondylitis, Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis

There is a plethora of technical terms used to describe the various ailments of spine; often used inter-changebly, and more often mis-interpreted by the patients.
I want to offer a simple explanation to all these terms, to avoid every patient of neck pain or back pain, being labeled as spondylitis.

Spondylosis : This is used to define a degenerative condition of the spine, which usually develops in patients over 50 years of age; and is primarily related to changes as a result of wear and tear. This presents with prolonged duration of symptoms, worsening at a steady pace.

Spondylitis : Refers to the inflammation of the spinous process, as a result of infection or an immune mediated pathology e.g. Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Spondylolysis : It is a developmental or congenital disorder wherein there is a defect in the pars-interarticularis, defined as the segment of bone joining the two articular processes which participate in the formation of facet joints. It is usually considered to be a precursor of Spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis : The relative movement of one vertebrae over the one immediately below it. It may follow Spondylolysis, or may occur following trauma/ degenerative changes. This pathology may require surgical intervention, if the shift is more than 50 percent, and there is impending pressure on the spinal nerve roots.