Spondylosis is a type of arthritis spurred by wear and tear to the spine. It happens when discs and joints degenerate, when bone spurs grow on the vertebrae, or both. These changes can impair the spine’s movement and affect the nerves and other functions.Cervical spondylosis is the most common type of progressive disorder that affects the neck during aging.According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85 percent of people older than 60 have cervical spondylosis.Other types of spondylosis develop in different parts of the spine:Thoracic spondylosis affects the middle of the spine.Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower back.Multilevel spondylosis affects more than one part of the spine.The effects of spondylosis vary among individuals, but they do not usually cause serious problems.When a person has symptoms, these are often pain and stiffness that tend to come and go.Spinal osteoarthritis is another term for spondylosis. Osteoarthritis describes arthritis that results from wear and tear. It can affect any joint in the body.