[Bone diseases with pain. Spondylosis]

Spondylosis is a common condition but not always symptomatic. Symptoms that manifest are grouped into axial pain, radiculopathy and myelopathy. An understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions allows us to clinically determine whether the patients' symptoms are likely a result of spinal pathology and, in many cases, will also allow us to further localize a specific level within the spine. The most part patients with axial symptoms are best treated without surgery, whereas some patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy will continue to be disabled by their pain or dismobility and may be candidates for surgery. Surgical treatment should be considered in patients who continue to have symptoms in spite of appropriate treatment.