Spondylosis is believed to be caused by problems in the circular disc of cartilage between two vertebral bones. This disc is called the “Annulus fibrosus”. It is prone to degenerative changes with age. As the disc ages, it looses water, fragments and collapses.

This results in direct contact between the adjacent vertebral bones and they start corroding due to friction. The result is the formation of osteophytes which cause painful and restricted joint movements. Other than increasing age, conditions like arthritis and trauma have also been implicated as causes of spondylosis.