Define lumbar spondylosis. Lumbar Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
What is lumbar spondylosis. How does it affect the spine. What are the main symptoms of this condition. How is lumbar spondylosis diagnosed and treated. What lifestyle changes can help manage lumbar spondylosis.
Understanding Lumbar Spondylosis: An Age-Related Spinal Condition
Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the lower back region of the spine. It involves age-related changes to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, often referred to as degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis when localized in the lumbar area. While these changes are a natural part of aging, they can lead to a range of spinal issues varying in severity.
The condition primarily impacts the lumbar vertebrae, which are the five largest and strongest vertebrae in the spinal column. These vertebrae bear the weight of the upper body and provide stability for movement, making them particularly susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Key Characteristics of Lumbar Spondylosis
- Age-related degeneration of spinal structures
- Affects the lower back region
- May or may not cause symptoms
- Can lead to various spine problems
- Severity ranges from mild to severe
The Underlying Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis
The primary cause of lumbar spondylosis is the natural aging process of the human body. As we grow older, several changes occur in the spine:
- Disc degeneration: The intervertebral discs lose water content and become stiffer, less flexible, and more prone to damage.
- Vertebral wear: The bones of the spine experience wear and tear over time.
- Bone spur formation: In response to the increased stress on the vertebrae, the body may form bony outgrowths called osteophytes or bone spurs.
These changes are a normal part of aging, but factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and previous injuries can influence the rate and severity of degeneration.
Risk Factors for Accelerated Spinal Degeneration
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Repetitive physical stress on the spine
- Previous spinal injuries
- Genetic predisposition
Recognizing the Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis
Interestingly, lumbar spondylosis doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. Many individuals with this condition may be unaware of the changes occurring in their spine. However, when symptoms do manifest, they typically include:
- Lower back pain
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day
- Potential nerve-related symptoms if bone spurs compress nerve roots or the spinal cord
When nerve compression occurs, additional symptoms may develop:
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Weakness in the legs
- Aching or shooting pain in the buttocks and legs
Can lumbar spondylosis cause sciatica?
Yes, lumbar spondylosis can potentially cause sciatica. When bone spurs or herniated discs resulting from the condition compress the sciatic nerve, it can lead to sciatica symptoms. These typically include pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates from the lower back down the leg, often affecting only one side of the body.
Diagnostic Approaches for Lumbar Spondylosis
Diagnosing lumbar spondylosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and imaging studies. The process usually includes:
- Patient history: The doctor will inquire about symptoms, their duration, and factors that alleviate or exacerbate the pain.
- Physical examination: This helps assess mobility, strength, and any neurological deficits.
- Imaging tests: Various imaging modalities can provide detailed information about the spinal structures.
Common Imaging Tests for Lumbar Spondylosis
- X-rays: These can reveal the extent of arthritis and bone changes, including the presence of bone spurs and narrowing of disc spaces.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and intervertebral discs. It’s particularly useful for identifying disc herniation or nerve compression.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This imaging technique offers detailed cross-sectional views of the spinal canal, bones, and joints, helping to identify any structural abnormalities.
In some cases, additional tests such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies may be recommended to assess nerve function if neurological symptoms are present.
Treatment Options for Managing Lumbar Spondylosis
The treatment approach for lumbar spondylosis is typically conservative and focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life. The specific treatment plan may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s overall health status.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises can improve strength, flexibility, and posture, potentially reducing pain and improving function.
- Hot and cold therapy: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help manage pain and reduce muscle tension.
- Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modifications can help reduce stress on the spine.
Advanced Treatment Options
For cases where conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, more advanced options may be considered:
- Prescription medications: Stronger pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications may be prescribed.
- Epidural steroid injections: These can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around compressed nerves.
- Surgical interventions: In severe cases, particularly those involving significant nerve compression or spinal instability, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options may include decompression procedures or spinal fusion.
Is surgery always necessary for lumbar spondylosis?
No, surgery is not always necessary for lumbar spondylosis. In fact, most cases can be effectively managed with conservative treatments. Surgery is typically considered only when conservative measures have failed to provide adequate relief, or when there is significant nerve compression causing progressive neurological symptoms or severe, persistent pain that significantly impacts quality of life.
Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care Strategies
While medical treatments play a crucial role in managing lumbar spondylosis, lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies can significantly contribute to symptom management and overall spine health.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular, low-impact exercise can help maintain spine flexibility, strengthen supporting muscles, and improve overall fitness. Beneficial activities may include:
- Swimming or water aerobics
- Walking
- Stationary cycling
- Gentle yoga or tai chi
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure it’s appropriate for your condition.
Ergonomic Considerations
Making ergonomic adjustments in daily life can help reduce stress on the spine:
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Maintain good posture while sitting and standing
- Use ergonomic chairs and supportive mattresses
- Take frequent breaks to stretch and move during prolonged periods of sitting
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the stress on the lumbar spine. Excess weight, particularly around the midsection, can increase the curvature of the lower back, potentially exacerbating symptoms of lumbar spondylosis.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can contribute to muscle tension and pain. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices may help manage pain and improve overall well-being.
Potential Complications and Long-Term Outlook
While lumbar spondylosis is a chronic condition that can’t be reversed, proper management can help prevent or minimize potential complications. Understanding the possible long-term effects and taking proactive steps can significantly impact quality of life.
Possible Complications
- Chronic pain: If left unmanaged, lumbar spondylosis can lead to persistent, chronic lower back pain.
- Reduced mobility: Progressive degeneration and pain may result in decreased spinal flexibility and overall mobility.
- Neurological symptoms: In cases where nerve compression occurs, individuals may experience ongoing neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or radiating pain.
- Spinal stenosis: Advanced lumbar spondylosis can sometimes lead to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause more severe nerve compression.
Long-Term Outlook
The prognosis for individuals with lumbar spondylosis varies widely. Many people can effectively manage their symptoms with conservative treatments and lifestyle modifications, maintaining a good quality of life. Others may experience progressive symptoms that require ongoing medical management or, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Factors that can influence the long-term outlook include:
- Age at onset of symptoms
- Overall health and fitness level
- Adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations
- Presence of other health conditions
- Genetic factors
Can lumbar spondylosis be completely cured?
Lumbar spondylosis cannot be completely cured as it involves degenerative changes to the spine that cannot be reversed. However, with appropriate management, many individuals can effectively control their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life. The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain, improve function, and slow the progression of the condition rather than to achieve a complete cure.
Recent Advancements in Lumbar Spondylosis Research and Treatment
The field of spinal health is continuously evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving our understanding and treatment of conditions like lumbar spondylosis. Some recent areas of focus include:
Regenerative Medicine
Researchers are exploring the potential of regenerative therapies to address spinal degeneration:
- Stem cell therapy: Early studies are investigating the use of stem cells to regenerate damaged disc tissue.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This treatment uses a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to potentially accelerate healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Advancements in surgical technology have led to the development of less invasive procedures for treating severe cases of lumbar spondylosis:
- Endoscopic spine surgery: These procedures use small incisions and specialized instruments, potentially leading to faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications.
- Robotic-assisted surgery: This technology allows for greater precision in spinal surgeries, potentially improving outcomes.
Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
Research is ongoing into more effective ways to deliver pain medication directly to the affected area of the spine, potentially reducing systemic side effects associated with oral medications.
Artificial Disc Replacement
While not new, artificial disc replacement technology continues to improve. These devices aim to maintain spinal mobility in cases where a damaged disc needs to be removed, potentially offering an alternative to spinal fusion in some cases.
How might future treatments for lumbar spondylosis differ from current approaches?
Future treatments for lumbar spondylosis are likely to be more personalized and targeted. They may focus more on addressing the underlying causes of degeneration rather than just managing symptoms. Regenerative therapies could potentially slow or even reverse some aspects of spinal degeneration. Additionally, advancements in imaging and diagnostic technologies may allow for earlier detection and intervention, potentially altering the course of the condition.
As research progresses, it’s important for individuals with lumbar spondylosis to stay informed about new developments and discuss potential new treatment options with their healthcare providers. While many of these advancements are promising, it’s crucial to approach new treatments with a balanced perspective, understanding that further research and clinical trials may be necessary to establish their long-term efficacy and safety.
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Lumbar Spondylosis
- Discs of the Spine
- Spinal cord anatomy
Condition Basics
What is lumbar spondylosis?
Spondylosis is age-related change of the bones (vertebrae) and discs of the spine. These changes are often called degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. When this condition is in the lower back, it’s called lumbar spondylosis.
These changes don’t always cause symptoms. But they are a common cause of spine problems that can range from mild to severe.
What causes it?
As your body ages, the discs between the bones of the spine become stiffer and can break down. The bones also wear down and can grow bone spurs.
What are the symptoms?
There are often no symptoms. When there are symptoms, back pain and stiffness are the main ones. They are usually worse in the morning and get better throughout the day.
If bony growths are pushing against a nerve root or the spinal cord, you may have numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in your buttock and leg.
How is it diagnosed?
Lumbar spondylosis can usually be diagnosed based on your history of symptoms, a physical exam, and imaging tests. These are tests that produce various kinds of pictures of your body. Such tests include:
- X-rays. They can help measure the extent of arthritis or injuries to the bones.
- MRI. This test checks your spinal nerves and looks for disc problems.
- CT scan. This test checks your spinal canal, bones, and joints.
How is lumbar spondylosis treated?
Pain and stiffness are first treated with ice or heat and with over-the-counter medicines. Physical therapy and daily exercises can be helpful.
If these treatments aren’t helping you enough, you may need other treatments. This might be more likely to happen if you have spine problems such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. In some cases, a shot of medicine in the joint area may offer short-term relief. For a severe problem, surgery may be an option.
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Lumbar Spondylosis | HealthLink BC
Topic Contents
- Condition Basics
- Related Information
- Credits
Condition Basics
What is lumbar spondylosis?
Spondylosis is age-related change of the bones (vertebrae) and discs of the spine. These changes are often called degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. When this condition is in the lower back, it’s called lumbar spondylosis.
These changes don’t always cause symptoms. But they are a common cause of spine problems that can range from mild to severe.
What causes it?
As your body ages, the discs between the bones of the spine become stiffer and can break down. The bones also wear down and can grow bone spurs.
What are the symptoms?
There are often no symptoms. When there are symptoms, back pain and stiffness are the main ones. They are usually worse in the morning and get better throughout the day.
If bony growths are pushing against a nerve root or the spinal cord, you may have numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in your buttock and leg.
How is it diagnosed?
Lumbar spondylosis can usually be diagnosed based on your history of symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging tests. These are tests that produce various kinds of pictures of your body. Such tests include:
- X-rays. They can help measure the extent of arthritis or injuries to the bones.
- MRI. This test checks your spinal nerves and looks for disc problems.
- CT scan. This test checks your spinal canal, bones, and joints.
How is lumbar spondylosis treated?
Pain and stiffness are first treated with ice or heat and with over-the-counter medicines. Physiotherapy and daily exercises can be helpful.
If these treatments aren’t helping you enough, you may need other treatments. This might be more likely to happen if you have spine problems such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. In some cases, a shot of medicine in the joint area may offer short-term relief. For a severe problem, surgery may be an option.
Credits
- Discs of the Spine
- Spinal cord anatomy
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Spinal spondylosis what is it, treatment of spondylosis in Moscow
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About disease
Spondylosis of the spine is a chronic disease in which bone outgrowths form on the bodies of the vertebrae. They are called osteophytes or spondylophytes. They are not bothersome at first, but over time they can lead to stiffness of the neck, lower back, or back.
Stopping the development of spondylosis in time means avoiding its complications, restoring working capacity, getting rid of pain and stiffness in the neck, back, lower back, or significantly reducing these symptoms. Treatment at the clinic “Tibet” gives these results more than 90% of cases.
What is spondylosis?
Spondylosis often occurs against the background of osteochondrosis, but differs from it. Osteochondrosis is an independent disease. Spondylosis is not so much a disease as a response of the spine. The main role in this is played not by the nucleus pulposus of the disc (as in osteochondrosis), but by the longitudinal ligament of the spine and the rigid ring of the disc, which consists of fibrous tissue. Therefore, the methods of treatment for these two diagnoses are different.
Symptoms of spondylosis
At the first stage, osteophytes almost do not manifest themselves. They can be suspected only by difficult turns of the head, stiffness, heaviness in the lower back, back. Over time, aching or dull pain is added to the stiffness. Usually it increases with long standing, movements, but persists at rest.
A person suffering from spondylosis cannot find a comfortable position for the head during sleep for a long time due to the constant feeling of discomfort. In lumbar spondylosis, it curls up to relieve pain, tension, and discomfort.
The next stage in the development of spondylosis is the gradual convergence and fusion of osteophytes. It is accompanied by a decrease in the gaps between the vertebrae through which the nerve roots pass. There is pinching, compression of the nerves, which causes severe pain and additional muscle spasm. Due to constant tension, muscle pains are added.
The stiffness of the affected spine progresses. At this stage, additional symptoms appear. In the cervical region, this is numbness of the hand (fingers), pain in the back of the head, headache, pressure instability. Thoracic spondylosis is manifested by pain and stiffness between the shoulder blades, chest pain. In the lumbar region, these are unpleasant sensations in the buttock, heaviness, stiffness, cold, decreased sensitivity in the legs.
Causes
Why do osteophytes occur?
To understand the cause of spondylosis, you need to have a general idea of the anatomy of the spine. It consists of three dozen vertebrae, which are interconnected by elastic pads – disks. In addition, the spine is held together by two longitudinal ligaments – the posterior and anterior. These ligaments are attached to the vertebrae.
With age or due to a sedentary lifestyle, metabolic processes in the discs and ligaments of the spine are disturbed. In the first case, this is due to dehydration of the body. In the second case – with persistent spasms in the lower, middle or upper back and neck.
Spasms disrupt blood flow to the discs of the spine. There is a lack of nutrients and building material, dehydration of the discs and their drying out. These changes are accompanied by a loss of elasticity. The disk can no longer withstand the loads that become even greater due to muscle spasms as before. The pressure inside the disc increases and the surrounding annulus begins to bulge. At the same time, it tears off a section of the anterior ligament from the spine. There is a microtrauma.
As a result of this long process, the vertebrae gradually lose their support. In response to them, growths are formed that increase the area of \u200b\u200bsupport in order to restore stability. These growths are osteophytes, and the process of their occurrence and growth is spondylosis. An additional factor in its development can be calcification, that is, precipitation of calcium salts in the anterior longitudinal ligament.
Treatment
How to treat spondylosis?
The goal of spondylosis treatment in “Tibet” is to stop the development of osteophytes, relieve symptoms, increase mobility and range of motion in the neck, lower back, back, restore quality of life and performance. These results are achieved by the complex application of the methods of oriental medicine.
Stage 1 (Diagnosis, pain relief)
At the initial appointment, the doctor conducts a diagnosis. Feeling the back along the spine, he finds areas of muscle tension. Examines the degree of effort when turning the body, neck. Neurological reflexes are studied to determine the degree of pinched nerves. In the absence of images, the patient is sent for an x-ray. In the presence of concomitant osteochondrosis and suspicion of protrusion or hernia of the spine, an MRI is prescribed.
After receiving the examination data, the doctor makes an individual course of treatment. In the presence of acute symptoms, it begins with relief of pain and muscle tension. This is done with the help of massage (acupressure, therapeutic) and acupuncture. At this stage, the sensitivity of numb fingers and other parts of the body is restored. Relieve symptoms associated with pinched nerves in the spine.
2nd stage (Improvement of the spine)
At this stage, the doctor acts on the causes of the formation and growth of osteophytes. Spondylosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease. Therefore, for its treatment, it is necessary to normalize the metabolic processes in the spine, start the process of healing and restoration of connective tissues.
This can be done in only one way – to eliminate muscle spasms, reduce the load on the spine and improve blood flow to the intervertebral discs. For this, our clinic uses complex therapy of oriental medicine.
Typically, the treatment course includes from 9 to 15 treatment sessions. In many cases, the treatment of spondylosis is carried out simultaneously with the treatment of osteochondrosis or its complications.
Methods of treatment of spondylosis
Acupuncture
It is used at the 1st and 2nd stages of the treatment of spondylosis. It relieves pain, eliminates numbness and restores sensitivity in the fingers and toes. Helps reduce muscle tension, spasms, remove swelling and inflammation in places of pinched nerves.
Acupressure
Removes tension, relieves muscle spasms, reduces the load on the spine. Increases blood circulation, blood flow to the affected areas of the spine, reduces inflammation. Helps to eliminate stiffness, heaviness in the muscles, improve the mobility of the neck, back, lower back.
Moxibustion
Stimulates the healing and restoration of connective tissues in the discs and ligaments of the spine, improves blood circulation, warms and relaxes tense muscles, enhances the effect of acupuncture.
Stone therapy
Heated stones are laid out along the spine, with their help, the doctor warms up and relaxes the muscles, improves blood circulation. Rubbing the back with heated stones, the doctor relieves muscle tension, stimulates blood circulation.
Hirudotherapy
It helps to remove blood stasis in the muscles of the back, vascular edema in the spine, improves blood circulation, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Vacuum therapy
Creates blood flow, relaxes muscles, improves metabolism, nutrition of the connective tissues of the spine.
Results of spondylosis treatment
Positive results are achieved in 95-98% of cases of spondylosis treatment in the Tibet clinic in Moscow and St. Petersburg:
pain, numbness, heaviness, stiffness and other symptoms of spondylosis and concomitant osteochondrosis decrease or disappear,
pain in the back of the head, head, pressure instability, pain in the chest, buttock and other associated symptoms,
improves mobility of the neck, lower back, back,
growth of osteophytes stops, complications of spondylosis and osteochondrosis are prevented,
sleep improves, the quality of life and working capacity are restored.
CONTENT:
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Common myths about spondylosis
1. “The cause of spondylosis is salt deposits”.
Osteophytes are not salt deposits, they consist of bone tissue. Therefore, they cannot be dissolved. One of the factors of the disease, indeed, is the precipitation of calcium salts in the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. But this has nothing to do with osteophytes.
The essence of this disease is not the deposition of salts. This is how spondylosis differs from gout. Its cause is a metabolic disorder due to poor blood supply and nutrition of the spine. It occurs due to constant muscle tension, as a result of which the muscles become dense and hard. For the same reason, osteochondrosis develops. Therefore, these two diseases often coexist with each other.
2. “Spondylosis can be treated with ointments.”
Ointments for back pain are anti-inflammatory drugs. They have a moderate analgesic effect, but do not affect the cause of the pain. Their use helps in cases where a pinched nerve in the back is accompanied by inflammation. The pain decreases for a while, but the growth of osteophytes continues, the symptoms of the disease intensify, and its complications become more serious. Only complex treatment can stop this process. No ointment can replace it.
3. “Spondylosis is a separate disease.”
In fact, osteophytes are a response. Such reactions of the body are called compensatory. Their task is to compensate for the changes that have occurred. The reasons for these changes can be injuries, high loads, metabolic disorders, such as osteochondrosis. There is no independent genetic, autoimmune or infectious cause of spondylosis.
4. “Spondylosis can be cured with manual therapy.”
In some cases of this disease, manual therapy is used. But this is not the main, but an additional method. It is used for concomitant osteochondrosis, neuralgia, pinched spinal roots. With its help, you can reduce the load on the spine, pinched nerves. It is impossible to cure spondylosis with manual therapy.
5. “It is useless to treat spondylosis.”
A variant of this myth: “Only surgery can help with spondylosis.” Both are wrong. Some consider spondylosis an inevitable sign of old age that has no cure. In fact, osteophytes that have formed cannot be eliminated. But to stop their development, it is possible to significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease. Complications can be prevented. For this, it is not necessary to resort to surgery.
Surgical treatment of spondylosis is indicated in rare cases. Much more often it is used with a concomitant complication of osteochondrosis – intervertebral hernia. But even in these cases, treatment without surgery is possible.
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Symptoms and treatment of spondylosis of the lumbar spine
The term spondylosis in medicine is a degenerative process in the spine, leading to the formation of bone growths along the edges of the vertebral bodies. You can literally see the processes occurring in the vertebral body on an x-ray. The x-ray image shows distinct contours of the vertebrae and pronounced bone formations of various shapes – osteophytes. Osteophytes – calling card spondylosis . If the growth of osteophytes is not interrupted, the process ends with the fusion of two vertebrae with each other. Depending on the location of spondylosis is called the corresponding anatomical structures of the spine: spondylosis of the cervical spine, spondylosis of the thoracic spine, spondylosis of the lumbar spine . Cervical spondylosis occurs more often in people of intellectual labor – this is due to a long, monotonous, sitting position due to which the cervical spine experiences prolonged stress. Lumbar spondylosis is diagnosed mainly in people of physical labor. In most cases, at the initial stage spondylosis is asymptomatic and reveals itself only during an examination on suspicion of other diseases: osteochondrosis, disc protrusion, spinal disc herniation, etc. The prevalence of spondylosis among the population is not uniform. Predominantly spondylosis affects people older than middle age. Possible clinical manifestations of spondylosis among young people, as a rule, this is facilitated by a pathologically twisted posture. An important place in the prevention and treatment of spondylosis of the spine is occupied by therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, the development of a culture of movement and compliance with safety precautions when working with weights.
Symptoms characteristic of spondylosis
Back pain in spondylosis is not pronounced acute or shooting character. Back pain may or may not be present. More often, patients complain of a feeling of stiffness in the back, a feeling of fatigue in the neck, lower back, aching pains that disappear when the affected area is kneaded. Meteorological dependence of the area affected by spondylosis is also observed. For these reasons, spondylosis can only be detected after a thorough neurological examination using radiation diagnostic methods: radiography, magnetic resonance imaging.
Why does spondylosis occur?
There is no consensus on the causes of spondylosis among specialists: surgeons, orthopedists, neurologists. But the main thing can still be distinguished. The occurrence of spondylosis is largely promoted by a sedentary lifestyle, or as you can often hear now – physical inactivity. One-time physical activity against the background of physical inactivity (mainly seasonal trips to the country, as well as seasonal trips to fitness centers and sports clubs) lead to microtrauma of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine, which entails the reaction of replacing injured ligaments with bone tissue and the development of spondylosis
Who can diagnose spondylosis and how?
The risk group for the manifestation of symptoms of spondylosis includes the majority of the able-bodied male population employed both in physical work and in the field of mental workers. Of course, spondylosis also occurs in women with the same distribution of symptoms by type of work, but still, the ratio of the number of patients with spondylosis to the total mass of healthy people is clearly not on the side of men. Early diagnosis of the disease allows you to start treatment of spondylosis of the entire spine, as well as the lumbar region, in a timely manner and protect yourself from the transition of spondylosis to a chronic form, and also not to wait until the moment when only radical methods of surgery will be effective treatment. To diagnose spondylosis, you just need to take an x-ray of the spine. In case of detection of osteophytes, the main signs of spondylosis, we recommend that you undergo an additional examination on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which will allow you to see what X-ray diagnostics cannot show. MRI clearly demonstrates the condition of the ligaments of the spine and the condition of the intervertebral disc. Since ligaments are at the first line of contact with osteophytes in spondylosis, monitoring their condition will help to avoid such a dangerous situation. 0191 complications of spondylosis, such as a herniated disc of the spine .
Treatment of spondylosis
We use time-tested natural methods to restore the body in various pathologies of the spine. In the treatment of spinal spondylosis, the use of hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches), homeopathic preparations from Hell (Germany), safe hardware traction of the spine, a rich arsenal of techniques for gentle manual impact on the spine and, of course, therapeutic exercises have proven themselves well.
Before touching on the topic of treatment, it should be pointed out that treatment does not mean the elimination of symptoms of back pain and external manifestations of the disease, but rather therapeutic measures that help eliminate the causes that lead to spinal pathology and back pain of a chronic or acute nature. Pharmacological / drug assistance for back pain justifies itself only at the initial stage of the acute course of the disease, when all means of drug therapy are good for the speedy removal of an acute pain attack in the lumbar or any other area of the back and ridding a person of a sense of fear.