Degenerative Spondylitis: Understanding Cervical Spondylosis Causes and Symptoms

05.04.198007.12.2021 by alexxlab

What are the main symptoms of cervical spondylosis. How is degenerative spondylitis diagnosed. What treatment options are available for cervical spondylosis. Who is at risk for developing degenerative spondylitis. Can cervical spondylosis be prevented.

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What is Spondylosis? Understanding the Basics of Spinal Osteoarthritis

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the spine that occurs naturally as we age. It’s a form of spinal osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, which causes the gradual breakdown of cartilage in joints. In spondylosis, this breakdown happens in the facet joints of the spine.

The spine consists of 33 vertebrae with cushioning discs between most of them. These vertebrae are connected by facet joints, which are the primary targets of spondylosis. As the condition progresses, it can affect various regions of the spine:

Cervical (neck)
Thoracic (upper, mid-back)
Lumbar (low back)
Lumbosacral (low back/sacrum)

Is spondylosis a serious condition? While common, spondylosis is usually not severe. Many people with the condition experience no pain, though it can be painful for some. Most patients with spinal osteoarthritis will not require surgery. However, it is a degenerative condition that may worsen with age.

The Prevalence of Spondylosis: Who is Affected?

Spondylosis is remarkably common, especially as people age. How prevalent is this condition?

More than 80% of people over 40 show evidence of spondylosis on X-rays.
Lumbar spondylosis is especially common in people over 40.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, spinal osteoarthritis may affect up to 75% of people over 60.

When do symptoms typically first appear? Patients usually report their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 50 years, though it’s most likely to affect people over 60.

The Mechanics of Spondylosis: How It Affects Discs and Bones

To understand spondylosis, it’s crucial to grasp how it affects the spine’s structures. How does spondylosis impact intervertebral discs?

Intervertebral discs act as cushions between vertebrae, serving as shock absorbers by retaining water. As we age, these discs begin to dry out, losing their shock-absorbing capability. This process transmits more load to the vertebrae, sometimes resulting in bone spur formation, a condition known as degenerative disc disease (DDD).

What are bone spurs and how do they form in spondylosis? Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along bone edges. In spondylosis, they form as the body’s response to stress, attempting to stabilize the affected spinal segment. These bone spurs can potentially pinch a spinal nerve root, causing inflammation and pain.

The Role of Facet Joints in Spondylosis

Spinal osteoarthritis significantly affects the facet joints of the vertebrae, which is why it’s also known as facet joint syndrome, facet joint arthritis, or facet disease. How does degenerative disc disease contribute to facet joint problems?

As the discs between vertebrae thin out due to DDD, more pressure is placed on the facet joints. This increased pressure leads to more friction and subsequent damage to the cartilage in these joints. Dr. Barrett Woods, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, explains that in facet joints, similar to knees or hips, “the cartilage surfaces break down, leading to pain and stiffness.”

Recognizing the Symptoms of Spondylosis

Identifying spondylosis symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. What are the common signs of this condition?

Pain and stiffness in the affected area of the spine
Reduced range of motion
Muscle weakness
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Headaches (particularly in cervical spondylosis)

Do symptoms vary depending on the affected spinal region? Yes, symptoms can differ based on whether spondylosis affects the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. For instance, cervical spondylosis might cause neck pain and headaches, while lumbar spondylosis typically results in lower back pain and potential sciatica symptoms.

Risk Factors for Developing Spondylosis

Understanding the risk factors for spondylosis can help in prevention and early intervention. What increases one’s likelihood of developing this condition?

Age: The primary risk factor, as spondylosis is largely age-related
Genetics: Family history can play a role
Occupation: Jobs involving repetitive movements or heavy lifting
Previous spine injuries
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the spine
Smoking: Can accelerate disc degeneration
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise can weaken supporting muscles

Can lifestyle modifications reduce the risk of spondylosis? While some risk factors like age and genetics are unavoidable, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, proper posture, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk or severity of spondylosis.

Diagnosing Spondylosis: From Symptoms to Imaging

Accurate diagnosis of spondylosis is crucial for effective treatment. How do healthcare professionals diagnose this condition?

Medical history: Discussing symptoms and any relevant past injuries or conditions
Physical examination: Assessing range of motion, strength, and areas of pain or tenderness
Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to visualize spinal structures
Nerve conduction studies: To check for any nerve compression or damage

What specific signs do doctors look for in imaging tests? In X-rays, doctors may observe bone spurs, narrowed disc spaces, or changes in facet joints. MRI scans can provide more detailed images of soft tissues, helping identify disc degeneration or nerve compression.

The Importance of Differential Diagnosis

Why is differential diagnosis crucial in spondylosis? Many conditions can mimic spondylosis symptoms, including:

Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Fibromyalgia
Rheumatoid arthritis

Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment and helps rule out more serious conditions that may require immediate intervention.

Treatment Options for Spondylosis: From Conservative to Surgical

Managing spondylosis often involves a multi-faceted approach. What are the primary treatment options available?

Conservative Treatments

For most patients, conservative treatments are the first line of defense. These may include:

Physical therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and posture
Pain medications: NSAIDs or acetaminophen for pain relief
Hot and cold therapy: To reduce inflammation and ease pain
Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, ergonomic adjustments, exercise
Corticosteroid injections: For temporary pain relief in severe cases

How effective are these conservative treatments? Many patients find significant relief through these non-invasive methods. Physical therapy, in particular, can be highly effective in managing symptoms and improving overall spine health.

Surgical Interventions

When is surgery considered for spondylosis? Surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide relief or when there’s significant nerve compression. Surgical options may include:

Decompression procedures: To relieve pressure on nerves
Spinal fusion: To stabilize the affected spinal segment
Disc replacement: In some cases of cervical spondylosis

What are the potential risks and benefits of surgery for spondylosis? While surgery can provide significant relief for some patients, it carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and potential complications from anesthesia. The decision to undergo surgery should be made carefully in consultation with a spine specialist.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Spondylosis

Many patients explore complementary and alternative treatments to manage spondylosis symptoms. What are some popular options?

Acupuncture: May help with pain relief
Massage therapy: Can reduce muscle tension and improve circulation
Yoga: Improves flexibility and strengthens supporting muscles
Chiropractic care: May provide short-term relief for some patients
Herbal supplements: Some report benefits from supplements like turmeric or glucosamine

Are these alternative treatments scientifically proven? While some patients report benefits from these treatments, scientific evidence for their effectiveness in treating spondylosis is often limited. It’s important to discuss any alternative treatments with a healthcare provider before starting them.

Living with Spondylosis: Lifestyle Changes and Self-Management

Managing spondylosis often requires long-term lifestyle adjustments. What changes can help improve quality of life for those with this condition?

Regular exercise: Focus on low-impact activities like swimming or cycling
Maintaining a healthy weight: Reduces stress on the spine
Proper posture: Especially important during work or while using electronic devices
Ergonomic adjustments: At home and in the workplace
Stress management: Chronic stress can exacerbate pain
Healthy diet: Anti-inflammatory foods may help manage symptoms

How can patients effectively self-manage their spondylosis symptoms? Keeping a pain diary can help identify triggers and track the effectiveness of treatments. Regular communication with healthcare providers is also crucial for adjusting treatment plans as needed.

The Importance of Mental Health in Spondylosis Management

Why is addressing mental health crucial in managing spondylosis? Chronic pain conditions like spondylosis can significantly impact mental health, potentially leading to depression or anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or support groups can be beneficial in coping with the emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition.

By understanding spondylosis, its symptoms, and treatment options, patients can work with their healthcare providers to develop effective management strategies. While spondylosis is a common part of aging, it doesn’t have to significantly impact quality of life. With proper care and management, many people with spondylosis can maintain active, fulfilling lifestyles.

Spondylosis Center – Spinal Osteoarthritis

Peer Reviewed

The Universal Guide to Spondylosis: Everything you ever wanted to know, straight from the experts.

Spondylosis can feel like a metaphor for the aging process. That slow march of wear and tear is happening to us all, whether we feel it or see it. One day you look in the mirror and think, “Where’d all this salt-and-pepper hair come from?” Spondylosis can be sneaky like that, except instead of grey hairs you get back pain. Yay.

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition that may worsen as a person grows older. It can affect any region of the spine. Photo Source: 123RF.com.Technically, spondylosis is a form of arthritis—spinal osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis) to be exact. We tend to think of arthritis as something you get in your hands and knees, but the spine, and all of its bones and joints, can fall victim to its grip as well. And yes, while it’s most likely to affect people in the 60+ range, patients typically report their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 50 years (massive range, right?).

More than 80% of people older than 40 years show evidence of the condition on X-rays. Lumbar, or lower back, spondylosis is especially common in people older than 40 years. According to the Arthritis Foundation, spinal osteoarthritis may affect as many as 75% of everyone over the age of 60.

Nobody (except little kids) wants to get older, but you have to. But you don’t have to get spondylosis, and if you do get it, you don’t have to let it destroy your quality of life. Here’s everything you need to know about spondylosis: Its causes and symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and maybe most important, how to manage and prevent it.

What is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis describes the general degeneration of the spine that can occur in joints, discs, and bones of the spine as we age.

“Arthritis” is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that cause painful joints, and in the case of spondylosis, the spine is full of joints that can be affected. Osteoarthritis—which is what spondylosis is—is the most common type.

Bones in a joint need to glide smoothly together. Articular cartilage, which is cartilage that wraps the ends of bones in a joint, allows that smooth gliding and helps prevent painful and damaging bone-on-bone contact. Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of this cartilage. It’s also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, because it just sort of happens naturally over a lifetime of joint movement.

Your spine is a column made of 33 bones called vertebrae. Cushion-like pads called discs are tucked between most vertebrae, which protects the spine and makes it flexible. And within this column of vertebrae lies the spinal cord. Vertebrae are connected by facet joints, which are the victims in spondylosis.

Spondylosis is common, but it is usually not serious. Many who have it experience no pain, though it can be painful for some. Most patients with spinal osteoarthritis will not need surgery. However, it is a degenerative condition that may worsen as a person grows older, and can affect any region of the spine, including:

Cervical — neck
Thoracic — upper, mid-back
Lumbar — low back
Lumbosacral — low back/sacrum

How Does Spondylosis Affect Discs and Cause Bone Spurs to Form?

To better understand the implications of spondylosis, it helps to learn about the challenges that can arise. Intervertebral discs serve as the cushion between the bone and function as a major shock absorber by retaining water. As we age, the discs begin to dry out and, as a result, can lose their shock-absorbing capability, transmitting more load to the vertebrae, sometimes resulting in bone spur formation (that’s degenerative disc disease, or DDD). Our bodies respond to stress by forming bone in an attempt to stabilize the segment.

Bone spurs can pinch a spinal nerve root and cause inflammation and pain. Photo Source: SpineUniverse.com.Spinal osteoarthritis also affects the facet joints of the vertebrae — which is why it is also known as facet joint syndrome, facet joint arthritis, or facet disease. And, DDD may contribute to the problem. As the discs between the vertebrae become thinner, more pressure is placed on the facet joints, leading to more friction and, subsequently, damage to the cartilage.

Barrett Woods, MD, a board certified orthopedic surgeon with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at AtlantiCare, and assistant professor of spine surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, says that in facet joints, just like a knee or hip, “the cartilage surfaces breaks down, causing bones to rub together, which can form bone spurs or enlarge the joint (hypertrophy) in an attempt to stabilize the segment.”

What Are Spondylosis Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of spondylosis.

While spondylosis can affect the joints anywhere along the spine, it occurs more commonly in the neck and low back. The neck is susceptible because it supports the head’s weight throughout a wide range of movement—according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85% of those over the age of 60 have cervical spondylosis. The low back is at risk because it manages and distributes most of the body’s weight and related structural stresses. More than 80% of those over the age of 40 may have lumbar spondylosis in the United States, though the majority are asymptomatic (have no symptoms and feel no pain).

Although many with the condition do experience varying levels of discomfort, the positive news is that spondylosis does not always cause pain. According to Dr. Woods, “when spondylosis of the spine does result in pain, it is non-radiating, but can affect range of motion. If the spondylosis progresses to compressing the nerves in the neck or lower back, it will likely result in pain numbness or weakness in the arms and legs.”

Common symptoms can include:

Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity or rest, such as waking up after a nap.

Paresthesias, or abnormal sensations, may develop — such as numbness or tingling.

Limited range of motion in affected joints.

Pain can result from a bulging or herniated disc that impinges or pinches a spinal nerve (see diagram below). Nerves compressed in the neck can cause neck pain to radiate down into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Similarly, if the low back is affected, the patient may experience buttock pain and sciatica, a type of nerve-related leg pain.

While not as common, Dr. Woods pointed out that “spondylosis can affect the alignment of the back, which can make it difficult to stand upright.”

What Are Risk Factors for Developing Spondylosis?

While spondylosis is often associated with aging, certain genetic predispositions, and injuries may increase a person’s risk of developing spinal osteoarthritis. Aside from normal wear and tear and specific autoimmune triggers, in many cases of spondylosis, the cause remains unknown.

According to Dr. Jacob LaSalle, board certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at Hudson Medical, common risk factors include:

Being overweight or obese

Having certain conditions like diabetes, gout, psoriasis, tuberculosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Lyme disease

How Do Doctors Diagnose Spondylosis?

To diagnose spinal osteoarthritis, a doctor will need to conduct a physical and neurological examination — and look closely at a patient’s spine and range of motion when bending forward, backward, and side-to-side. The physician will note the shape of the spine, including any abnormal curvatures, and will palpate or feel the spine to detect any tender spots, muscle tightness, spasms, bumps, or areas of inflammation.

Your physician will evaluate your pain level, along with other symptoms such as weakness or paresthesias, and take X-rays to detect bone spurs or loss of disc height, which can be a sign of degenerative disc disease. Your doctor may also order a CT (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to view degenerative changes and abnormalities in the spine’s soft tissues. Depending on your symptoms, you may undergo other diagnostic tests.

X-rays can show bone spurs, while other types of imaging can depict soft tissue changes.What Are Some Common Nonoperative Spondylosis Treatment Options?

“Spondylosis is treated with a multi-modal therapeutic approach, which best addresses the multi-faceted nature of the disease,” said Dr. LaSalle. “Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment in most cases, which helps to protect and strengthen the vulnerable areas of the spine. Complementary and alternative treatments such as massage and acupuncture can also be utilized as part of a holistic treatment approach.”

The overall goal of nonoperative treatment is to improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that surround the spine so they can act like the world’s greatest back and neck brace. Luckily, most patients respond favorably to nonsurgical treatments like anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and injections.

Radiofrequency ablation of the nerves that innervate the painful and arthritic joints of the spine (usually facet joints) can provide pain relief for three to six months by stopping nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Strengthening exercises can help improve spinal flexibility, build strength, and endurance.
No-impact aerobic exercie improves overall circulation, resting muscle tone (which leads to better posture), and decreases inflammation

What Are Common Surgery Options for Spondylosis?

If you are diagnosed with spondylosis, we want you to know that spine surgery is seldom needed to treat spinal osteoarthritis that develops in the neck or back. However, in some cases, spondylosis symptoms can become progressively worse to the point that first-line therapies and middle-of-the-road treatments do not provide adequate pain or symptom relief.

Dr. Woods shared that “common reasons for surgery include nerve or spinal cord compression, which, if it becomes severe, can lead to significant arm or leg weakness and numbness. In some of these cases, back or neck surgery may be recommended.”

Surgery for spondylosis has two main components—removing what is causing pain and fusing the spine to control movement—and are respectively known as decompression and stabilization surgery.

Dr. Woods added, “if there is mechanical instability or misalignment due to the degenerative changes, surgery may be indicated.” He emphasized that the goal of surgery for spondylosis is to remove pressure from the nerves or spinal cord, which can be accomplished in several ways, but most commonly looks to remove bone spurs or herniated discs.

Some of the more common surgical interventions for spondylosis include:

Decompression surgeries to remove bones spurs (foraminotomy), herniated discs (discectomy), or part of the vertebra (facetectomy)
Stabilization surgery like spinal fusion to stabilize vertebral segments using bone graft and hardware if they are moving abnormally.
In some patients, disc replacement may be a good option, especially if you want to avoid fusion and spare motion.

Often, a decompression and fusion are done simultaneously. If a spinal surgical procedure is being considered, your doctor will look at many different factors, like your overall health, to evaluate if you are a good candidate for surgery and decide on the best type of surgery for your situation.

What Are Some Complementary and Alternative Treatment Options for Spondylosis?

“While generally lacking robust clinical studies to support their efficacy, many complementary and alternative treatments have been used effectively to relieve pain related to spondylosis and degenerative conditions of the spine,” shared Dr. LaSalle. Some of these treatments include chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, hypnotherapy, cryotherapy, and psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback.

Newer treatments include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, stem cell injections, and laser endoscopic annuloplasty surgery. However, these treatments need to be studied more before they’re adopted into widespread use. They’re also not typically covered by insurance, meaning the whole cost will be on you to pay. Proceed with caution.

One of the safest and viable treatment options for anyone suffering from spondylosis is acupuncture. “While high-quality clinical trials have not definitively shown a benefit, copious anecdotal reports and case series have demonstrated positive clinical outcomes, which given its low-risk profile, render it an intervention worth considering as part of a multi-modal treatment approach for degenerative conditions of the spine,” added Dr. LaSalle. “Potential therapeutic mechanisms include modulation of local blood flow and modulation of the body’s endogenous opioid and analgesic mechanisms.”

Acupuncture is an effective complementary and alternative treatment for many people with spondylosis.What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent Spondylosis?

“Osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and softening happen to us all as we age,” commented Dr. Woods, “but being active and living a healthy lifestyle can help slow the onset of them or make them less severe.” You know what that means because you’ve read it a million times, but we’ll say it again: eat a balanced diet and do regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Woods added that “there is some solid data which supports that an anti-inflammatory diet might decrease pain.”

Dr. LaSalle advises that “ reducing emotional and physical stress through mindfulness and stress-reduction strategies” is key to mitigating or preventing spondylosis. Smoking? Stop. Seriously.

Finally, you need to keep your mind right. Part of that is being proactive with your treatment strategies. If you’re not doing much besides watching your condition degenerate, that takes both a physical and emotional toll, which can accelerate your disease. It’s a feedback loop: Your back hurts, your feel lousy, you get stressed and depressed, your back hurts more, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Luckily, though, the reverse is also true. When you’re taking charge of your treatment and it’s starting to take some of your pain away—or you’re proactively ruling out ineffective treatment strategies and trying new therapies—your body and your mind benefit. You have more physical and mental resources to put toward your recovery, so your back feels better and you feel less stressed and more hopeful.

Bottom line: You got this!

Sources

Gower T. Is It Back Pain or Is It OA? Arthritis Foundation. www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/back-pain/articles/oa-and-back-pain.php. Accessed August 17, 2020.

Rubin Dl. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Spine Pain. Neurol Clin. 2007; May;25(2):353-71.

Laxmaiah Manchikanti, Epidemiology of Low Back Pain, Pain Physician, Volume 3, Number 2, pp 167-192, 2000 (level of evidence 5).

Spinal Arthritis (Arthritis in the Back or Neck). Spinal Arthritis (Arthritis in the Back or Neck) | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/spinal-arthritis. Accessed August 17, 2020.

When Back Pain May Mean Arthritis: Arthritis Foundation. When Back Pain May Mean Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/back-pain/treatment/back-pain-relief-injections.php. Accessed August 16, 2020.

Frymoyer, J. W., J. Geen, M. E., Andersson, G. B., J. Dillane, J. F., HI. Andersson, G. E., MW. Tulder, B. W. K., … JN. Katz, S. J. L. (1988, January 1). Lumbar spondylosis: clinical presentation and treatment approaches. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12178-009-9051-x. Accessed August 18, 2020.

Binder, A. I. (2007, March 8). Cervical spondylosis and neck pain. The BMJ. https://www.bmj.com/content/334/7592/527. Accessed August 18, 2020.

Theodore, N. (2020). Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(2), 159–168. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra2003558. Accessed August 28, 2020

Lee, S. Y., Cho, N. H., Jung, Y. O., Seo, Y. I., & Kim, H. A. (2017). Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lumbar Spondylosis and Its Association with Low Back Pain among Rural Korean Residents. Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society, 60(1), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2016.0505.007. Accessed August 28, 2020.

Binder, A. I. (2007). Cervical spondylosis and neck pain. Bmj, 334(7592), 527–531. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39127.608299.80. Accessed August 29, 2020.

Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck) – OrthoInfo – AAOS. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/cervical-spondylosis-arthritis-of-the-neck/. Accessed September 1, 2020.

Gellhorn, A. C., Katz, J. N., & Suri, P. (2012). Osteoarthritis of the spine: the facet joints. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 9(4), 216–224. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2012.199. Accessed September 1, 2020.

Middleton, K., & Fish, D. E. (2009). Lumbar spondylosis: clinical presentation and treatment approaches. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(2), 94–104. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-009-9051-x. Accessed September 1, 2020.

Kolenkiewicz, M., Włodarczyk, A., & Wojtkiewicz, J. (2018). Diagnosis and Incidence of Spondylosis and Cervical Disc Disorders in the University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, in Years 2011–2015. BioMed Research International, 2018, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5643839

Continue Reading …. What Causes Spondylosis?

Updated on: 03/30/21

Spondylosis Center – Spinal Osteoarthritis

Peer Reviewed

The Universal Guide to Spondylosis: Everything you ever wanted to know, straight from the experts.

What is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis describes the general degeneration of the spine that can occur in joints, discs, and bones of the spine as we age.

Cervical — neck
Thoracic — upper, mid-back
Lumbar — low back
Lumbosacral — low back/sacrum

How Does Spondylosis Affect Discs and Cause Bone Spurs to Form?

What Are Spondylosis Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of spondylosis.

Common symptoms can include:

Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity or rest, such as waking up after a nap.

Paresthesias, or abnormal sensations, may develop — such as numbness or tingling.

Limited range of motion in affected joints.

Pain can result from a bulging or herniated disc that impinges or pinches a spinal nerve (see diagram below). Nerves compressed in the neck can cause neck pain to radiate down into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Similarly, if the low back is affected, the patient may experience buttock pain and sciatica, a type of nerve-related leg pain.

While not as common, Dr. Woods pointed out that “spondylosis can affect the alignment of the back, which can make it difficult to stand upright.”

What Are Risk Factors for Developing Spondylosis?

According to Dr. Jacob LaSalle, board certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at Hudson Medical, common risk factors include:

Being overweight or obese

Having certain conditions like diabetes, gout, psoriasis, tuberculosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Lyme disease

How Do Doctors Diagnose Spondylosis?

X-rays can show bone spurs, while other types of imaging can depict soft tissue changes.What Are Some Common Nonoperative Spondylosis Treatment Options?

Radiofrequency ablation of the nerves that innervate the painful and arthritic joints of the spine (usually facet joints) can provide pain relief for three to six months by stopping nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Strengthening exercises can help improve spinal flexibility, build strength, and endurance.
No-impact aerobic exercie improves overall circulation, resting muscle tone (which leads to better posture), and decreases inflammation

What Are Common Surgery Options for Spondylosis?

Surgery for spondylosis has two main components—removing what is causing pain and fusing the spine to control movement—and are respectively known as decompression and stabilization surgery.

Some of the more common surgical interventions for spondylosis include:

Decompression surgeries to remove bones spurs (foraminotomy), herniated discs (discectomy), or part of the vertebra (facetectomy)
Stabilization surgery like spinal fusion to stabilize vertebral segments using bone graft and hardware if they are moving abnormally.
In some patients, disc replacement may be a good option, especially if you want to avoid fusion and spare motion.

What Are Some Complementary and Alternative Treatment Options for Spondylosis?

Acupuncture is an effective complementary and alternative treatment for many people with spondylosis.What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent Spondylosis?

Dr. LaSalle advises that “ reducing emotional and physical stress through mindfulness and stress-reduction strategies” is key to mitigating or preventing spondylosis. Smoking? Stop. Seriously.

Bottom line: You got this!

Sources

Gower T. Is It Back Pain or Is It OA? Arthritis Foundation. www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/back-pain/articles/oa-and-back-pain.php. Accessed August 17, 2020.

Rubin Dl. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Spine Pain. Neurol Clin. 2007; May;25(2):353-71.

Laxmaiah Manchikanti, Epidemiology of Low Back Pain, Pain Physician, Volume 3, Number 2, pp 167-192, 2000 (level of evidence 5).

Binder, A. I. (2007, March 8). Cervical spondylosis and neck pain. The BMJ. https://www.bmj.com/content/334/7592/527. Accessed August 18, 2020.

Theodore, N. (2020). Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(2), 159–168. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra2003558. Accessed August 28, 2020

Binder, A. I. (2007). Cervical spondylosis and neck pain. Bmj, 334(7592), 527–531. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39127.608299.80. Accessed August 29, 2020.

Continue Reading …. What Causes Spondylosis?

Updated on: 03/30/21

Cervical Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis): Symptoms, Treatments, & More

What Is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is also called cervical osteoarthritis. It is a condition involving changes to the bones, discs, and joints of the neck. These changes are caused by the normal wear-and-tear of aging. With age, the discs of the cervical spine gradually break down, lose fluid, and become stiffer. Cervical spondylosis usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.

As a result of the degeneration of discs and other cartilage, spurs or abnormal growths called osteophytes may form on the bones in the neck. These abnormal growths can cause narrowing of the interior of the spinal column or in the openings where spinal nerves exit, a related condition called cervical spinal stenosis.

Cervical spondylosis most often causes neck pain and stiffness. Although cervical spondylosis is rarely progressive, corrective surgery can be helpful in severe cases.

What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Spondylosis?

Aging is the major factor for developing cervical osteoarthritis (cervical spondylosis). In most people older than age 50, the discs between the vertebrae become less spongy and provide less of a cushion. Bones and ligaments get thicker, encroaching on the space of the spinal canal.

Another factor might be a previous injury to the neck. People in certain occupations or who perform specific activities — such as gymnasts or other athletes — may put more stress on their necks.

Poor posture might also play a role in the development of spinal changes that result in cervical spondylosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis?

The symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

Neck stiffness and pain
Headache that may originate in the neck
Pain in the shoulder or arms
Inability to fully turn the head or bend the neck, sometimes interfering with driving
Grinding noise or sensation when the neck is turned

Less common, or “atypical,” symptoms include vertigo, headache, palpitation, nausea, discomfort in your abdomen or GI system, tinnitus, blurred vision, and memory problems (hypomnesia). Some studies also show that chronic neck pain from causes such as spondylosis have been linked to higher blood pressure.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis tend to improve with rest. Symptoms are most severe in the morning and again at the end of the day.

If cervical spondylosis results in pressure on the spinal cord (cervical stenosis), it can put pressure on the spinal cord, a condition called cervical myelopathy. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy include:

Tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
Abnormal reflexes
Muscle spasms
Loss of control over bladder and bowel (incontinence)

Another possible complication of cervical spondylosis is cervical radiculopathy, when bone spurs press on nerves as they exit the bones of the spinal column. Pain shooting down into one or both arms is the most common symptom.

How Is Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosed?

The doctor will generally begin by asking you about symptoms and taking a medical history. This will be followed by a physical exam of the body, with a focus on the neck, back, and shoulders. The doctor is also likely to test reflexes and the strength of hands and arms, check for loss of sensation, and watch you walk.

Other tests that might be done include imaging exams such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI scans use large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to produce the best images of the body. You might also be referred to a neurologist.

What Are the Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis?

In most cases, cervical spondylosis treatments are conservative. They include:

Rest
Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other non-narcotic products to relieve pain from inflammation
Chiropractic manipulation that can help to control episodes of more severe pain
Wearing a cervical collar to limit movement and provide support
Other forms of physical therapy, including the application of heat and cold therapy, traction, or exercise
Injecting drugs (corticosteroids and a local anesthetic) into the joints of the spine or the area surrounding the spine, known as epidural steroid injection or cervical facet joint injection

When Is Surgery Needed for Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis tends to be a chronic (long-term) condition. But in most cases, it is not progressive. Surgery is required only in rare cases. The goal of surgery is to remove the source of pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The surgery may also include adding stabilization in the form of implants or through fusion of the vertebrae. But surgery is considered only when there is a severe loss of function. For instance, it might be considered if you had a progressive loss of feeling and function in your arms, legs, feet, or fingers. Any type of spinal cord compression could result in permanent functional disability.

The surgeon can approach the cervical spine from the front (anterior) or the back (posterior). Approaching from the front might be used to remove the discs and spurs that are causing pressure. The disc may be replaced with an implant. A more extensive surgery calls for the removal of both discs and parts of the vertebra. These parts are replaced with a bone graft or implant.

Approaching from the back would be used to perform either a laminectomy or a laminoplasty. In a laminectomy, the rear parts of the vertebrae in the neck — the lamina and spinous processes — are removed. In a laminoplasty, the vertebra is left in place, but is cut free along one side. Both procedures relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

As with any surgery, there is risk of infection or complications with anesthesia. Surgery is usually followed by a rehabilitation program.

Cervical Spondylosis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Cervical spondylosis is a type of degenerative disease that affects your neck. Normally, soft disks between your vertebrae, the bones in your spine, provide cushioning. With cervical spondylosis, these disks become compressed.

When this happens, the cartilage that lines the vertebrae on each side of the disc, where they touch, can wear away. Once this protective cartilage is gone, spurs may develop on your vertebrae where they rub together. Nerves attached to your spinal cord may have less room to pass between the vertebrae on their way out of the spine.

Facts about cervical spondylosis

This condition becomes more common with age. Many, however, don’t have symptoms—you may not even be aware that these changes are going on in your neck.

Cervical spondylosis usually doesn’t lead to disability. But sometimes these changes in the spine can cause the spinal cord or nerve roots attached to it to become compressed. This can cause your legs or hands to feel weak or clumsy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can include:

Pain in the neck that may travel to your arms or shoulders
Headaches
A grinding feeling when you move your neck
Weakness in your arms and legs
Numbness in your shoulders, arms, or hands
Stiffness in the neck
Trouble keeping your balance
Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will give you a physical examination to see if you have this condition. You will probably discuss any neck injuries you’ve had and describe your symptoms. The healthcare provider will probably check your neck, shoulders, arms, and legs to see how well they’re working. Other tests that may help make a diagnosis include:

Imaging tests. X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans all provide images of the structures in your spine for the healthcare provider to see. These can show the bones, disks, muscles, and nerves in and around your neck, as well as your spinal cord.
Myelography. During this test, the healthcare provider injects a dye into the fluid around your spinal cord and then does a CT scan to see how the bone spurs and disks are interacting with the individual nerves.
Electromyography. This test shows how well your nerves are passing along signals from your spinal cord to your muscles.

Treatment

Your healthcare provider can recommend a variety of treatments for pain relief from cervical spondylosis, depending on your needs. These may include:

Medicines. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, like ibuprofen or aspirin, opioid pain relievers, and muscle relaxants may help.
Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises that may ease symptoms.
Ice or heat. Cool your neck with an ice pack or heat it with a warming pad as directed by your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
Collar. Wearing a soft collar around your neck for short periods may help your symptoms. It can cause your neck to weaken, however, if you wear it too long.
Injections. A healthcare provider can inject steroid medicine and pain-relieving drugs into the painful joint in your neck or into the space next to your spinal cord.
Surgery. In most cases, surgery is not needed. But surgeons can do different procedures to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves leaving your spine, if necessary. A surgeon can remove bone from around the opening that allows the nerve to exit the spine or bone from other parts of the vertebrae. He or she may also fuse bones in the spine after 1 of these procedures. If you have surgery, an anesthesia provider will put you to sleep beforehand so you don’t feel it.

Prevention

You may not be able to prevent cervical spondylosis, but these steps may reduce your risk:

Stay physically active.
Use good posture.
Prevent neck injuries by always using the right equipment and the right form when exercising or playing sports.
Avoid trauma to your neck

Managing cervical spondylosis

Talk with your healthcare provider about the best nonsurgical steps to help relieve your symptoms. The best way to go could possibly be a combination approach of medicine and physical therapy.

Osteoarthritis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoarthritis | American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects middle-aged or older people most frequently. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. It most commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, lower back and neck. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints. It serves as a kind of “shock absorber,” helping to reduce friction in the joints.

When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it is known as spondylosis. Spondylosis is a degenerative disorder that can cause loss of normal spinal structure and function. Although aging is the primary cause, the location and rate of degeneration varies per person. Spondylosis can affect the cervical, thoracic and/or lumbar regions of the spine, with involvement of the intervertebral discs and facet joints. This can lead to disc degeneration and bone spurs (also known as osteophytes), which can pinch nerves that are near the discs or spurs.

As spondylosis worsens, progressive narrowing due to osteophyte growth may cause spinal stenosis — a narrowing of spaces in the spine that results in pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. When this compression occurs, it can cause impaired function and pain. The narrowing can affect a small or large area of the spine. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord may produce pain or numbness in the shoulders and arms. Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord or on nerve roots branching out from that area may cause pain or numbness in the legs.

When spondylosis affects the lumbar spine, several vertebrae are usually involved. Because the lumbar spine carries most of the body’s weight, activity or periods of inactivity can both trigger symptoms. Specific movements, such as sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting or bending, may increase pain.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra over another) is caused by osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Most commonly, it involves the L4 slipping over the L5 vertebra. It most frequently affects people age 50 and older. Symptoms may include pain in the low back, thighs and/or legs, muscle spasms, weakness and/or tight hamstring muscles.

Incidence and Prevalence

Osteoarthritis affects more than 54 million people in the United States.
By 2040, 26% of Americans, or about 78 million people will be affected.
Fifty percent of people age 65 and older exhibit evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint on x-ray studies.
Osteoarthritis is more prevalent in men age 45 and younger, but more prevalent in women age 50 and older

Causes

While the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, the following factors may increase the risk of developing the condition:

Age
Heredity
Being overweight
Joint injury
Nerve injury
Repeated overuse of specific joints
Lack of physical activity

Symptoms

Pain and stiffness in the neck or low back
Pain that radiates into the shoulder or down the arm
Weakness or numbness in one or both arms
Pain or morning stiffness that lasts for about 30 minutes due to inactivity
Pain that worsens throughout the day due to activity
Limited motion

When & How to Seek Medical Care

Most patients see their primary care doctor as the first point of contact due to pain caused by arthritis. The primary provider will be able to evaluate to see if further workup is needed.

Testing & Diagnosis

A diagnosis usually can be made based on specific symptoms, a thorough physical examination and x-ray results. On occasion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to determine the extent of damage in the spine. MRI can reveal damaged cartilage, loss of joint space or bone spurs.

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments are the mainstay of osteoarthritis management, including spinal arthritis known as spondylosis.

Anti-inflammatory medications, most commonly ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID), are used to reduce swelling and to relieve pain. Most pain can be treated with nonprescription medications, but if pain is severe or persistent, a doctor may recommend prescription medications.
Epidural injections of cortisone may be prescribed to help reduce swelling. This treatment often provides temporary pain relief, which can last several months.
Physical therapy and/or prescribed exercises may help stabilize the spine, build endurance and increase flexibility. Therapy may help with the resumption of normal lifestyle and activities. Yoga may be effective for some people in helping to manage symptoms.
Maintaining a proper weight is crucial to effective management of osteoarthritis.

Surgery

Surgical treatment for spondylosis is uncommon, unless the condition has led to severe spinal stenosis that can cause a neurological deficit, like muscle weakness or numbness. Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy and medications, do not reduce or end the pain altogether, and if the pain greatly impairs the person’s daily functions. As with any surgery, a patient’s age, overall health and other issues are taken into consideration.

Follow-up

Arthritis is a chronic condition, and follow up is typically performed by a primary care physician to help with symptomatic management. If spondylosis leads to a neurological deficit, then patients typically will follow up in the post-operative period with their spine surgeon, and then return to following up with the primary physician.

Resources for More Information

Centers for Disease Control and Preventiond (CDC). (2019). Arthritis. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/index.htm
MedlinePlus. (2016). Osteoarthritis. https://medlineplus.gov/osteoarthritis.html
MedlinePlus. (2016). Arthritis. https://medlineplus.gov/arthritis.html

Author Information

Patient Pages are authored by neurosurgical professionals, with the goal of providing useful information to the public.

Stephen Magill, MD, PhD
Neurosurgical Resident, University of California San Francisco

Disclaimer
The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets. This information provided is an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the AANS’ Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool.

Defining Spondylosis, Spondylitis, & Spondylolisthesis

When dealing with lower back spinal issues, the terminology can be confusing. While some think certain terms are interchangeable, they actually describe different types of conditions that need unique care. Do you want to learn more about a recent “spondy” diagnosis related to your lower back pain? This guide will help you understand the differences among these conditions.

So what do these words mean? Each starts with the prefix “spondy”. This refers to the vertebral or spinal column. If you were diagnosed with any of these conditions, something in your spine is abnormal. This may worry you. After all, the spine is a very important part of your body. Don’t fret, some of these conditions can be treated conservatively. Surgery may be an option for more advanced cases. While a little scary, it may be the answer to finally enjoy the life you want to live.

Let’s take a look at the 3 “Spondy” conditions.

Spondylosis

Spondylosis can affect any region of the spine. It is most common in the neck and lower back. It involves a defect in the pars interarticularis–a piece of bone attaching the facet joints at the back of the spine. This condition is a form of spinal degeneration occurring due to the natural effects of aging. As we grow older, normal wear and tear, as well as cellular changes, affect the structure of the spine. As a result, the soft tissues supporting the spine–discs, muscles, tendons, etc.–slowly begin to deteriorate.

For example, the discs protecting the spine tend to dry out and lose shape as we age. This condition, known as degenerative disc disease, puts pressure on the discs and may cause a bulging or herniated disc. When the soft gel-like layer of the inner disc breaks through the thick fibrous tissue of the outer disc, it often affects spinal joints and can compress nerves. In addition, cartilage can wear away from the joints leading to facet joint osteoarthritis.

Spondylosis, however, doesn’t only affect older people. In fact, adolescents may develop the condition. Those participating in sports requiring repeated hyperextension of the lower back are at risk. This includes gymnastics, rowing, wrestling, and track & field sports. Younger people may not have many symptoms, so the condition may not get diagnosed. It spondylosis isn’t identified and managed correctly, however, it can result in more serious problems.

Diagnosing and Treating Spondylolysis

Young athletes and older adults suffering from lower back pain may want to get checked for spondylosis. One effective diagnostic test is the one-legged hyperextension maneuver. While standing in a certain one-legged position, the lumbar spine gets stretched out. If this position causes pain it may indicate this condition. Also, X-rays, a bone scan, or MRI can help with diagnosis.

Treating spondylosis often involves conservative treatments like back braces, pain medications, and stretching exercises. If these treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be an option. Spinal decompression surgery or spinal fusion surgery can help relieve pressure on the affected area and provide much-needed stabilization.

Spondylolisthesis

When spondylosis is left untreated, it may lead to spondylolisthesis. Spondylosis involves the separation of the pars interarticularis. In contrast, spondylolisthesis is defined by a slipped vertebra. When one bone of the spine slips forward over another, it causes damage to the spinal structure. In some cases, a stress fracture may be to blame. Other times, damage to the intervertebral discs may cause this instability of the spine.

Family history and even congenital defects can contribute to this condition. It is often the result of certain sports and physical occupations. The lower back is responsible for carrying a lot of the body’s weight. Some activities make the spine more prone to developing spondylolisthesis. For example, gymnasts, football players, and weightlifters of all ages can develop this condition. Those that work in warehouses or delivering packages are also susceptible since they may bear a lot of weight on one side of the body and do a lot of bending. In addition, age-related degeneration of the spinal structures plays a role.

Some people don’t even know they have spondylolisthesis. They may discover it while getting an X-ray for an unrelated problem. Others experience low back pain, leg pain, swayback, or a protruding stomach.

Diagnosing and Treating Spondylolisthesis

If an X-ray suggests spondylolisthesis, your doctor may perform other tests or diagnostic imaging to get a better look at the problem. For example, your doctor may ask you to bend certain ways during an X-ray to see if your vertebrae are moving or unstable. A CT scan or myelogram can also determine if nerves are affected.

During a physical exam, your doctor views your posture, range of motion, and overall physical condition. In addition, the doctor will test your reflexes as well as feeling for muscle spasms and abnormal curves in your spine.

Treating this condition often starts with conservative measures. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications may prove helpful. In addition, consulting with a physical therapist or chiropractor can help reduce pain and increase mobility by using exercises or manual manipulation. A back brace may also be useful in stabilizing the area. Some people also find relief with epidural steroid injections. Your doctor injects this combination of steroids and pain medications into the affected area reducing inflammation and discomfort.

If you suffer from severe pain or haven’t responded to conservative treatments, surgery may be the next option. Spinal fusion surgery can be an effective treatment. Since it is a significant surgery, recovery times may be longer than other orthopedic procedures. By stabilizing the spine, however, it can prevent further structural damage and restore function and mobility. Depending on your condition and the surgeon’s preference, a lumbar interbody fusion can be done through the front of your body (ALIF), back (PLIF), or a combination (TLIF).

Spondylitis

Spinal conditions can also be due to arthritis. This condition, sometimes known as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of inflammatory rheumatic arthritis. Unlike other forms of arthritis, it affects areas where the ligaments and tendons attach to the bones. Though the exact cause is unknown, many people with the gene HLA B27 tend to develop the condition. In addition, some research suggests an infection can trigger this condition.

Spondylitis usually occurs in young adults between 17 and 35 years old. Symptoms include chronic pain and lower back stiffness that gets worse after resting for a long time. Many feel stiffness after waking in the morning or late at night. Over time, symptoms may reach other parts of the body. Stiffness and pain can extend to the upper spine and even the rib cage. In addition, inflammation can occur in the skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract.

There are many different types of arthritis that can affect the spine. For example, psoriatic arthritis is common with those who suffer from skin psoriasis. Also, reactive arthritis, occurs as a reaction to certain bacteria like Chlamydia. Another inflammatory condition, ankylosing spondylitis, may cause the vertebrae to fuse together.

Diagnosing and Treating Spondylitis

Your doctor or a rheumatologist can diagnose this condition. It usually involves a thorough physical exam including reviewing medical and family history. In addition, diagnostic imaging and blood work–testing for the gene HLA-B27–help to pinpoint this condition.

While there is no known cure for spondylitis, there are some ways to manage symptoms. For example, medications can help with pain and stiffness. Exercise and physical therapy is a great way to improve posture, increase flexibility, and decrease pain. Those with more severe cases of spondyloarthritis may benefit from surgery. When spinal structures are affected, a laminectomy or osteotomy can be beneficial. Also, severe damage may require a spinal fusion surgery where vertebrae grow together using a bone graft and other instrumentation.

Getting Help for Your Spinal Conditions

If your lower back pain is caused by issues of the spinal column and related structures, you want the best care during every step of treatment. After all, spine and spinal cord health are crucial to your everyday functioning. It’s best to choose trusted doctors with years of experience in treating spinal disorders.

The Advanced Spine Center is ready to help. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in effective conservative treatments as well as the latest minimally invasive surgeries. Looking for award-winning, experienced doctors? We have you covered. With over six decades of combined experience as well as Top Doctor and Patient’s Choice awards, you have the comfort of knowing our team has successfully treated many spine conditions for years.

Don’t let lower back issues keep you from doing what you love. Call (973) 538-0900 to schedule a consultation and start your relationship with a caring team of professionals.

Spondylosis (Spinal Arthritis) and Facet Joint Syndrome

At each level in our spine, there is a single disc separating the bones (vertebrae) in front of the spinal canal, and a pair of joints called facet joints joining the bones together behind the spinal canal. As we age, the spinal discs and facet joints can wear out and degenerate. Disc degeneration is the terrm used to describe the wearing out of the discs. Spondylosis is the term used to describe degeneration and arthritis of the facet joints. Degeneration of the spine is a normal aging process, and in most cases spinal arthritis does not cause significant symptoms. However, for some people, arthritic facet joints can cause significant pain. Back or neck pain resulting from arthritic or inflamed facet joints is a condition called “facet joint syndrome”.

Symptoms

Back pain with radiation into hips and buttocks or neck pain with radiation into the shoulders

Natural History (“Doing Nothing”)

Not all arthritic facet joints cause symptoms

Back or neck pain may not be coming from the facet joints even if they are arthritic

Symptoms may resolve without treatment

Symptoms may be short-lived and infrequent

Rarely, patients develop more persistent and debilitating pain

Facet joints have very little ability to repair themselves or regenerate

Three Phases of Treatment:

Phase I – Non-Invasive Treatments

Phase II – Spinal Injections

Phase III – Surgery (rare for this condition unless radiculopathy is present)

Goals of Each Phase:
- Relieve Pain
- Improve Function

Treatment Options: Phase I – Non-Invasive Treatments

Physical Therapy and Regular Home Exercise
- Neck or Back Strengthening
- Flexibility and Stretching

Oral Medications
- Steroids
- Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Pain relievers
- Muscle Relaxants

Ice and Heat

4-6 weeks of Phase I treatment before MRI and going to Phase II

Treatment Options: Phase II – Facet Joint Injections and Facet Joint Nerve Ablation (RFNA)

Facet Joint Injections
- Outpatient procedure
- Done with x-ray guidance
- Steroid is injected into the inflamed joint to reduce pain
- May relieve symptoms, but will not reverse the joint arthritis
- Successful injection may help confirm that pain is coming from the facet joints

Facet Joint Rhizotomy (Nerve Ablation) (Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation – RFNA)

The word rhizotomy means “nerve destruction” or nerve ablation. In facet rhizotomy, the tiny nerve fibers that carry pain signals from the facet joints to the brain are selectively destroyed using some form of energy.

For patients who have had successful, but temporary relief of their back or neck pain from the facet injections, facet rhizotomy may provide more long-term relief.

Facet rhizotomy is most commonly performed using a form of energy called radiofrequency (RF) energy. When done with RF, this technique is often called

Treatment Options: Phase III – Surgery

Rarely needed for Spondylosis or Facet Joint Syndrome unless radiculopathy or stenosis is present
- Back and neck pain from Spondylosis can be treated non-surgically in most cases

Undifferentiated spondylitis

Interdisciplinary interaction of neurologists and rheumatologists has revealed a rare cause of pain syndrome.

One of the most frequent complaints that neurologists encounter in clinical practice is complaints of back pain. According to statistics, up to 80% of the population at least once in their life faced with a similar syndrome. In most cases, the pain is vertebrogenic and is caused by osteochondrosis of the spine.However, there are also rare causes, the diagnosis of which requires a longer and more thorough examination of patients.

One of the rare causes of pain syndrome is spondyloarthropathy.

Spondyloarthropathies is a group of inflammatory diseases of the connective tissue that develops in genetically predisposed individuals. The likelihood of developing this group of diseases increases the carriage of the HLA-B27 antigen, however, there are also HLA-B27 – negative forms. The hallmark of these diseases is damage to the spine, sacroiliac joints and peripheral joints.

Spondyloarthropathies include:

Ankylosing spondylitis;
Certain forms of psoriatic arthritis;
post-infectious arthritis;
enteropathic arthritis;
undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy.

The prevalence of spondyloarthropathy is 5-12 per 1000 population. This group of diseases is one of the rare causes of back pain, so it is not always possible for specialists to establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

An example from the clinical practice of our department.

Patient M., 53 years old , 03/18/2019 urgently hospitalized in the 1st neurological department of KB No. 1 with complaints of intense pain in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine with irradiation along the back surface of the left leg to the big toe (up to 10 points on YOUR), inability to stand and walk due to pain.

According to the anamnesis: Pain in the lumbar and lower thoracic spine has been troubling since January 2019.The patient regarded this situation as a kidney disease, an ultrasound of the kidneys was performed – without pathology. I consulted a neurologist, was diagnosed with dorsopathy, received NSAIDs, mydocalm – no effect. Due to increased pain, he called the ambulance team and was taken to the neurological department of one of the large Moscow hospitals. In the hospital, MRI of the thoracic and lumbar spine was performed, which revealed herniated discs L4 / L5, L5 / S1, spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis. Radiography of the pelvic bones was performed: arthrosis of the pubic articulation.Bilateral coxarthrosis 1-2 tbsp. Complex treatment was carried out – analgesics, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, B vitamins, physiotherapy – without a significant clinical effect. Discharged. Immediately after discharge, he noted an increase in pain, their spread to the big toe of the left foot. I went to the clinic. Given the pronounced pain syndrome, he was directed to emergency hospitalization in KB No. 1.

Condition upon admission: General condition: satisfactory. Skin: normal color, normal humidity.There are no swelling. Breathing through the nose is free. Auscultatory vesicular. Pulse: 72 beats. per minute, satisfactory filling, rhythmic. BP 140/90 mm Hg Heart sounds: rhythmic. The language is clean. Palpation of the abdomen is painless. There are no dysuric disorders.

Neurological status: Conscious, connected, oriented. Anxious, fixed on his own feelings. There are no meningeal signs. Eye slits D = S. Pupils D = S. Live photoreactions. The movements of the eyeballs are not limited. There are no facial sensitivity disorders.The face is symmetrical. No nystagmus. Hearing is not impaired. Swallowing, phonation are not disturbed. Tongue in the midline. There are no paresis. Tendon reflexes are alive, S = D. Pathological reflexes are not detected. Sensitivity is not compromised. Defense, pain on palpation of the paravertebral muscles in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Lasegue’s symptom is negative on 2 sides.

Laboratory examinations:

In blood tests – an increase in the level of C-reactive protein (43.43 mg / l), ESR (50 mm / h).

Urinalysis – no pathology.

Instrumental examinations:

MRI of the lumbar spine revealed degenerative changes, a minor herniated disc L5-S1 4 mm, spondyloarthrosis in the facet joints, expressed at the L4-L5 level with a periarticular cyst on the left and signs of inflammation in the periarticular soft tissues, spondylosis.

MRI of the thoracic spine revealed moderate degenerative changes, arthrosis of the costal-vertebral joints, protrusion of intervertebral discs TH7-Th9, Th5-TH5, spondylosis.

On MRI of the hip joints – signs of sacroiliitis, more pronounced on the right.

Attention was drawn to the discrepancy between the clinical picture (severe pain up to 10 points on the VAS) and changes on MRI (minor hernia L5-S1 4mm), the ineffectiveness of inpatient treatment in the previous hospitalization, an increase in inflammation (CRP, ESR).

The patient was consulted by a rheumatologist. The inflammatory genesis of the disease has been suggested. Often, spondyloarthropathies are associated with urogenital infection, however, it was not possible to identify a specific pathogen by blood tests and in the study of prostatic juice in this case.Test for HLA-B27 is negative.

The diagnosis was made: Undifferentiated peripheral spondylitis, HLA-B27 – negative form, high activity. Bilateral sacroiliitis 1-2 tbsp., With lesions of the thoracic, lumbar spine (spondylitis, syndesmophytes), FN -2.

Hormonal therapy with glucocorticosteroids (Dexazone 12 mg per day) and antibacterial therapy with Ciprofloxacin 500 mg x 2 times / day were started. Against the background of hormonal and antibiotic therapy, there was a positive trend in the form of a decrease in pain syndrome to 1-2 points according to the VAS.The patient was discharged with improvement and recommendations for continuing antibiotic therapy for up to 3 months, followed by a consultation with a rheumatologist.

Thus, the interdisciplinary interaction of neurologists and rheumatologists made it possible to identify a rare cause of pain syndrome, establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Article added on April 16, 2019

symptoms, treatment and operations for stenosis, prognosis – Department of Vertebrology of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Degenerative stenosis is understood as a serious disease of the musculoskeletal system, in which the spinal canal, the lateral pocket or the spaces between the vertebrae are narrowed due to pathological processes in the cartilage and bone tissue.Growing up, cartilage can reach the nerve endings, affect them, giving a person severe pain. Degenerative stenosis develops as a result of primary diseases of the spine of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, for example, osteochondrosis at stages III-IV.

Stages and Degrees

Degenerative spinal stenosis can be:

Lateral – the distances between the vertebrae are pathologically narrowed, the nerve roots are clamped.
Central – in this case we are talking about the narrowing of the spinal canal.

In turn, central degenerative stenosis is classified into:

Absolute – the clearance is 10 mm or less.
Relative – clearance is 12 mm

Causes of spinal stenosis

Pathology can be congenital, but most often it is a consequence of an improper lifestyle, mainly a sedentary one, or traumatic back injuries. Diseases that can lead to stenosis:

Tuberculosis of bones;
Osteochondrosis;
Arthrosis of the joints;
Pathology of joints of a rheumatic nature;
Neoplasms of the spinal cord – they can also fill the space, and press on the nerve endings, by analogy with cartilage and bone tissue.

Symptoms of stenosis

Like many diseases, at the initial stage, stenosis passes unnoticed by a person. However, when the effect of cartilage or other tissue on the nerve becomes more pronounced, pain syndrome appears and increases. In various clinical pictures, it manifests itself in its own way, most often patients complain of:

Numbness and pain in the upper limbs;
Persistent back pain;
Pain in the lower extremities – one or both legs;
Weakness in the legs;
Tingling in the lower limbs when walking;
Neurogenic lameness – intermittent from one leg to the other;
Disorders of the genitourinary system, bowel incontinence;

Relief of the condition in some is possible only with a strong tilt forward – due to the stretching of the pathologically narrowed area.

It is important to understand that the manifestation of the disease may differ depending on which part of the spine the stenosis develops on:

The closeness to the head determines the expressive symptoms – headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even fainting is possible.

It is quite difficult to diagnose spinal stenosis in the thoracic region, since its symptoms in this case are similar to diseases of the internal organs – pain in the heart, in the lungs.

You can “recognize” such a patient by an uneven gait. The lower limbs refuse to function normally. Often they feel tingling, numbness, or “goosebumps”.

Diagnosis of spinal stenosis

To determine in which particular department – anterior or posterior, and in which part of the spine – thoracic, cervical, lumbar – stenosis has developed, the patient is sent for a complete examination. The orthopedist prescribes the following types of diagnostics:

X-ray of the spine;
Ultrasound examination;
Cardiogram;
Multispiral CT;
MRI.

Treatment of spinal stenosis

Many factors influence the determination of the optimal method of performing the operation. We are talking about the location of the pathologically narrowed area on the spine, the cause of root compression, concomitant diseases of the patient, etc. Most often, the problem is solved by carrying out:

Endoscopic surgery.
One-stage or two-stage thoracic surgery.
Operations with the installation of implants – metal or from a person’s own bone tissue.

Possible complications if untreated

Partial loss of motor activity, paralysis of the lower limbs – all these are the prospects for patients who refuse medical care. Stenosis is a disease that you should not joke with or underestimate the global nature of the problem. The irreversibility of the processes forces you to quickly make a decision – to use therapy, physiotherapy methods at the vertebrologist , or to agree to an operation.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent the development of the disease is a regular moderate load on the spine.This can be a specially designed exercise program for you, or a course of classes agreed with doctors ( orthopedist and vertebrologist) in any sports club.

It is important to constantly monitor the position of the spine – correct posture should become habitual, it is important to remember this not only when sitting on a chair, but also while walking, lifting a load and even resting.

Appointment with a vertebrologist

Department of Vertebrology Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow invites patients who are worried about back pain, numbness of the extremities and other symptoms of stenosis.Using the diagnostic capabilities in our clinic, we will quickly find the pathological area, find out the cause of the compression on the nerve and correct the situation, returning the patient to life without pain. You can make an appointment for an appointment to a doctor vertebrologist, traumatologist or rheumatologist by phone or using the online form.

90,000 Bechterew’s disease (ankylosing spondylitis): symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis)

Bechterew’s disease (ankylosing spondylitis): symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of Bechterew’s disease (ankylosing spondylitis) – Traumatology Department – Central Committee of the Russian Academy of Sciences

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Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic bones and hip joints (children)

ANMO “Stavropol Regional Clinical Consultative and Diagnostic Center”:

355017, m.Stavropol, st. Lenin 304

(8652) 951-951, (8652) 35-61-49 (fax)

(8652) 951-951, (8652) 31-51-51 (information service)

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Separate subdivision “Diagnostic center on the Western bypass”:

355029 Stavropol, st. Western Bypass, 64

(8652) 951-951, (8652) 31-51-51 (contact phone)

(8652) 31-68-89 (fax)

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Family doctor’s clinic:

355017 m.Stavropol, K. Marx Ave., 110 (behind the Central Department Store)

(8652) 951-951, (8652) 31-51-51 (contact phone)

(8652) 31-50-60 (registry)

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Nevinnomyssk branch:

357107, Nevinnomyssk, st. Nizyaeva 1

(86554) 95-777, 8-962-400-57-10 (registry)

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Separate structural unit in g.Cherkessk:

369000, Cherkessk, st. Umar Aliyeva 31

8 (8782) 26-48-02, + 7-988-700-81-06 (contact phones)

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Separate structural unit in Elista:

358000, Elista, st. Republican, 47

8 (989) 735-42-07 (contact phones)

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CJSC Regional Clinical Diagnostic Center:

355017 m.Stavropol, st. Lenin 304

(8652) 951-951, (8652) 35-61-49 (fax)

(8652) 951-951, (8652) 31-51-51 (information service)

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Separate structural unit on the street. Savchenko, 38 bldg. 9:

355021, Stavropol, st. Savchenko, 38, bldg. nine

8 (8652) 316-847 (contact phone)

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Separate structural unit on the street.Chekhov, 77:

355000, Stavropol, st. Chekhov, 77

8 (8652) 951-943 (contact phone)

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Separate structural unit in Mikhailovsk:

358000, Mikhailovsk, st. Lenin, 201 (in the new residential area “Aquarelle”).

8 (988) 099-15-55 (contact phone)

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Ptashnikov Dmitry Alexandrovich “Spinal deformity – Ankylosing spondylitis (Ankylosing spondylitis)

Natalia Dyachenko (March 13, 2018)

I want to express my deep gratitude to the great Surgeon and Human – Ptashnikov Dmitry Alexandrovich.My first meeting with the Doctor took place in the spring of 2017, when I arrived at the appointment with my dad’s documents, born in 1949, he was very worried about pain in his legs. In the city where my dad lives, they said that spinal surgery was needed and recommended the Vreden Institute. To give […]

Golovanova Ekaterina (8 February 2018)

Everyone understands happiness in different ways, in my case, happiness is that I have an even back, that I can now walk and not stop every 3 minutes because of unbearable back pain, that I no longer feel fear, that in any the moment my spine breaks in half, that I can afford to travel, work, walk calmly and me […]

Artem Ivaschenkov (15 August 2016)

About a week after the last writing of the letter to you, I began to run a little on the street.I’ve been running for almost 3 months now. At the end of June, he ran 5 km at the charity marathon, 10 km in July at the White Nights marathon. On your advice, I bought a subscription to the fitness room in mid-July. Since I did not understand anything about fitness and […]

Anna Trubnikova (3 August 2016)

In hot pursuit, the operation took place on July 18, 2016, I want to express my deepest gratitude and immeasurable gratitude to doctors Dmitry Alexandrovich Ptashnikov, Dmitry Arkadyevich Mikhailov and Olga Anatolyevna Lapaeva.It is not easy to decide on such an operation, and only the thought that you trust yourself to an outstanding doctor and the result cannot be bad helps to overcome all fears. Dmitry Alexandrovich completed his task […]

Nadezhda Vodopyanova (June 9, 2016)

Dear Dmitry Alexandrovich, hello! My mother, G.A. Tsvetkova, was very lucky to find a doctor who could prolong her life.It is thanks to you that my sister and I remain a little children – we still have a mother. Thank you very much, Nikita Sergeevich, all the nurses and nannies! May your dreams come true.

90,000 부산 박원욱 병원 – 척추 관절 중점 병원

Clinic specializing in the treatment of diseases of the spine and

Help to save the spine and joints
Pak Wonuk Clinic
The clinic that guards the health of your spine and joints!
Park Wonuk Clinic

A highly specialized system designed for patients.

Park Wonuk Clinic

Pak Wonuk Clinic (head doctor Pak Wonuk), specializing in the treatment of diseases of the spine and joints, includes the department of orthopedics (treatment of the spine and joints), the department of neurosurgery (treatment of the spine and central nervous system), the department of neurology (treatment of the central nervous system, stroke , Parkinson’s Disease and Peripheral Neurological Diseases), the Department of Radiology and the Department of Anesthesiology.

Patient-centered modern medicine

– World-class professional care with the best medical staff and the best equipment
– Our treatment system differs from other clinics, thereby creating a new medical culture
– A warm atmosphere reigns in our clinic

Pak Wonuk Clinic – special treatment for each patient.

Park Wonuk Hospital
Orthopedic surgery / Neurosurgery / Neurology / Department of Radiology / Anesthesiology

Spinal center

The center has extensive experience in the treatment of various diseases of the spine. The center provides non-surgical treatment services, surgical treatment, treatment of serious illnesses and pains, as well as endoscopic spinal surgeries.

Stenosis of the spinal canal, herniated disc, herniated disc of the cervical spine, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, ossification of the yellow ligament of the spine, spondiolisthesis, compression fracture of the spine, kyphosis, scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, degenerative changes of the spine, congenital diseases of the spine, tuberculosis

Surgical treatment
Bilateral endoscopic surgery (decompression and fixation), endoscopy of the cervical spine and microdiscectomy, correction of spinal deformity (correction of scoliosis and kyphosis, endoscopic surgery of scoliosis, spinal reconstruction, resection of the posterior spine (PVCR)), lumbar spine fusion surgery, surgery for the fusion of the vertebrae in the cervical and thoracic regions, surgery to replace the intervertebral disc with an implant, laminoplasty.

Non-surgical treatment
Spinal neuroplasty, balloon dilation, epidural laser decompression, radiofrequency decompression and radiofrequency thermal ablation (IDET), fluoroscopic neuromuscular stimulation (FIMS), balloon vertebroplasty (spinal fracture), ligament strengthening (proliferative therapy).

Pain Treatment Center

Proliferative Therapy Clinic
This is a method of a self-healing mechanism that restores a normal state in case of joint diseases, diseases of the spine without surgery.

Muscle Pain Clinic
Muscle pain in the whole body, fatigue, pain for no reason., Trigger point injections.

Clinic of Neuropathy
Epidural injections in the cervical and lumbar spine, coccygeal injection, nerve block in the cervical and lumbar spine, neuroplasty, ligament strengthening (proliferative therapy).

Joint Center

Priority is given to non-surgical treatments to address the root cause, with deep academic knowledge of disease and modern surgical techniques to achieve the best treatment outcomes

Degenerative arthritis
Osteotomy, rotator cuff rupture, calcific tendonitis, shoulder dislocation, carpal tunnel syndrome, anterior and posterior cruciate ligament rupture, artificial knee, rheumatoid arthritis.Plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, achilles tendonitis, artificial hip joint.

Stem cell surgery
The world’s first cartilage for the treatment of arthritis with regenerative stem cells.
A simple surgical procedure with a minimal skin incision to not only relieve pain but repair damaged cartilage.

Center for the treatment of diseases of the brain and spinal cord

Cerebrovascular diseases (heart attack, cerebral hemorrhage, etc.))
Degenerative diseases (dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, cerebellar atrophy, etc.)
Disease caused by dehydration (multiple sclerosis)
Metabolic disorders (hepatic coma, impaired consciousness with hyperglycemia, brain hypoxemia)
Nutritional deficiency / poisoning (subacute neuropathy, alcoholism, progressive delirium, etc.)
Trauma (cerebral hemorrhage, post-traumatic syndrome, etc.)
Infectious diseases (cerebral meningitis, encephalitis, etc.))
Functional disorders (migraine, essential tremor, orthostatic hypotension, benign paroxysmal dizziness, dizziness, changes in the autonomic nervous system, epilepsy, etc.)
Sleep disorders (apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, etc.)
/ peripheral nerve tumor

Sports Medical Center

By approaching specialized sports medicine for the spine and joints, we aim to improve the quality of life and control the patient’s pain.

3D body scan, infrared tomography, 3D centuor (tactile functions of the spine and simulators), diagnostic of atherosclerosis, test for bone density, EX-BODY (test for dynamic balance and pressure on the foot), Spine MT, sling simulators

Herniated disc, scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis and compression fracture of the vertebra, computer neck syndrome, round back, pelvic osteotomy, body type change, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, degenerative spondylitis, spinal diseases such as sprains lumbar spine, and rehabilitation after surgery.

Degenerative arthritis, cruciate ligament rupture, meniscus tear, capsulitis (frozen shoulder), dislocated shoulder, rotator cuff rupture, calcific tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow syndrome, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis, ankle joint injuries, hip pain, hip pain rheumatoid arthritis, deformity of the feet, etc.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery (UBE)

Modern equipment

1.The radiation dose is 10 times less than that of a conventional X-ray.
2. Simultaneous scanning in 3 projections (front, back and side)
3. Full digital image (“from head to toe”)
4. 3D reconstruction in a standing position with a weight load
5. Scan time is 18 sec, with side scanned separately, scanning time is reduced.
6. Ability to scan the joint in 3 projections before and after the operation.

Clean and sterile operating room

The probability of infection in our operating rooms is 0%!
Since operating the first sterile clean operating room in 2011 in Busan, we have also used a HEPA filter, laminar flow, low temperature plasma sterilizer, at least ten heat-generating systems for maintaining patient temperature, our operating rooms are free of wires and operating rooms are equipped with a supply system. air with positive pressure.

Harmonic scalpel (SONOPET)

It is a device that removes only the affected areas using ultrasound without damaging the surrounding tissue during surgery, minimizing tissue, nerve and vascular damage, thereby reducing patient pain and reducing the likelihood of recurrence after surgery.

Personalized genetic testing (DNA GPS)

Predicting disease only by blood test.In the era of DNA-assisted health management, it is important to manage environmental factors because both genetic and environmental factors influence the occurrence of diseases. If you are at high risk of disease outbreaks, you can slow or prevent the onset of disease by managing environmental factors yourself.

Genetic tests at Pak Wonuk clinic

Osteoporosis / osteoarthritis / degenerative disc / ankylosing spondylitis / various hereditary cancers / diabetes / ischemic heart disease /
Parkinson’s disease / dementia / hypertension / atopy / obesity

90,000 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANKYLOSING SPONDILITIS AND DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE | COMPARE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIMILAR TERMS – LIFE

The key difference between ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative disc disease is that ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease and osteochondrosis is degenerative

In , the key difference between ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative disc disease is that Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease and osteochondrosis is a degenerative disc disease.

Age-related erasure of intervertebral discs is the main cause of osteochondrosis. On the other hand, ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints.

1. Overview and main differences
2. What is ankylosing spondylitis
3. What is degenerative disc disease?
4. Similarities between ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative disc disease
5. Side-by-side comparison of ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative disc disease in tabular form
6.Summary

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is possible to identify the defeat of the sacroiliac joint using MRI. Men predominate, the ratio of men to women is 3: 1. Thus, the peak incidence occurs in the period from late adolescence to the early thirties.

Clinical signs

Clinical signs are classified into two main groups; articular manifestations and extra-articular manifestations.

Articular manifestations

Back pain
Unilateral or bilateral pain in the buttocks
Delayed lumbar lordosis during flexion
The defeat of the costochondral junction causes pain, which impedes the movement of the chest during inhalation.

Non-articular manifestations

Anterior uveitis
Aortic valve incompetence
Apical fibrosis
Kidney problems mainly due to chronic use of NSAIDs.
Axial Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures

Investigations

Blood Tests – to detect any increase in the acute phase of ESR and CRP reagents
X-ray – shows a typical bamboo spine together with sclerosis and fusion of the lateral and medial margins of the sacroiliac joints.
MRI

Management

Early morning exercise is extremely important to prevent deformities such as dorsal kyphosis.
NSAIDs can relieve pain
Methotrexate and sulfasalazine can control inflammation.

What is degenerative disc disease?

Age-related erasure of intervertebral discs is the main cause of osteochondrosis. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and reduce friction when moving between two vertebrae. Sometimes discs can also get microscopic fractures.

Symptoms

Back pain
The pain increases while sitting and movement decreases the pain.
If any of the spinal nerves are compressed or touched, numbness or tingling may occur in the area supplied by the particular nerve.

Investigations

When the disease is diagnosed clinically. We do MRI and X-rays to rule out other possible causes and to confirm the clinical diagnosis.

Management

Pain relief with NSAIDs
Physiotherapy
Posture adjustment
Inflammatory processes can be controlled with corticosteroids.
Surgical removal of a damaged disc or discs when other options do not work.

What are the similarities between ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative disc disease?

In both diseases there is a lesion of the spine.
Back pain is the most common complaint in both diseases.
X-ray and MRI can be used to differentiate ankylosing spondylitis from osteochondrosis.

What is the difference between ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative disc disease?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease.It is also a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Degenerative disc disease is basically an age-related degenerative disease. Thus, age-related erasure of intervertebral discs is the main cause of osteochondrosis. This is the main difference between ankylosing spondylitis and osteochondrosis, and more differences in clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of the two conditions are shown below.

Summary – Ankylosing Spondylitis versus Degenerative Disc Disease

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis and osteochondrosis usually complain of back pain.