Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Treatment & Surgery

Spondylolisthesis – Degenerative

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, usually occurs in the lumbar spine, especially at L4-L5. It is the result of degenerative changes in the vertebral structure that cause the joints between the vertebrae to slip forward. This type of spondylolisthesis is most common among older female patients, usually those over the age of 60.

Symptoms
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may include the following:

• Pain, especially after exercise, in the low back, thighs, and/or legs that radiates into the buttocks and/or down the legs (sciatica)
• Muscle spasms
• Leg weakness
• Tight hamstring muscles
• Irregular gait or limp

Some people with spondylolisthesis are symptom free and only discover the disorder when seeing a doctor for another health problem. However, the forward slip of the vertebral body in severe cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis often leads to spinal stenosis, nerve compression, pain and neurological injury.

What Causes Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is usually the result of age and “wear and tear” on the spine that breaks down vertebral components. It is different from isthmic spondylolisthesis in that there is no bone defect. Spinal stenosis tends to occur in the early stages of degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Diagnosis

Correct diagnosis is obviously essential. Dr. Lonner utilizes the latest diagnostic technologies, combined with examinations by expert physicians, to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate. Diagnostic tools include:

• Medical history. You will be asked about your symptoms, their severity, and the treatments you have already tried.
• Physical examination. You will be carefully examined for limitations of movement, problems with balance, pain, loss of reflexes in the extremities, muscle weakness, loss of sensation or other signs of neurological damage.
• Diagnostic tests. Generally, we start with x-rays, which allow us to rule out other problems such as tumors and infections. We may also use a CT scan or MRI to confirm the diagnosis. In some patients a myelogram will be used. This is a test that involves the use of a liquid dye that is injected into the spinal column to show the degree of nerve compression, slippage between involved vertebrae, and abnormal movement.

Classification of Spondylolisthesis

There are several methods used to “grade” the degree of slippage ranging from mild to most severe. We will discuss with you the extent of your spondylolisthesis.

In general, physicians use the Meyerding Grading System for classifying slips. This is a relatively easy to understand system. Slips are graded on the basis of the percentage that one vertebral body has slipped forward over the vertebral body below. Thus a Grade I slip indicates that 1-24% of the vertebral body has slipped forward over the body below. Grade II indicates a 25-49% slip. Grade III indicates a 50-74% slip and Grade IV indicates a 75%-99% slip. If the body completely slips off the body below it is classified as a Grade V slip, known as spondyloptosis.

Dr. Lonner will consider the degree of slip, and such factors as intractable pain and neurological symptoms, when deciding on the most suitable treatment. Most degenerative spondylolisthesis cases involve Grade I or Grade II. As a general guideline, the more severe slips (especially Grades III and above) are most likely to require surgical intervention.

Non-Operative Treatment

For most cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis (especially Grades I and II), treatment consists of temporary bed rest, restriction of the activities that caused the onset of symptoms, pain/ anti-inflammatory medications, steroid-anesthetic injections, physical therapy and/or spinal bracing.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis can be progressive – meaning the damage will continue to get worse as time goes on. In addition, degenerative spondylolisthesis can cause stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal and spinal cord compression. If the stenosis is severe, and all non-operative treatments have failed, surgery may be necessary.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is rarely needed unless the case is severe (usually Grade III or above), neurological damage has occurred, the pain is disabling, or all non-operative treatment options have failed.

The most common surgical procedure used to treat spondylolisthesis is called a laminectomy and fusion. In this procedure, the spinal canal is widened by removing or trimming the laminae (roof) of the vertebrae. This is done to create more space for the nerves and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The surgeon may also need to fuse vertebrae together. If fusion is done, various devices (like screws or interbody cages) may be implanted to enhance fusion and support the unstable spine.

Patient Story of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Grade 2 Spondylolisthesis at L4-5 Treated by XLIF: Safety and Midterm Results in the “Worst Case Scenario”

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Cervical spondylosis treatment: pain relief without drugs

Free appointment
and diagnostics

Pain relief
in 1-2 sessions

Author’s method
treatment

Internships in the USA,
Israel, Germany

Cervical spondylosis is a chronic disease that is manifested by degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs. This leads to the appearance of pain in the back of the head and neck, which gradually progress. Comprehensive treatment allows you to get rid of pain and prevent complications. For advice on therapy, contact Dr. Length’s clinic. The medical institution employs qualified doctors with extensive experience in clinical practice.

The development of spondylosis: how the disease begins

The specific cause of the pathology is unknown. Doctors believe that cervical spondylosis occurs due to metabolic disorders that are associated with the aging process. Emphasis is placed on the following risk factors:

• vertebral compression fractures and other spinal column injuries;
• disorders of calcium metabolism in the body with its leaching from bone tissue;
• chronic infectious diseases;
• severe osteochondrosis without adequate therapy;
• inflammatory changes in intervertebral discs, vertebrae and joints;
• imbalance of the hormonal system.

Risk factors significantly increase the possibility of developing cervical spondylosis. However, experts believe that people with this disease have a hereditary predisposition.

How the disease manifests itself: symptoms and signs

In the early stages of the pathology, cervical spondylosis does not lead to any symptoms. This stage lasts from several months to 2-3 years. With the progression of dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs, characteristic symptoms appear:

• Cracking in the neck when turning or tilting the head.
• Pain that is localized in the back of the neck or the back of the head. With the development of the disease, they pass to the ears, bridge of the nose, eye sockets, lower jaw.
• Spasm of the occipital muscles, which leads to increased pain.
• Sensitivity is disturbed on the skin of the neck and neck, areas of numbness appear.
• Dizziness develops, balance may be disturbed.
• Hearing acuity decreases.
• Fainting occurs due to compression of the vertebral vessels.

Without timely treatment, the symptoms of the disease progress and can cause severe complications.

Free medical consultation and diagnostics

• Chiropractor
• Vertebrologist
• Osteopath
• Neurologist

During the consultation, we carry out a thorough diagnosis of the entire spine and each segment. We are exactly
we determine which segments and nerve roots are involved and cause symptoms of pain. As a result of the consultation
We give detailed recommendations for treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics.

1

We will perform functional diagnostics of the spine

2

Let’s perform a manipulation that significantly relieves pain

3

We will create an individual treatment program

Book a free appointment

Cervical spondylosis stages

In order to select a treatment in our clinic, the stage of cervical spondylosis must be determined for the patient. The doctor takes into account the severity of symptoms and changes on the x-ray. In total, there are 3 stages of the disease:

• Stage I – does not show any symptoms. Computed tomography of the spine reveals small growths of bone tissue (osteophytes) along the edge of the vertebrae. Dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs are not detected.
• Stage II – accompanied by an increase in osteophytes, which can fuse with each other, forming joints. The thickness of the intervertebral discs in the cervical region decreases. Patients experience severe discomfort, which disappears after rest and is aggravated by physical exertion.
• III stage – is manifested by severe pain, which leads to a decrease in mobility. Bone growths on adjacent vertebrae completely merge, which causes immobility. Conservative treatment does not give a pronounced effect.

When choosing therapy, the specialist takes into account the age of the patient, the stage of spondylosis, and the severity of clinical symptoms.

Approaches to the treatment of cervical spondylosis

The clinic of Dr. Length uses complex treatment. It has several goals:

1. Eliminate the pain syndrome, prevent its recurrence.
2. Increase the mobility of the cervical spine.
3. Prevent the development of dystrophic and degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs.
4. Reduce the risk of developing complications such as disc protrusions, herniated discs and other disorders.

Experts recommend the use of drugs, physiotherapy, shock wave therapy and other approaches to achieve your goals. Combined therapy allows you to achieve a complete recovery.

The treatment of cervical spondylosis in our clinic is based on non-invasive procedures, non-drug techniques. All patients are shown articular manual therapy and osteopathy. These are medical approaches that have proven their effectiveness in clinical trials around the world. Sessions with a chiropractor and an osteopath lead to the disappearance of symptoms, contribute to the restoration of intervertebral discs due to the impact of specialists on the body as a whole and its individual areas.

Kinesiology taping is aimed at relieving pain and improving exercise tolerance. Kinesio tapes are applied to the neck area, support the muscles, providing them with relaxation, restoring normal tone. Tapes are glued by a specialist, since the correctness of their application affects the effectiveness of the therapy.

Di-Tazin therapy is used in Dr. Length’s clinic. This is the author’s method of treatment of cervical spondylosis, which is used in leading clinics in the world. This is a non-invasive treatment based on 3 approaches: manual exposure, photodynamic laser therapy and electrophoresis. A complex of techniques improves the blood supply to the intervertebral discs, stimulates metabolism, restores cartilage and bone tissue, and also has an analgesic effect.

Prevention of spondylosis

You can prevent spondylosis of the cervical spine by following simple recommendations:

• Regular breaks and neck warm-up during prolonged sedentary work.
• Physical inactivity, as well as excessive sports loads are unacceptable. They lead to a violation of muscle tone. Regular exercise is recommended, adequate to the level of physical fitness of the person.
• Traumatic injuries to the neck and back should be avoided.
• Hypothermia is unacceptable, it leads to inflammatory processes in the muscles, disrupts their tone.
• In the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the spine, a doctor’s consultation is required to prescribe treatment.
• You need to watch your posture. Kyphosis, scoliosis and other pathologies are among the main causes of cervical spondylosis.

The doctors of our clinic recommend using manual and osteopathic techniques for any pain in the back and neck. Timely detection of the disease allows you to eliminate it, preventing the development of complications.

Our advantages

The doctors of the clinic have extensive experience in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. When contacting us, the patient has the right to expect a decent result. This is facilitated by:

• experienced specialists who undergo regular training in leading foreign centers for osteopathy and orthopedics;
• the use of an integrated approach to the treatment of the disease using Di-Tazin therapy, manual techniques, shock wave exposure and kinesio taping;
• individual approach to each patient.

In medicine, it is believed that muscle tone disorders and back pain can be a sign of various pathologies. We look for the root cause and eliminate it, rather than focusing only on alleviating the symptoms.

Material verified by an expert

Mikhailov Valery Borisovich

Manual therapist, vertebrologist, neurologist

Work experience – 25 years

Video reviews of patients

Articular block in the neck

Hernia in the lower back and neck

I came to Dr. Length’s clinic with spinal problems. With two intervertebral lower hernias and two intervertebral hernias in the neck. I was assigned a comprehensive 10 step program. In 4 months, my lower vertebrae completely disappeared and crunches in the neck disappeared …

Hernia of the lumbosacral region

“After the first time, my back stopped hurting. I felt relieved. Now 7 sessions have already passed and the back really does not hurt. I began to forget about it. And at first it hurt a lot.”

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve

“For 4 months I suffered from severe inflammation of the sciatic nerve on the right side. After the first visit, relief came immediately within six hours. After 6 courses, the pain was almost gone.

Pain in the lower back and leg

Yakovleva Natalya Mikhailovna
Head of the department, surgeon of the highest category, oncologist-mammologist
I want to express my deep gratitude for the fact that I was put on my feet in the truest sense of the word. I came to the clinic a month and a half ago with severe pain in the lower back and leg. These complaints were long enough and the treatment that I used in the past was ineffective. Fortunately, I ended up in the clinic of Dr. Length and his team of super professionals!

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

“I applied 2 months ago with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. I have a sedentary job and my neck muscles were very cramped. It was impossible to work. Before that, I went to other doctors, but this did not solve my problem. For 2 months I have a fairly positive dynamics. Every week it gets better and better.”

Bechterew’s disease

“I have had Bechterew’s disease for 10 years. The vertebrae began to move out, I began to slouch. I turned to other chiropractors, very famous, media ones. In the end, I didn’t get any results. After 2 sessions I felt much better. Now I don’t have any pain.”

Pain in the spine

“I came in with problems in my back, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. I was prescribed procedures, had a massage, and was assigned to do physical education at home. This made it much easier for me. I’m already turning my head. I have no pain.”

Shoulder-to-shoulder periarthrosis

I went to the clinic with severe pain in my shoulder. My hand did not rise, I could not sleep at night, I woke up from pain. After the first treatment session, I felt much better. Somewhere in the middle of the course, my hand began to rise, I began to sleep at night.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, 2nd degree

She came in with a very serious illness. I could not walk, I have arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the knee joint. I went through a course of treatment at the Clinic and now I am going 100%.

Herniated disc

“I came to the clinic after I had back pain and it turned out to be a herniated disc. I went to other places, but they only relieved attacks of pain. Hope for a return to normal life was given only by Sergei Vladimirovich, his golden hands!

Scoliosis

“Since I was a teenager, I have suffered from scoliosis in the thoracic region. I felt a feeling of discomfort, tension, periodic pain in the spine. I turned to various specialists, a massage therapist, an osteopath, but I did not feel a strong effect. After treatment, Length S.V. I almost have a straight spine. Currently, I do not feel any problems and discomfort.”

Intervertebral hernia

“At the 5th-6th session there was an improvement. I felt much better. The pain is gone. Improvement progressed more and more each time. Lesson 10 today. I feel great.”

Pain in the lumbar and cervical region

“I am 21 years old. I went to the clinic with discomfort in the lumbar and cervical region. I also sometimes had sharp pains. After undergoing therapy, I felt a significant improvement in my back. I have no pain. The condition as a whole has improved.”

Pain in the back

“At the beginning of the path of treatment, my back hurt very badly. I could no longer walk. I take 5 steps and stop. My entire journey consisted of such stops. In the very first procedure, I left the office with no pain in my spine. ”

Cervical hernia

“I came in with a problem in my neck and my right arm was very sore. The neck did not turn, the hand did not rise. After the 3rd session, I felt better. After the 5th, all this pain began to decrease. It turns out I have 2 hernias in my cervical vertebrae. After the sessions, I did an MRI and one hernia decreased. Now he began to move, his hand earned.

Pain in the neck

“I went to Dr. Long because I had a very bad pain in my neck on the right side. I fell on a snowboard 5 years ago, even went to an osteopath, but somehow it didn’t really help. Now everything is fine, there are some consequences left, the muscles were spasmodic. When I came, I had steel muscles, now my neck is very soft.”

Pain in the thoracic region

“I came to the clinic with back pain, namely in the thoracic region. After 10 sessions of treatment, I could already calmly go about my usual business, stay at work until lunch, without howling in pain. Now I’ve come back for an adjustment after 2 months. I’m fine, my back doesn’t hurt.”

Hernia and protrusion

“I came to the clinic with L4-L5 hernia and L5-S1 protrusion. Today the course of treatment has ended. Lower back hurt, it was difficult to bend down. After completing the course and receiving instructions in the form of physical exercises, it became much easier. After a month of treatment, I do not feel any stiffness of movements. ”

Pain in the lower back and hip joint

“I’ve had back pain since I was young. When they became unbearable, I went to Dr. Length’s clinic. Already after the first procedure, the pain in the hip joint was gone. After the third procedure, the shooting pains in the lower back stopped.

Applying today will help

avoid surgery tomorrow!

Relieve pain and inflammation

After 2-3 treatments, exhausting pain goes away, you feel better.

Eliminate the cause of the disease

Comprehensive rehabilitation of the spine improves well-being: you feel a surge of strength and energy.

Let’s start the process of regeneration

The process of restoration of damaged tissues begins, hernias and protrusions decrease.

Let’s strengthen the muscular corset

Strong back muscles support the spinal column, preventing the recurrence of the disease.

We treat

• Thoracic neuralgia
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Median disc herniation
• Osteoarthritis of the knee – modern methods of treatment
• Effective treatment of sciatica
• Spinal osteophytes

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Lumbar spondylosis – signs, diagnosis and treatment

One of the most formidable complications in the presence of problems with the ridge is spondylosis. You should find out what the diagnosis of lumbar spondylosis is fraught with for the patient, how the pathology is detected and how it is treated.

How spondylosis of the lumbar spine occurs

Deforming spondylosis has classic symptoms similar to injuries, osteochondrosis and herniated discs. If there is damage to the nerve endings of the spinal column, there are problems with the limbs and the correct movements. It is important to identify the pathology at an early stage so that the effect of conservative treatment is effective and there is no damage to the spinal cord. Spondylosis is associated with degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. When the connective tissue weakens, thinning of the ligamentous apparatus occurs. As a result, there is an increased risk of injury.

Over time, osteophytes are formed at the site of injury – bone outgrowths that gradually grow inside the fibrous ring of the articular discs and in the thickness of the intervertebral ligaments. The most common spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine. Due to the growth of osteophytes, the articular processes cannot cope with the task of shock absorption, which leads to severe pain. Also, the appearance of pathology is significantly influenced by the lifestyle of the patient.

Causes of spondylosis

The main provoking factor is premature aging and wear of the patient’s body. With age, destructive processes occur in the skeletal system associated with wear and thinning of cartilage, resorption of bone mass. If at an early age there are adverse factors, then the pathology develops in adulthood.

What influences the appearance of the disease:

1. Previous injuries and bruises. Not in all situations, trauma to the ligaments or tendons leads to bone growths of osteophytes, but it can become a trigger for the appearance of a destructive and pathological process. Usually, after injuries suffered in youth, spondylosis occurs at an older age.
2. Physical effort associated with professional sports. Athletes who lift weights are most prone to spinal disorders, including spondylosis.
3. Incorrect posture. Due to the misalignment in the spine, there is an incorrect distribution of weight throughout the body, due to which some muscle groups are heavily overloaded, while others receive less load. As a result, over time, trophic tissue disorders occur, the quality of recovery decreases, and a degenerative complication appears – spondylosis.
4. Age degenerative changes. After 40 – 50, there is a gradual decrease in the elasticity of connective tissues, and the strength of bone tissue decreases. If there are microtraumas and damages, then there is a replacement by osteophytes, which subsequently grow strongly.
5. Hormonal disorders. During the female menopause, there is a persistent lack of estrogen, due to which the bone tissue becomes weak. When men enter andropause, and testosterone levels become low, similar changes occur that negatively affect bone strength.
6. Hereditary factor. It has been proven that if close relatives had spondylosis, then the likelihood of the disease in children is increased.
7. The presence of congenital malformations of the spine. If the patient has an anomaly of tropism in the lower back, then in the future there is a risk of spondylosis.
8. Infectious lesions. With chronically reduced immunity, constant colds occur. If the disease is not cured to the end, it can give complications to the joints and bones. As a result, without the timely use of antibiotics, the patient develops spondylosis.
9. Metabolic disorders. In the presence of metabolic syndrome, the risk of pathology is increased.
10. Obesity. With increased body weight, there is increased pressure on the ligaments, muscles and joints, which leads to an overload of the spine. In particular, the problem is relevant if the muscular corset of an obese person is not developed. There are persistent pain and impaired mobility.
11. Presence of systemic autoimmune diseases. Such pathologies contribute to the appearance of spondylosis – diabetes mellitus, uncompensated hypothyroidism, atherosclerosis, adrenal pathology.
12. Oncological diseases. The presence of a tumor process has a destructive effect on the state of the patient’s body, including the spine.

According to doctors, the most predisposing disease on the way to spondylosis is osteochondrosis. This pathology is also associated with degenerative and dystrophic disorders in the structure of the intervertebral discs. As a result, there is a softening of the bone structure and cartilage tissue, which subsequently leads to serious complications, including lumbar spondylosis.

Classification and signs of spondylosis

To finally establish the diagnosis, you need to rely on the international classification of diseases. The lesion can affect any of the five vertebrae of the lumbosacral segment:

1. L1-L2 – spondylosis of the first and second lumbar vertebrae.
2. L2-L3 – detection of pathology between the second and third lumbar vertebrae.
3. Level L4 – L5.
4. L5-S1 – lesion of the lumbosacral region.

The last option is the most common. The disease occurs in the presence of adverse factors, and includes vivid symptoms of manifestation.

The stages of the disease include:

1. The development of the disease at the initial stage is practically not manifested. In rare cases, with a heavy load on the spine, moderate pain in the lumbar region occurs. At the initial stage of development of spondylosis, the deformities are insignificant. It is possible to determine the pathology at the initial stage of development by chance. If you conduct a diagnostic study, you can see on the pictures of the spine the beginning of the growth of bone growths on the affected areas of the discs.
2. In the second degree, the pain becomes significant, stiffness is felt in the morning. The pain intensifies when standing and bending forward, so long-term static load should be avoided. Signs of spondylosis intensify. Pain changes course. There is severe discomfort, characterized by a long duration.
3. At the last stage, the occurrence of pain does not depend on provoking factors. There is numbness, paresthesia of the limbs, loss of sensation in the legs. The patient cannot perform the usual actions, motor skills are almost completely impaired, because the osteophytes have grown greatly, which is why mobility is severely limited. Surgical removal of the pathology is required.

Common symptoms of spondylosis indicative of the disease include:

1. Pain – aching and throbbing at the level of development of the lesion. There is no irradiation to other parts of the spine or internal organs. Usually, discomfort, which is fettering in the morning, is aggravated by bending over, physical exertion. Warming up the muscles slightly and temporarily relieves the condition.
2. Impaired mobility. The patient cannot bend in the back or bend all the way. When turning the body, there is a clear limitation of movement to the sides.
3. Lameness – signs of compression of the fibers of the sciatic nerve. First, lameness occurs during physical exertion, and later – in a calm state.
4. Loss of sensation in the lower extremities – a symptom associated with infringement of the nerve root.

In a third of cases, the disease is asymptomatic, but less often only lameness is observed. With such meager symptomatic signs, pathology is already determined at a late stage, when the patient becomes really ill. In the later stages, stiffness in the spine appears, associated with the growth of osteophytes.

According to the severity of symptoms, several stages are observed:

1. At the initial stage of spondylosis, the signs of the disease are absent or mild.
2. At the second stage of the development of pathology, there is a partial restriction of mobility. Sometimes numbness of the extremities is observed.
3. The third stage is the terminal one. The patient has chronic back pain, movements are constrained. The patient is given a disability.

The sooner adverse symptoms occur, the sooner you need to seek help from a specialist. At the initial stages of the development of the disease, it is still possible to cope with discomfort with the help of conservative therapy.

Diagnosis of spondylosis of the lumbar spine

If the patient has characteristic complaints, he should make an appointment with an orthopedic traumatologist. The specialist conducts a visual examination of the patient’s back and carefully listens to complaints. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies:

1. Radiography. An x-ray can show adverse pathological changes that can lead to spondylosis. An example – the instability of the spine, non-closure of the arches or spinous processes, anomalies of tropism are clearly visible.
2. MRI. With magnetic resonance imaging, adverse soft tissue changes can be seen, including inflammation, trauma, and the presence of spondylosis. This is one of the most reliable methods for studying spinal tissues.
3. CT is an improved version of radiography. Suitable for those patients who cannot have magnetic resonance imaging. The type of study distinguishes hard tissues well and will easily see osteophytes, imbalance of the spine.
4. Laboratory tests. Some blood tests can detect inflammatory markers that indicate a rheumatoid course of the disease. The patient submits KLA, ESR, C-peptide, rheumatic tests.

Based on the results of the examination, a diagnosis is made, after which a treatment regimen is prescribed.

Treatment of lumbar spondylosis

The treatment regimen depends on the stage of the disease. At the initial stages, conservative therapy is indicated, aimed at improving the patient’s well-being. During an exacerbation, medications are prescribed to relieve pain and improve joint function. If large osteophytes are found, and there is no improvement from conservative treatment, then the problem is solved by a radical method – outgrowths that worsen the mobility of the spine are excised.

Drug treatment of spinal spondylosis

Conventionally, drugs can be divided into two types – supportive and symptomatic. In the first case, drugs are prescribed in combination with conservative treatment when bone tissue support is needed. These medications are ineffective in the acute period, as they do not affect inflammatory mediators and pain. Symptomatic treatment is aimed at normalizing the patient’s well-being in a short period.

In case of a pain attack, what medications are prescribed to alleviate the patient’s condition:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are the first line of choice, as they can easily relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the damaged area of ​​the back. The drugs act quickly. Within a few hours after the injection or the tablet taken, the patient feels significant relief. The duration of admission depends on the severity of the situation and should not exceed 2-5 days for non-selective NSAIDs and 3 weeks for drugs of a selective type of action. Examples of non-selective drugs are Ketorol, Diclofenac, Nalgesin. The priority is the use of selective NSAIDs, which have a lower frequency of side effects – Movalis, Nimesil, Lornoxicam.
2. Corticosteroids. These are systemic hormonal agents aimed at suppressing inflammation in soft tissues and reducing the immune effect. The use of these drugs is relevant in two cases – the ineffectiveness of NSAIDs and the presence of rheumatological diseases. If painkillers do not give the desired effect, then corticosteroids are used in the form of intra-articular injections. The procedure is called injection blockade. Under the control of an ultrasound probe, a long-acting glucocorticosteroid is injected into the affected area. Usually one blockade is enough for the patient to feel relief for a long time. An example of funds is Diprospan. Corticosteroids may also be given intermittently if rheumatic disease worsens. Suitable tablet forms of the drug, including Prednisolone, Dexamethasone.
3. Muscle relaxants. These drugs relax the muscles and eliminate the pain associated with excessive spasticity. In many diseases of the spine, a muscular imbalance is observed, which consists in the fact that some muscles are in a reduced tone, while others are in an increased tone. Muscle spasms must be relieved in order for the pain to subside. Muscle relaxants are effective when taken as a course. The duration of therapy is selected individually. Examples of drugs are Baclofen, Sirdalud, Mydocalm.
4. Neurotropic vitamins of group B. If the patient has pinched nerve roots against the background of the growth of osteophytes, then it is necessary to use vitamins of group B in large doses. Thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin are able to eliminate pain during a course of admission, as part of a complex drug treatment. Within a few weeks, the patient is prescribed an injectable form of release, and then they switch to tablets. The duration of therapy is selected individually. Examples of drugs – Neurorubin, Milgamma, Neuromax.

These medicines help with pain caused by a sudden flare-up. When the discomfort has subsided, the patient can be prescribed supportive agents:

1. Chondroprotectors. With long-term course use, these substances nourish cartilage and reduce the risk of accelerated destruction. Glucosamine and chondroitin are usually used as active agents. These components are not able to stop the degenerative processes that occur in the joints, but with regular use of chondroprotectors, prevention of deterioration occurs. Examples of drugs are Dona, Chondrogard, Mukosat.
2. Calcium in combination with D3. Cartilage strength is related to bone strength. The main building material for bones is calcium. With a lack of calcium, bone resorption occurs, which causes a tendency to fractures and the formation of kidney stones. In order for calcium to be absorbed, it is necessary to take additional vitamin D3. Without this component, taking calcium tablets is ineffective. With combined treatment, calcium is fixed in the bones, which significantly reduces the risk of fractures and degenerative processes in the spine.

Homeopathy or traditional recipes are used less frequently. The last point must be considered with caution. Traditional medicine does not have a solid evidence base, so in the absence of drug therapy, self-medication can be harmful.

Conservative methods of treatment for spinal spondylosis

In the period after an exacerbation, most physicians prescribe supportive complex procedures aimed at restoring the patient’s well-being. These recommendations are relevant for people with an undeveloped stage of the disease, which can last for many years, if the progression of the pathology is actively counteracted with the help of auxiliary procedures.

What complexes of influences are more effective in the rehabilitation period:

1. Therapeutic exercise. Special exercises help maintain posture and strengthen the core muscles, which is an important step towards improving well-being. The job of an exercise therapy instructor is to show the correct technique for performing exercises. Classes are aimed at developing flexibility, improving blood circulation and strengthening weak muscle groups. Over time, the patient will learn how to properly perform the complexes at home. For the first few months, it is advisable to train under the supervision of a specialist.
2. Physiotherapy. With the help of hardware exposure in combination with medications, pain in any part of the spine is relieved. The recommended procedure is electrophoresis. With the help of a special hardware device of a certain frequency, they begin to direct radiation into the affected area of ​​the spinal canal, having previously applied a drug to the skin. Usually, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, dimexide or heparin are used. As a result, there is warming, improvement of blood flow in the vessels, which leads to the complete elimination of chronic pain.
3. Massage. This type of conservative treatment often helps with severe muscle pain associated with spasm. Since such deteriorations often occur in degenerative diseases of the spine, massages are an indispensable procedure. The action of the hands causes a temporary improvement in blood flow, due to which the clamped muscles relax. You need to do the procedure for several days in a row to feel relief. It is recommended to carry out the procedure in a series of 10 sessions several times a year.

Wearing a brace for diseases of the spine

Special support corsets can improve the well-being of the patient if he has chronic back pain. The essence of the bandage is simple – the device partially removes the load from the affected area of ​​​​the spine, and if the pain is really associated with muscle weakness, an elastic corset can help for a while. You can not wear a bandage for days, otherwise muscle atrophy will occur and subsequently the patient will harm himself even more.

The elastic waistband must be removed before going to bed. It is recommended to wear a bandage for prolonged static loads, if you need to stand or sit for a long time. The duration of wearing should not exceed 2-3 hours without a break, after which you need to remove the belt. In the interval between wearing it is useful to do general strengthening exercises.

It is not recommended to select the bandage yourself. If the attending physician considers that such support is necessary, he will provide the name of the model and manufacturer. Then the patient selects bandages in the salon of medical devices according to the size. Measure elastic corsets in a horizontal position. It is necessary to ensure that the device does not press anywhere and sits comfortably on the buyer.

Surgery to remove osteophytes

In advanced cases, when the osteophytes have reached a large size, surgery is recommended. Removal of spinous growths will alleviate the patient’s condition, relieve pain. Such operations return patients to normal life, so they should not be postponed if doctors insist on a radical solution to the problem.

The essence of the surgical intervention is to remove the overgrown bone tissue. At the second stage of treatment, osteosynthesis is carried out, which is necessary for connecting the intervertebral discs. It is important to understand that surgical treatment does not protect against recurrence, so it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease. In the future, this will help to avoid recurrence.

Prevention of spinal spondylosis

There are no special measures aimed at preventing the onset of the disease. General recommendations to prevent spinal complications can be put into practice, which include:

1. Maintaining good posture. With improper sitting or standing, an uneven distribution of the load on the spine occurs, which negatively affects muscle tone.