Spondylosis signs and symptoms. Spondylosis: Understanding Signs, Symptoms, and Impact on Spinal Health

24.08.202302.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the key signs and symptoms of spondylosis. How does spondylosis affect spinal health. What causes spondylosis and who is at risk. How is spondylosis diagnosed and treated. What are the different types of spondylosis.

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What is Spondylosis: Defining Age-Related Spinal Degeneration

Spondylosis is a broad medical term used to describe age-related degeneration of the spine. This condition affects various components of the spinal structure, including vertebrae, discs, cartilage, and ligaments. As these elements break down over time, they can lead to joint problems and potentially contribute to other conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression.

Is spondylosis the same as degenerative disc disease (DDD)? Essentially, yes. These terms are often used interchangeably, although some medical professionals prefer “spondylosis” as it more accurately reflects the mechanical nature of the issue rather than implying a progressive disease state.

Key Characteristics of Spondylosis

Age-related spinal degeneration
Affects various spinal components
Can contribute to other spinal conditions
Often used interchangeably with degenerative disc disease

Risk Factors: Who is Susceptible to Degenerative Spondylosis?

While spondylosis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take proactive measures to maintain spinal health.

Common Risk Factors for Spondylosis

Age: An estimated 80% of individuals over 40 show signs of spinal degeneration
Genetics: Family history may play a role in early onset cases
Previous injuries: A history of spinal trauma can increase susceptibility
Repetitive stress: Certain occupations or activities may accelerate spinal wear

Do symptoms typically appear at a specific age? While signs of spondylosis can manifest between ages 20 and 50, it’s important to note that not everyone with radiographic evidence of spinal degeneration will experience symptoms or require medical intervention.

The Underlying Causes of Spondylosis: Why Does It Occur?

Spondylosis primarily results from the natural aging process of the spine. As we grow older, several changes occur within the spinal structure that contribute to its development.

Key Factors Contributing to Spondylosis

Disc dehydration: Loss of water and proteins in intervertebral discs
Reduced elasticity: Discs become stiffer and more brittle
Micro-traumas: Repetitive stress can create small tears in disc structures
Impaired healing: Limited blood supply to discs hinders natural repair processes

Why do discs struggle to self-repair? Unlike other collagen-rich structures in the body, spinal discs have limited access to nutrient-rich blood supply. This isolation, combined with age-related changes, makes it challenging for discs to heal quickly from injuries or wear and tear.

Types of Spondylosis: Identifying Affected Spinal Regions

Spondylosis can occur in different areas of the spine, with the most common types being cervical and lumbar spondylosis. The location of the degeneration often correlates with the specific symptoms experienced by the individual.

Primary Types of Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis: Affects the neck region
Lumbar Spondylosis: Impacts the lower back

How does the location of spondylosis influence symptoms? The type and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of disc damage and its effects on surrounding nerves, bones, and tissues in the affected area.

Common Complications Associated with Spondylosis

As spondylosis progresses, it can lead to various complications that further impact spinal health and overall well-being. Understanding these potential issues is crucial for early detection and management.

Prevalent Spondylosis Complications

Bone spurs (osteophytes)
Spinal stenosis
Nerve compression
Disc herniation

How do bone spurs develop in spondylosis? When disc degeneration leads to decreased space between vertebrae, the resulting bone-on-bone friction can stimulate the growth of extra bone tissue on vertebral surfaces. These bone spurs may protrude into the spinal canal, potentially contributing to spinal stenosis and nerve compression.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Spondylosis

Identifying the symptoms of spondylosis is crucial for early diagnosis and appropriate management. While some individuals may remain asymptomatic, others may experience a range of discomforts that impact their daily lives.

Common Symptoms of Spondylosis

Neck or back pain
Stiffness in the affected area
Numbness or tingling in extremities
Weakness in arms or legs
Headaches (particularly with cervical spondylosis)
Reduced range of motion

Can spondylosis symptoms fluctuate? Yes, the severity of symptoms can vary over time and may be influenced by factors such as activity levels, posture, and overall health. Some individuals may experience periods of increased discomfort followed by relative relief.

Diagnostic Approaches for Spondylosis

Accurate diagnosis of spondylosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Healthcare providers employ various techniques to assess the extent of spinal degeneration and its impact on surrounding structures.

Common Diagnostic Methods for Spondylosis

Physical examination
Medical history review
X-rays
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT) scan
Electromyography (EMG)

Why are multiple diagnostic tools often used? Each diagnostic method provides unique insights into spinal health. While X-rays can reveal bone changes and disc space narrowing, MRI scans offer detailed images of soft tissues, including discs and nerves. Combining these approaches allows for a comprehensive assessment of the condition.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies for Spondylosis

Managing spondylosis often involves a multifaceted approach aimed at relieving symptoms, improving function, and preventing further degeneration. Treatment plans are typically tailored to the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their condition.

Conservative Treatment Options

Physical therapy and exercise
Pain management techniques
Medications (anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants)
Lifestyle modifications
Chiropractic care
Acupuncture

Advanced Interventions

Epidural steroid injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Surgical procedures (in severe cases)

How effective are conservative treatments for spondylosis? Many individuals find significant relief through non-invasive approaches. Physical therapy, in particular, can help strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall spinal health. However, the effectiveness of treatments can vary, and some cases may require more advanced interventions.

Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention Strategies

While spondylosis is often an inevitable part of aging, certain lifestyle choices and preventive measures can help maintain spinal health and potentially slow the progression of degeneration.

Key Preventive Measures

Regular exercise and stretching
Maintaining proper posture
Ergonomic workplace adjustments
Healthy weight management
Smoking cessation
Proper lifting techniques

Can lifestyle changes reverse spondylosis? While existing spinal degeneration cannot be reversed, adopting healthy habits can help manage symptoms, improve overall spinal function, and potentially slow further progression of the condition.

Living with Spondylosis: Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

For many individuals, spondylosis becomes a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Developing effective coping strategies can significantly improve quality of life and daily functioning.

Helpful Coping Techniques

Stress management practices
Adaptive equipment usage
Pain management techniques
Support groups and counseling
Regular medical follow-ups
Exploring alternative therapies

How can individuals maintain an active lifestyle with spondylosis? With proper guidance from healthcare providers, many people with spondylosis can continue to engage in modified physical activities. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or tai chi, can help maintain flexibility and strength without excessively stressing the spine.

Future Directions in Spondylosis Research and Treatment

As our understanding of spinal health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for diagnosing, treating, and potentially preventing spondylosis. These advancements offer hope for improved outcomes and management strategies in the future.

Emerging Areas of Spondylosis Research

Regenerative medicine techniques
Advanced imaging technologies
Targeted drug therapies
Minimally invasive surgical innovations
Genetic factors influencing spinal degeneration

What potential does regenerative medicine hold for spondylosis treatment? Regenerative approaches, such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections, are being studied for their potential to promote tissue repair and regeneration in degenerative spinal conditions. While still in experimental stages, these techniques may offer new options for managing spondylosis in the future.

In conclusion, spondylosis represents a common age-related spinal condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and management options, those affected can work with healthcare providers to develop effective strategies for maintaining spinal health and overall quality of life. As research continues to advance, new treatment modalities may emerge, offering hope for enhanced management and potentially slowing the progression of this widespread condition.

WHAT IS SPONDYLOSIS? (SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS)

Degenerative spondylosis is a somewhat broad medical term used to describe age-related degeneration, or breakdown, of the spine. If your orthopedic physician diagnoses you with spondylosis, he or she is telling you that your back or neck pain—and other related symptoms—are age-related, a result of the normal wear and tear of living.

If you have this form of spondylosis, some part of your spine, be it the vertebrae themselves, the discs between them, or the surrounding cartilage or ligaments, has broken down to the point where your joints have become affected—contributing to another condition such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, or compression of your nerves (leading to issues like sciatica).

Spondylosis and Degenerative Disc Disease

Occasionally, people will ask the question, “Is spondylosis the same thing as degenerative disc disease, or DDD?” The answer is “basically, yes. ” The terms are often used interchangeably. (A third term, more accurate than DDD, is “disc degeneration.”)

Spondylosis may be the initial diagnosis used to describe age-related back or neck pain, and maybe some numbness or tingling in your legs or feet. Upon further examination and testing, your orthopedist may find that the specific source of your spondylosis, as well as its effects; for example, you may have a worn lumbar disc that’s causing two vertebrae in your lower back to grind against each other, triggering the growth of bone spurs that put pressure on your surrounding nerves.

Some orthopedists prefer to use the word spondylosis over the term degenerative disc disease because the condition is not truly a disease, but a mechanical issue—the gradual breakdown of the discs between the vertebrae due to the ordinary wear and tear of aging. (Or in some cases, the wear and tear brought on by traumatic injury.)

Also, this type of wear-and-tear is not a degenerative condition in the classic sense, in that it isn’t caused by changes in the body at the cellular level—nor does it get predictively, progressively worse over time. (However, osteoarthritis—a frequent and perhaps inevitable result of disc degeneration—is degenerative, which is why the terms are often used interchangeably.)

Who Gets Degenerative Spondylosis? (Risk Factors)

Spondylosis can happen to anyone—in fact, an estimated 80% of men and women over 40 are likely to show some sign of spinal degeneration on their X-rays. People with symptoms tend to first notice them between the ages of 20 and 50.

If you notice symptoms at a younger age, there may be a genetic component to your particular case. Having a history of injuries can also increase your likelihood of developing spondylosis. For example, some studies indicate that whiplash sustained in a car accident may make you more likely, years after the accident, to get surgery to repair or remove a damaged disc.

But for the most part, spondylosis is the result of aging. Most people will experience it as they get older, but not everyone will require (or desire) a medical intervention.

Spondylosis Causes (Why it Occurs)

As we age, our discs lose water and proteins; they dry out, becoming stiff and brittle. Repetitive stress to the neck or back can create micro-tears and other traumas in the outer shells.

Activities that used to be easy—bending over to pick up a delivery box, swinging a golf club, or even twisting around to say hello to someone behind you at the store—may lead to a disc injury or slipped disc. Unfortunately, these injuries don’t repair themselves as easily when we’re older.

The discs’ isolation within the spinal column means they don’t have the same access to a nutrient-rich blood supply as other types of collagen/cartilage in the body (for example, the outer parts of the knee, the elbow, or the Achilles tendon). They can’t self-repair quickly. Pair this with the loss of water and proteins due to the natural aging process, and this means we sustain damage to our necks and backs that may take a good deal of time to fix—or the help of a doctor.

Types of Spondylosis (Where it Occurs)

Disc degeneration usually occurs in the cervical vertebrae (the neck) or in the lumbar vertebrae (the lower back). After testing, your orthopedist may diagnose you with cervical spondylosis or lumbar spondylosis.

The types of symptoms that you experience will depend on the extent of the damage to the affected intervertebral disc and how that damage creates a domino effect on the surrounding nerves, bone, and tissue.

Common responses to spondylosis include:

Bone spurs. When discs degrade and the space between vertebrae decreases, the resulting bone-on-bone friction can cause extra bone to grow on the tops and bottoms of vertebrae. Bone spurs may project into the spinal canal, contributing to spinal stenosis and nerve compression.

Disc herniation. If a damaged disc develops a split in its outer wall, the gel-like substance on the inside can push through its container, creating a bulge. This bulging disc may press into the surrounding spinal canal and push against a nerve. This is often referred to as a “slipped disc” or “herniated disc.” Disc herniations can result in nerve pain, numbness, and tingling.

Loss of the cushioning between vertebrae can lead to bone spurs, as described above, and osteoarthritis of the facet joints of the spine. With arthritis, the main symptoms will be pain and stiffness.

Pinched or inflamed nerves. Herniated (bulging) or slipped discs can put pressure on nerves running through the spinal canal. This is often referred to as a pinched nerve or nerve compression. When this nerve compression affects the lower back and legs, a patient may be diagnosed with:
- When the disc (or something else, like a tumor or bone spur) presses against a nerve root anywhere along the spine.
- Sciatica. When the disc presses on nerve roots near the base of the spine, creating symptoms in the legs and feet.
- Myelopathy: When the herniated disc presses on the spinal cord itself, creating a spinal cord injury.
- Stenosis. Discs may press up on the holes (foramina) in the vertebrae, creating a narrowing of that space (called a stenosis), which can put pressure on the nerves running through the vertebrae. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal due to any number of factors (including bone spurs or slipped discs), can also lead to pinched nerves.

Pinched or inflamed ligaments. Herniated discs can press on ligaments much the way they press on nerves. This can cause pain and inflammation.

Spondylosis Symptoms

Different people experience disc degeneration in different ways, with varying manifestations. Symptoms can differ depending on the location and the specific type of disc degeneration, and what that breakdown of the disc is doing to surrounding nerves and tissue. You may barely notice a problem, whereas someone else may experience numbness in their extremities or chronic pain in their lower back or neck.

If you have spondylosis, you may notice one or more of the following, depending on the specifics of your case:

Headaches
Loss of bladder control
Muscle spasms
Pain and soreness in the neck, shoulders, or lower back; pain may worsen with standing (if it originates in the lower back) or moving the head (if it originates in the neck)
Stiffness
Tenderness
Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation that radiates down the arms or legs
Weakness in the arms or legs

Getting a Diagnosis of Spondylosis

If you think you may have spondylosis and your symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, your next step is to make an appointment to see a doctor. Spondylosis needs to be confirmed with lab testing like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, you and your orthopedist can work together to discuss your options for treatment. To discuss further please contact Coastal Orthopedics today at (361) 994-1166.

Article written by: Rob Williams, MD

Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck) – OrthoInfo

Neck pain can be caused by many things — but it is most often related to getting older. Like the rest of the body, the disks and joints in the neck (cervical spine) slowly degenerate as we age. Cervical spondylosis, commonly called arthritis of the neck, is the medical term for these age-related, wear-and-tear changes that occur over time.

Cervical spondylosis is extremely common. More than 85% of people over the age of 60 are affected. The condition most often causes pain and stiffness in the neck — although many people with cervical spondylosis experience no noticeable symptoms. In most cases, cervical spondylosis responds well to conservative treatment that includes medication and physical therapy.

Your spine is made up of 24 bones, called vertebrae, that are stacked on top of one another. These bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord.

The seven small vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and form the neck comprise the cervical spine.

Cervical spondylosis occurs in the cervical spine — the seven small vertebrae that form the neck.

Other parts of your spine include:

Spinal cord and nerves. These electrical cables travel through the spinal canal carrying messages between your brain and muscles. Nerve roots branch out from the spinal cord through openings in the vertebrae.

Spinal cord (red arrow) and spinal nerve root (black arrow).

Intervertebral disks. In between your vertebrae are flexible intervertebral disks. They act as shock absorbers when you walk or run.

Intervertebral disks are flat and round and about a half inch thick. They are made up of two components:

Annulus fibrosus. This is the tough, flexible outer ring of the disk.
Nucleus pulposus. This is the soft, jelly-like center of the disk.

A healthy intervertebral disk (cross-section view).

Cervical spondylosis arises from degenerative changes that occur in the spine as we age. These changes are normal and they occur in everyone. In fact, nearly half of all people middle-aged and older have worn disks that do not cause painful symptoms.

Disk Degeneration and Bone Spurs

As the disks in the spine age, they lose height and begin to bulge. They also lose water content, begin to dry out and weaken. This problem causes settling, or collapse, of the disk spaces and loss of disk space height. Eventually, the cushioning qualities of the disks begins to decrease.

As the facet joints experience increased pressure, they also begin to degenerate and develop arthritis, similar to what may occur in the hip or knee joint. The smooth, slippery articular cartilage that covers and protects the joints wears away.

If the cartilage wears away completely, it can result in bone rubbing on bone. To make up for the lost cartilage, your body may respond by growing new bone in your facet joints to help support the vertebrae. Over time, this bone overgrowth — called bone spurs — may narrow the space for the nerves and spinal cord to pass through (stenosis). Bone spurs may also lead to decreased range of motion in the spine.

(Left) Side view of a healthy cervical vertebra and disk. (Right) A disk that has degenerated and collapsed.

Risk Factors

Age is the most common risk factor for cervical spondylosis. The condition is extremely common in patients who are middle-aged and older.

Other factors that may increase your risk for developing cervical spondylosis and neck pain include:

Genetics — a family history of neck pain and spondylosis
Smoking — clearly linked to increased neck pain
Occupation — jobs with lots of repetitive neck motion and overhead work
Depression or anxiety
Previous injury or trauma to the neck

For most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include pain and stiffness in the neck. This pain can range from mild to severe. It is sometimes worsened by looking up or looking down for a long time, or by activities in which the neck is held in the same position for a prolonged period of time — such as driving or reading a book. The pain usually improves with rest or lying down.

Other symptoms may include:

Headaches
Grinding or popping noise or sensation when you turn your neck
In some cases, cervical spondylosis results in a narrowing of the space needed for the spinal cord or nerve roots. If this occurs, your symptoms may include numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers
Trouble walking, loss of balance, or weakness in the hands or legs
Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders

Physical Examination

After discussing your medical history and general health, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your neck, shoulders, arms and, frequently, your legs. They will conduct a number of tests, looking for problems or changes in:

Strength in your arms, hands, and fingers
Touch sensation
Reflexes
Blood flow
Flexibility in your neck and arms
Gait (the way you walk)

Your doctor may also gently press on your neck and shoulders — feeling for trigger (tender) points or swollen glands. They will also ask questions to understand more about your symptoms and any injuries that may have occurred to your neck. These questions may include:

When did the pain start?
When does the pain occur? Is it continuous or does it come and go?
Do certain activities make the pain worse?
Have you ever had pain before?
Have you ever been treated for pain?
Do you have any weakness or numbness in your arms or legs?
Do you have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as handwriting or buttoning your shirt?
Do you have loss of balance or other coordination problems?
Were you ever involved in an accident or had an injury to your neck?

Tests

Your doctor may order diagnostic tests to help confirm the diagnosis of cervical spondylosis. These tests may include:

X-rays. X-rays provide images of dense structures, such as bone. An X-ray will show the alignment of the bones along your neck. It can also reveal degenerative changes in your cervical spine — such as the loss of disk height or the presence of bone spurs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. MRI scans create better images of the body’s soft tissues, such as muscles, disks, nerves, and the spinal cord than X-rays. An MRI can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by damage to soft tissues, such as a bulging or herniated disk.

Computerized tomography (CT) scans. More detailed than a plain X-ray, a CT scan can help your doctor better view your spinal canal and any bone spurs.

Myelogram. In this imaging procedure, contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal to make the spinal cord and nerve roots show up more clearly. A CT scan is usually done immediately following the myelogram while the contrast dye is still in the spinal canal.

Electromyography (EMG). Electromyography measures the electrical impulses of the muscles at rest and during contractions. Nerve conduction studies are often done along with EMG to determine if a spinal nerve is functioning properly.

Other tests. In some cases, your doctor may order a blood test to determine whether a rheumatoid factor — or any other antibody indicative of inflammatory arthritis — is present.

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Nonsurgical Treatment

In most cases, treatment for cervical spondylosis is nonsurgical. Nonsurgical treatment options include:

Physical therapy. Physical therapy is usually the first nonsurgical treatment that your doctor will recommend. Specific exercises can help relieve pain, as well as strengthen and stretch weakened or strained muscles. In some cases, physical therapy may include posture therapy or the use of traction to gently stretch the joints and muscles of your neck. Physical therapy programs vary in length, but generally last from 6 to 8 weeks. Typically, sessions are scheduled 2 to 3 times per week.

Medications. During the first phase of treatment, your doctor may prescribe several medications to be used together to address both pain and inflammation.

Acetaminophen. Mild pain is often relieved with acetaminophen.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Often prescribed with acetaminophen, NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are considered first-line medications for neck pain. They relieve both pain and swelling and may be prescribed for a number of weeks, depending on your specific symptoms. Other types of pain medication can be considered if you have serious contraindications to NSAIDs or if your pain is not well controlled.
Oral corticosteroids. A short course of oral corticosteroids can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation.
Muscle relaxants. Medications such as cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol can be used to treat painful muscle spasms.

Soft cervical collar. This is a padded ring that wraps around the neck and is held in place with velcro. Your doctor may advise you to wear a soft cervical collar to limit neck motion and allow the muscles in your neck to rest. A soft collar should only be worn for a short period of time since long-term wear may decrease the strength of the muscles in your neck.

Ice, heat, and other modalities. Your doctor may recommend careful use of ice, heat, massage, and other local therapies to help relieve symptoms.

Steroid-based injections. Many patients find short-term pain relief from steroid injections. The most common procedures for neck pain include:

Cervical epidural block. In this procedure, steroid and anesthetic medicine is injected into the space next to the covering of the spinal cord (epidural space). This procedure is typically used for neck and/or arm pain that may be due to a cervical disk herniation, also known as radiculopathy or a pinched nerve.

Epidural injection in the spine.

Cervical facet joint block. In this procedure, steroid and anesthetic medicine is injected into the capsule of the facet joint. The facet joints are located in the back of the neck and provide stability and movement. These joints can develop arthritic changes that may contribute to neck pain.

X-ray of a cervical facet joint

Medial branch block and radiofrequency ablation. This procedure is used in some cases of chronic neck pain. It can be used to both diagnose and treat a painful joint. During the diagnosis portion of the procedure, the nerve that supplies the facet joint is blocked with a local anesthetic. If your pain is relieved, then your doctor may have pinpointed the source of your neck pain. The next step option may be to block the pain more permanently. This is done by damaging the nerves that supply the joint with a burning technique — a procedure called radiofrequency ablation. Pain relief from an ablation typically lasts for several months. If the nerve regenerates, however, pain can return.

Facet joint injection in the cervical spine.

Although less invasive than surgery, steroid-based injections are prescribed only after a complete evaluation by your doctor. Your doctor will talk with you about the risks and benefits of steroid-based injections for your specific condition.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is not commonly recommended for cervical spondylosis and neck pain unless your doctor determines that:

A spinal nerve is being pinched by a herniated disk or bone (cervical radiculopathy), or
Your spinal cord is being compressed (cervical spondylotic myelopathy)

Patients who have progressive neurologic symptoms, such as arm weakness, numbness, unsteadiness while walking, or falling, are more likely to be helped by surgery.

Sometimes, surgery may be recommended if you have severe neck pain (without nerve compression) that has not been relieved by nonsurgical treatment. However, some patients with severe neck pain will not be candidates for surgery. This may be due to the widespread nature of their arthritis, other medical problems, or other causes for their pain, such as fibromyalgia.

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Spondylosis. Treatment of spondylosis

In modern medicine, the term “spondylosis” refers to the changes that occur in the vertebrae, joints and discs of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine as a result of degeneration (aging) of bone structures. This is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine, in which osteophytes (bone outgrowths) grow along the edges of the vertebral bodies as a result of calcification of the ligaments of the spine.

Contents

1 Causes of spondylosis
2 Symptoms of spondylosis
3 Diagnosis of spondylosis
4 Treatment of spondylosis
5 Prevention of spondylosis 900 10

Causes of spondylosis

Experts consider physical inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle to be one of the fundamental causes of spondylosis , against which, one-time physical activity, whether it be seasonal trips to a summer cottage or single fitness classes, lead to microtrauma. Damage to the ligamentous apparatus of the spine entails the natural replacement of injured tissues with bone substance, which ultimately leads to the development of the disease.

Spondylosis is characterized by uneven distribution among the population. It should be noted that the disease affects mainly older and middle-aged people. However, over the past decade, the appearance of this degenerative disease of the spine in young people has become a frequent occurrence. One of the reasons is incorrect posture, resulting from non-compliance with the elementary rules of being in a sitting position.

Symptoms of spondylosis

The main symptoms accompanying spondylosis, depending on the part of the spine affected by it:

Drawing pains in the back and shoulders;
Restriction of mobility in the spine;
Pain in the back when moving;
Sleep disturbance due to inability to find a comfortable position;
Gait disturbance or intermittent claudication, characterized by a feeling of “stiffness” or “stiffness” in the lumbosacral region, thighs or legs (feeling of “cotton legs”).
Girdle pain in the chest.

Diagnosis of spondylosis

Diagnosis of the disease does not require a large number of procedures, it is enough to make an X-ray of the spine. If the main signs of spondylosis – osteophytes are detected in the picture, it is recommended to undergo an examination on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The result of an MRI will allow you to see the condition of the ligaments of the spine and intervertebral disc, which is not able to demonstrate radiography. If necessary, computed tomography is performed. Timely diagnosis allows you to establish control over the state of the ligaments, and thereby avoid the development of complications – the formation of bone “brackets” between the vertebrae, herniated disc and other diseases of the spine.

Treatment of spondylosis

Today, for the treatment of spondylosis, methods of body restoration that are widely used in other pathologies of the spine, which have been tested by time, are used, for example:

Electrophoresis, phonophoresis and other methods of physiotherapy;
Reflexology;
Hirudotherapy;
Soft manual therapy techniques, osteopathy;
Massage and physiotherapy.

The main task of the complex of therapeutic measures for spondylosis is to eliminate the causes that led to the pathology of the spine and contributed to the appearance of pain, both one-time and chronic. Drug treatment of pain is justified only with severe pain syndrome.

Starting treatment at an early stage of the development of the disease will protect the patient from the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Prevention of spondylosis

Preventive measures aimed at preventing spondylosis include:

Exercise therapy;
Carrying out preventive therapy (massage, physiotherapy, etc.) 2-3 r / year;
Limitation of excessive physical activity;
Swimming lessons.

The general recommendations regarding the prevention of the disease include maintaining the most mobile, active lifestyle that corresponds to the individual characteristics and capabilities of the body.

Treatment of spondylosis in Israel, prices in the Assuta clinic

Therapy in Israel of spondylosis returns patients to normal life, allowing them to forget about the characteristic painful symptoms forever. In spondylosis, treatment is carried out exclusively by experienced, specialized specialists using innovative techniques and the most modern equipment.

Spondylosis is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology that affects the area of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. With spondylosis of the spine, in most cases, treatment of lesions of the lumbar or cervical region is required. This pathology develops against the background of traumatic injuries, insufficient motor activity, or other diseases in the spinal column.

Treatment plan free of charge

Methods of treatment
spondylosis
in Israel

Causes and symptoms

diseases

Methods of diagnosis
spondylosis
in Israel

Methods of treatment of spondylosis in Israel

be aimed at eliminating painful symptoms and improving the patient’s condition .

At the first stages of the development of the pathological process, Israeli specialists resort to methods of conservative therapy. Patients are prescribed muscle relaxants, painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate pain and muscle spasms. For severe permanent pain, tricyclic antidepressants may be recommended.

A good therapeutic effect is obtained by injecting steroids into the area of the affected joints and the epidural zone.

The program of complex therapy for spondylosis necessarily includes physiotherapy procedures aimed at reducing pain and normalizing microcirculation processes. In most cases, patients are recommended physical therapy and manual therapy.

In the absence of the effectiveness of conservative therapy and active progression of lumbar spondylosis, surgical treatment is required. Israeli experts prefer the safest and most gentle minimally invasive methods. Surgical treatment allows you to reduce the degree of pressure on the area of nerve endings and the spinal cord. Minimally invasive spine surgery in Israel

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Manifestations of spondylosis may vary with different localization of the pathological process. With cervical spondylosis, patients present the following symptoms :

Headache attacks
Appearance of dizziness
Ringing sensation in the ears
Violation of visual function

9001 9

Lumbar spondylosis is characterized by the following clinical signs that determine subsequent treatment:

Pain localized in the lumbar region, with a tendency to increase when sitting or walking
Feeling of numbness of the calf or thigh
Decreased sensation in the legs
Pain during walking

9000 2 In addition, spondylosis may be accompanied by symptoms such as as a violation of coordination of movements, involuntary urination.

The following stages of development of the pathological process are characteristic of spondylosis:

Stage 1 – characterized by the presence of pain. Treatment is carried out by methods of drug therapy.
Stage 2 – characterized by the addition of cartilage tissue degeneration.
Stage 3 — degenerative-dystrophic processes proceed in an active form. Treatment includes the use of chondoprotectors, as well as physiotherapy.
Stage 4 – characterized by the addition of concomitant complications. In this case, the patient needs only surgical treatment.

According to medical specialists, the following factors can provoke the development of spinal spondylosis :

Violation of vascular permeability
disruption of metabolic and metabolic processes
Presence of cholesterol plaques
Numerous muscle and ligamentous ruptures
Age category of the patient over 55 years old
Traumatic injuries of the spine
Presence of tumor neoplasms of a benign or malignant type
Disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system
Excessive physical activity
Inflammatory processes
Genetic predisposition

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Diagnosis of spondylosis in Israel includes the following diagnostic tests:

X-ray examination

X-ray examination is a diagnostic method using X-rays penetrating the soft tissues of internal organs with further image projection onto a digital matrix.

Radiography has been used in the medical field for more than a dozen years, but in the medical centers of Israel , thanks to the use of high-precision equipment, this technique has been brought to perfection . The procedure is absolutely painless, has no side effects and risks of complications.

Any contraindications to radiography are exclusively individual in nature and are determined by a doctor in an Israeli clinic. Side effects from the procedure and complications are absent .

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CT – computed tomography – a diagnostic method for studying diseases and pathological conditions of the brain. is used to diagnose all internal organs. It is an effective method of primary diagnosis.

CT is a painless, fast procedure. The patient lies down on a special couch, which is in motion in the gantry apparatus (high-frequency tomograph). In , unlike MRI , the tunnel in which the couch with the patient is located has a large diameter, there are no risks of exacerbation of the symptomatic picture in patients diagnosed with claustrophobia. The attending physician of the patient receives a transcript of the results of immediately, or on the next day, depending on the severity of the clinical case.

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MRI

Tomography is a method of studying the human body, which will allow you to get a complete picture of the ongoing processes in internal organs and systems, without any intervention. Indications for are any diseases and pathological processes in internal organs and life support systems.

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Electroneuromyography (EMG)

Scintigraphy

Scintigraphy method in Israel is carried out on high-precision equipment, which eliminates the risk of inaccurate decryption. Side effects from the procedure are absent or minimal.

Preparation of the patient for scintigraphy is individual, pain during the study is absent. An individual approach allows scintigraphy even if the patient has contraindications.