What causes spondylosis? Discover the key factors, including aging, degenerative disc disease, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Gain insights into the different types of spondylosis and their impacts on the spine.

The Primary Cause of Spondylosis: Aging

Aging is the predominant cause of spondylosis, also known as spinal arthritis. As we put our bodies through daily stress and strain over the years, the various structures of the spine undergo degeneration, leading to the development of spondylosis. Even before the onset of symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, the joints and other spine structures are already wearing out.

The Cause-and-Effect Scenario of Spondylosis

Spondylosis can be understood as a “cause and effect” scenario, where the primary cause of aging leads to a cascading series of changes and problems. The initial degeneration in the intervertebral discs often marks the beginning of the spondylosis process, leading to other structural changes and complications.

Degenerative Disc Disease and Its Link to Spondylosis

Typically, the first part of the spine to show signs of wear and tear are the intervertebral discs, which can lead to the development of degenerative disc disease (DDD). The two conditions, spondylosis and DDD, are closely related, as the changes in the disc structure can trigger a series of events that contribute to the overall progression of spondylosis.

The Role of Genetics in Spondylosis

An individual’s genetic predisposition can also play a role in the development of spondylosis. If someone in your family has or had spondylosis, you may be more susceptible to experiencing back or neck pain related to this condition.

Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Spondylosis

Certain lifestyle choices can also contribute to the development of spondylosis. Smoking, for example, has been shown to adversely affect the discs, leading to faster degeneration and a decrease in water content, which can accelerate the wearing out of the intervertebral discs.

Types of Spondylosis and Their Locations

Spondylosis can manifest in different parts of the spine, with the most common type being cervical spondylosis, which affects the neck. Other types include thoracic spondylosis (middle spine) and lumbar spondylosis (lower back). In some cases, individuals may experience multilevel spondylosis, which affects more than one part of the spine.

Symptoms and Effects of Spondylosis

The effects of spondylosis can vary among individuals, but they often involve pain and stiffness that tend to come and go. Spondylosis can also lead to more serious issues, such as spinal stenosis, where the growth of bone spurs can narrow the space for the spinal cord and nerves, potentially causing additional complications.

In summary, the primary cause of spondylosis is aging, which can trigger a cascade of changes and degeneration in the spine’s structures, particularly the intervertebral discs. Genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can also contribute to the development and progression of this condition. Understanding the various causes and types of spondylosis is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.

What is the most common type of spondylosis?

The most common type of spondylosis is cervical spondylosis, which affects the neck. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85 percent of people older than 60 have cervical spondylosis.

How does smoking impact the development of spondylosis?

Smoking has been shown to adversely affect the intervertebral discs, leading to faster degeneration and a decrease in water content. This can accelerate the wearing out of the discs and contribute to the development of spondylosis.

What is the connection between degenerative disc disease and spondylosis?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) and spondylosis are closely related conditions. The degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which is a hallmark of DDD, often marks the beginning of the spondylosis process, triggering a series of structural changes and complications in the spine.

Can genetics play a role in the development of spondylosis?

Yes, an individual’s genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing spondylosis. If someone in your family has or had spondylosis, you may be more susceptible to experiencing back or neck pain related to this condition.

What are the different types of spondylosis based on location?

The main types of spondylosis are:

• Cervical spondylosis (affecting the neck)
• Thoracic spondylosis (affecting the middle spine)
• Lumbar spondylosis (affecting the lower back)
• Multilevel spondylosis (affecting more than one part of the spine)

How do the symptoms of spondylosis vary among individuals?

The effects of spondylosis can vary among individuals, but they often involve pain and stiffness that tend to come and go. In some cases, spondylosis can lead to more serious issues, such as spinal stenosis, where the growth of bone spurs can narrow the space for the spinal cord and nerves, potentially causing additional complications.

Spondylosis Causes

Aging is the predominant cause of spondylosis, also known as spinal arthritis. We put our bodies through a lot of stress and strain every day, and over the years, this can change the various structures of the spine. Even before you experience the symptoms of spondylosis—pain and stiffness, for example—your joints and other spine structures are degenerating (that means wearing out).
The main cause of spondylosis is aging, but the way aging affects your spine can lead to other changes and problems. Photo Source: 123RF.com.

Cause and Effect Scenario

You should think of the causes of spondylosis as a “cause and effect” scenario. The main cause is aging, but the way aging affects your spine can lead to other changes and problems. Spondylosis is a cascade: One anatomical change occurs, which leads to more degeneration and changes in your spine’s structures. These changes combine to cause spondylosis and its symptoms.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Generally, the first part of your spine to wear out are your intervertebral discs. For this reason, patients with spondylosis often also have degenerative disc disease (DDD). The effects of these 2 spinal conditions are very related.

The changes begin in your discs, but eventually the process of aging will affect the other motion segments of your vertebrae. (The discs and the facet joints are considered the motion segments, which means that they help you move.) Over time, the collagen (protein) structure of the annulus fibrosus (that’s the outer portion of the intervertebral disc) changes. Additionally, water-attracting molecules—and hence water—in the disc decreases. Both of these changes reduce the disc’s ability to handle back movement.

Through degeneration, the disc will become less spongy and much thinner. A thinner disc means that the space between the vertebra above and below the disc gets smaller, which causes a new problem, this time with the facet joints. They help stabilize the spine, and if the disc loses height, the way the facet joints move changes. Then the cartilage that protects the facets begins to wear away, perhaps causing irritation and inflammation of spinal nerve roots. Without the cartilage, the facet joints start to move too much: They “override” and become overly mobile.

Abnormal Spinal Movement

This hypermobility causes another change in your spine. It tries to stop the movement with the growth of small bony elements called bone spurs (osteophytes). Unfortunately, the bone spurs sometimes pinch nerve structures and cause pain. The bone spurs can narrow the space for the spinal cord and nerves—that disorder is called spinal stenosis. Degenerative disc disease won’t cause spinal stenosis in everyone, but it’s something you should be aware of if you have spondylosis.

Role of Genetics

Your genes can also cause spondylosis. You may be pre-disposed to excessive joint and disc wear and tear, so if someone in your family has or had spondylosis, you may also develop back or neck pain related to spondylosis.

Lifestyle Matters

Finally, the way you’re living could lead to spondylosis. Smoking, for example, adversely affects your discs and can cause them to degenerate faster. Smoking actually decreases the amount of water in your discs, and water is part of what helps your discs absorb movement. With less water content, your intervertebral discs can wear out sooner.

Causes, risk factors, and symptoms

Spondylosis is a type of arthritis spurred by wear and tear to the spine. It happens when discs and joints degenerate, when bone spurs grow on the vertebrae, or both. These changes can impair the spine’s movement and affect the nerves and other functions.

Cervical spondylosis is the most common type of progressive disorder that affects the neck during aging.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85 percent of people older than 60 have cervical spondylosis.

Other types of spondylosis develop in different parts of the spine:

• Thoracic spondylosis affects the middle of the spine.
• Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower back.
• Multilevel spondylosis affects more than one part of the spine.

The effects of spondylosis vary among individuals, but they do not usually cause serious problems.

When a person has symptoms, these are often pain and stiffness that tend to come and go.

Spinal osteoarthritis is another term for spondylosis. Osteoarthritis describes arthritis that results from wear and tear. It can affect any joint in the body.

Share on PinterestSpondylosis happens when the discs and joints of the spine degenerate with age.

The spine helps give the body structure and supports most of its weight. It also carries and protects almost all of the main nerve branches that run from the brain.

The spine curved, not straight, and the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar parts of the spine contain 24 bones known as vertebrae.

Between these vertebrae are joints that allow the spine to move flexibly. These are called the facet joints.

Also, soft, rubbery tissue called intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae. These consist of cartilage endplates and a tough exterior, the annulus fibrosus, surrounding an inner core, the nucleus pulposus.

Intervertebral discs help achieve smooth movement, and they cushion against any impact on the bones.

As a person ages, the discs become drier, thinner, and harder, and they lose some of their cushioning ability. This is why an older person is more likely to have a compression fracture of the vertebra than a younger person.

A vertebral compression fracture results from bone collapsing in the spine. It commonly occurs with osteoporosis.

The facet joints between the vertebrae also function less well with age because of wear and tear on their cartilage surfaces.

As the cartilage erodes, the bones start to rub together, causing friction. This can result in the formation of bony growths, called bone spurs.

The loss of rubbery tissues and the development of spurs make the spine stiffer. Back movement also becomes less smooth, and friction increases.

Daily wear and tear over time is the general cause of spondylosis.

These changes affect people differently, depending on each individual’s risk factors.

Risk factors include:

• having a genetic tendency
• having obesity or being overweight
• having a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise
• having injured the spine or undergone spinal surgery
• smoking
• having a job that requires repetitive or weight-bearing movements that involve the spine
• having a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression
• having psoriatic arthritis

Most people with age-related spondylosis do not experience any symptoms. Some people have symptoms for a while, but then they go away. Sometimes, a sudden movement can trigger symptoms.

Common symptoms are stiffness and mild pain that gets worse following certain movements or long periods without moving, while sitting for a long time, for example.

More severe symptoms include:

• a grinding or popping feeling when moving the spine
• weakness in the hands or legs
• poor coordination
• muscle spasms and pain
• headaches
• loss of balance and difficulty walking
• loss of bladder or bowel control

Some initial changes or symptoms help doctors determine what type of spondylosis a person has. In other people, these same issues can develop as complications, according to research published in the BMJ in 2007.

Below, find examples of these kinds of changes:

Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the canal that carries the spinal cord nerves. Symptoms include pain in the neck or back that may extend down the leg, problems with the feet, and numbness or weakness.

Cervical radiculopathy: Changes in a disc or the bone can cause nerves in the spine to become pinched, leading to shooting pain, numbness, and hypersensitivity.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: This involves the spinal cord becoming compressed, or squeezed. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the limbs, a loss of coordination in the hands, imbalance and difficulty walking, and in the later stages, bladder problems.

Scoliosis: Research suggests that there may be a link between degeneration of the facet joints and scoliosis in adults.

These changes can make other symptoms worse. The location of symptoms such as pain will depend on the part of the spine that spondylosis affects.

Most cases of spondylosis produce only mild, occasional stiffness and pain, and they do not need treatment.

Home remedies

If a person experiences pain, they can try the following:

• Over-the-counter pain relief medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help.
• Keeping physically active: Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or walking, can help with maintaining flexibility and strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
• Improving posture: Slouching, for example, can make the pain worse.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist may suggest specific exercises or massage.
• Back support: A person may need to choose a chair or mattress that supports their back better.
• Rest during periods of inflammation: When symptoms are troublesome, try resting for a while.

Alternative treatments

Share on PinterestReceiving a massage from a trained provider may help relieve discomfort.

Some people use the following to manage symptoms:

Research indicates that some of these may provide relief for nerve pain or damage that stems from the neck.

Medications

If pain is severe or persistent, a doctor may suggest:

• prescription pain relief medication
• muscle-relaxants, to reduce spasms
• drugs that ease nerve pain
• topical creams
• steroid medications, either in pills or as injections, when pain is severe
• an injection that combines steroid and anesthetic medication

A steroid injection aims to relieve pain by reducing inflammation. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor will inject the steroid into the roots of the affected nerves.

However, steroids can also have adverse effects, so a doctor will usually try to limit their use.

It is essential to follow the doctor’s advice when using medications.

A doctor will only suggest surgery if symptoms are severe and persistent and if no other treatment has helped.

A person might need surgery if pinched nerves result in serious numbness, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control, and if the damage is likely to get worse without surgery.

The type of surgery will depend on the problem and its location. A doctor can identify the affected areas with imaging technology, such as X-rays.

Surgery might involve removing a disc or piece of bone that is pressing against the nerves, then fusing nearby vertebrae. Or, a surgeon may replace a damaged disc with an artificial one.

In the past, spinal surgery was a major procedure. Now, endoscopic — or keyhole — surgery may be an option. This is far less invasive than open surgery.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, minimally invasive spinal surgery involves fewer risks, because:

• The incision is smaller.
• There is less blood loss during surgery.
• There is less chance of muscle damage.
• Recovery is faster.
• A doctor can use a local anesthetic.

Also, there is a reduced risk of pain and infection after surgery and less need for medication.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery is often an outpatient procedure, which means that many people return home the same day.

However, most people with spondylosis do not need surgery. A doctor will discuss the risks of spinal surgery, compared with the potential benefits.

Spondylosis is a common problem that affects the spine, and most people are likely to develop some degree of spondylosis as they get older. Many will not experience symptoms, or symptoms will be mild.

However, if pain is severe and numbness and weakness affect a person’s quality of life, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Causes, risk factors, and symptoms

Spondylosis is a type of arthritis spurred by wear and tear to the spine. It happens when discs and joints degenerate, when bone spurs grow on the vertebrae, or both. These changes can impair the spine’s movement and affect the nerves and other functions.

Cervical spondylosis is the most common type of progressive disorder that affects the neck during aging.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85 percent of people older than 60 have cervical spondylosis.

Other types of spondylosis develop in different parts of the spine:

• Thoracic spondylosis affects the middle of the spine.
• Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower back.
• Multilevel spondylosis affects more than one part of the spine.

The effects of spondylosis vary among individuals, but they do not usually cause serious problems.

When a person has symptoms, these are often pain and stiffness that tend to come and go.

Spinal osteoarthritis is another term for spondylosis. Osteoarthritis describes arthritis that results from wear and tear. It can affect any joint in the body.

Share on PinterestSpondylosis happens when the discs and joints of the spine degenerate with age.

The spine helps give the body structure and supports most of its weight. It also carries and protects almost all of the main nerve branches that run from the brain.

The spine curved, not straight, and the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar parts of the spine contain 24 bones known as vertebrae.

Between these vertebrae are joints that allow the spine to move flexibly. These are called the facet joints.

Also, soft, rubbery tissue called intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae. These consist of cartilage endplates and a tough exterior, the annulus fibrosus, surrounding an inner core, the nucleus pulposus.

Intervertebral discs help achieve smooth movement, and they cushion against any impact on the bones.

As a person ages, the discs become drier, thinner, and harder, and they lose some of their cushioning ability. This is why an older person is more likely to have a compression fracture of the vertebra than a younger person.

A vertebral compression fracture results from bone collapsing in the spine. It commonly occurs with osteoporosis.

The facet joints between the vertebrae also function less well with age because of wear and tear on their cartilage surfaces.

As the cartilage erodes, the bones start to rub together, causing friction. This can result in the formation of bony growths, called bone spurs.

The loss of rubbery tissues and the development of spurs make the spine stiffer. Back movement also becomes less smooth, and friction increases.

Daily wear and tear over time is the general cause of spondylosis.

These changes affect people differently, depending on each individual’s risk factors.

Risk factors include:

• having a genetic tendency
• having obesity or being overweight
• having a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise
• having injured the spine or undergone spinal surgery
• smoking
• having a job that requires repetitive or weight-bearing movements that involve the spine
• having a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression
• having psoriatic arthritis

Most people with age-related spondylosis do not experience any symptoms. Some people have symptoms for a while, but then they go away. Sometimes, a sudden movement can trigger symptoms.

Common symptoms are stiffness and mild pain that gets worse following certain movements or long periods without moving, while sitting for a long time, for example.

More severe symptoms include:

• a grinding or popping feeling when moving the spine
• weakness in the hands or legs
• poor coordination
• muscle spasms and pain
• headaches
• loss of balance and difficulty walking
• loss of bladder or bowel control

Some initial changes or symptoms help doctors determine what type of spondylosis a person has. In other people, these same issues can develop as complications, according to research published in the BMJ in 2007.

Below, find examples of these kinds of changes:

Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the canal that carries the spinal cord nerves. Symptoms include pain in the neck or back that may extend down the leg, problems with the feet, and numbness or weakness.

Cervical radiculopathy: Changes in a disc or the bone can cause nerves in the spine to become pinched, leading to shooting pain, numbness, and hypersensitivity.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: This involves the spinal cord becoming compressed, or squeezed. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the limbs, a loss of coordination in the hands, imbalance and difficulty walking, and in the later stages, bladder problems.

Scoliosis: Research suggests that there may be a link between degeneration of the facet joints and scoliosis in adults.

These changes can make other symptoms worse. The location of symptoms such as pain will depend on the part of the spine that spondylosis affects.

Most cases of spondylosis produce only mild, occasional stiffness and pain, and they do not need treatment.

Home remedies

If a person experiences pain, they can try the following:

• Over-the-counter pain relief medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help.
• Keeping physically active: Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or walking, can help with maintaining flexibility and strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
• Improving posture: Slouching, for example, can make the pain worse.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist may suggest specific exercises or massage.
• Back support: A person may need to choose a chair or mattress that supports their back better.
• Rest during periods of inflammation: When symptoms are troublesome, try resting for a while.

Alternative treatments

Share on PinterestReceiving a massage from a trained provider may help relieve discomfort.

Some people use the following to manage symptoms:

Research indicates that some of these may provide relief for nerve pain or damage that stems from the neck.

Medications

If pain is severe or persistent, a doctor may suggest:

• prescription pain relief medication
• muscle-relaxants, to reduce spasms
• drugs that ease nerve pain
• topical creams
• steroid medications, either in pills or as injections, when pain is severe
• an injection that combines steroid and anesthetic medication

A steroid injection aims to relieve pain by reducing inflammation. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor will inject the steroid into the roots of the affected nerves.

However, steroids can also have adverse effects, so a doctor will usually try to limit their use.

It is essential to follow the doctor’s advice when using medications.

A doctor will only suggest surgery if symptoms are severe and persistent and if no other treatment has helped.

A person might need surgery if pinched nerves result in serious numbness, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control, and if the damage is likely to get worse without surgery.

The type of surgery will depend on the problem and its location. A doctor can identify the affected areas with imaging technology, such as X-rays.

Surgery might involve removing a disc or piece of bone that is pressing against the nerves, then fusing nearby vertebrae. Or, a surgeon may replace a damaged disc with an artificial one.

In the past, spinal surgery was a major procedure. Now, endoscopic — or keyhole — surgery may be an option. This is far less invasive than open surgery.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, minimally invasive spinal surgery involves fewer risks, because:

• The incision is smaller.
• There is less blood loss during surgery.
• There is less chance of muscle damage.
• Recovery is faster.
• A doctor can use a local anesthetic.

Also, there is a reduced risk of pain and infection after surgery and less need for medication.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery is often an outpatient procedure, which means that many people return home the same day.

However, most people with spondylosis do not need surgery. A doctor will discuss the risks of spinal surgery, compared with the potential benefits.

Spondylosis is a common problem that affects the spine, and most people are likely to develop some degree of spondylosis as they get older. Many will not experience symptoms, or symptoms will be mild.

However, if pain is severe and numbness and weakness affect a person’s quality of life, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Causes, risk factors, and symptoms

Spondylosis is a type of arthritis spurred by wear and tear to the spine. It happens when discs and joints degenerate, when bone spurs grow on the vertebrae, or both. These changes can impair the spine’s movement and affect the nerves and other functions.

Cervical spondylosis is the most common type of progressive disorder that affects the neck during aging.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85 percent of people older than 60 have cervical spondylosis.

Other types of spondylosis develop in different parts of the spine:

• Thoracic spondylosis affects the middle of the spine.
• Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower back.
• Multilevel spondylosis affects more than one part of the spine.

The effects of spondylosis vary among individuals, but they do not usually cause serious problems.

When a person has symptoms, these are often pain and stiffness that tend to come and go.

Spinal osteoarthritis is another term for spondylosis. Osteoarthritis describes arthritis that results from wear and tear. It can affect any joint in the body.

Share on PinterestSpondylosis happens when the discs and joints of the spine degenerate with age.

The spine helps give the body structure and supports most of its weight. It also carries and protects almost all of the main nerve branches that run from the brain.

The spine curved, not straight, and the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar parts of the spine contain 24 bones known as vertebrae.

Between these vertebrae are joints that allow the spine to move flexibly. These are called the facet joints.

Also, soft, rubbery tissue called intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae. These consist of cartilage endplates and a tough exterior, the annulus fibrosus, surrounding an inner core, the nucleus pulposus.

Intervertebral discs help achieve smooth movement, and they cushion against any impact on the bones.

As a person ages, the discs become drier, thinner, and harder, and they lose some of their cushioning ability. This is why an older person is more likely to have a compression fracture of the vertebra than a younger person.

A vertebral compression fracture results from bone collapsing in the spine. It commonly occurs with osteoporosis.

The facet joints between the vertebrae also function less well with age because of wear and tear on their cartilage surfaces.

As the cartilage erodes, the bones start to rub together, causing friction. This can result in the formation of bony growths, called bone spurs.

The loss of rubbery tissues and the development of spurs make the spine stiffer. Back movement also becomes less smooth, and friction increases.

Daily wear and tear over time is the general cause of spondylosis.

These changes affect people differently, depending on each individual’s risk factors.

Risk factors include:

• having a genetic tendency
• having obesity or being overweight
• having a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise
• having injured the spine or undergone spinal surgery
• smoking
• having a job that requires repetitive or weight-bearing movements that involve the spine
• having a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression
• having psoriatic arthritis

Most people with age-related spondylosis do not experience any symptoms. Some people have symptoms for a while, but then they go away. Sometimes, a sudden movement can trigger symptoms.

Common symptoms are stiffness and mild pain that gets worse following certain movements or long periods without moving, while sitting for a long time, for example.

More severe symptoms include:

• a grinding or popping feeling when moving the spine
• weakness in the hands or legs
• poor coordination
• muscle spasms and pain
• headaches
• loss of balance and difficulty walking
• loss of bladder or bowel control

Some initial changes or symptoms help doctors determine what type of spondylosis a person has. In other people, these same issues can develop as complications, according to research published in the BMJ in 2007.

Below, find examples of these kinds of changes:

Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the canal that carries the spinal cord nerves. Symptoms include pain in the neck or back that may extend down the leg, problems with the feet, and numbness or weakness.

Cervical radiculopathy: Changes in a disc or the bone can cause nerves in the spine to become pinched, leading to shooting pain, numbness, and hypersensitivity.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: This involves the spinal cord becoming compressed, or squeezed. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the limbs, a loss of coordination in the hands, imbalance and difficulty walking, and in the later stages, bladder problems.

Scoliosis: Research suggests that there may be a link between degeneration of the facet joints and scoliosis in adults.

These changes can make other symptoms worse. The location of symptoms such as pain will depend on the part of the spine that spondylosis affects.

Most cases of spondylosis produce only mild, occasional stiffness and pain, and they do not need treatment.

Home remedies

If a person experiences pain, they can try the following:

• Over-the-counter pain relief medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help.
• Keeping physically active: Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or walking, can help with maintaining flexibility and strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
• Improving posture: Slouching, for example, can make the pain worse.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist may suggest specific exercises or massage.
• Back support: A person may need to choose a chair or mattress that supports their back better.
• Rest during periods of inflammation: When symptoms are troublesome, try resting for a while.

Alternative treatments

Share on PinterestReceiving a massage from a trained provider may help relieve discomfort.

Some people use the following to manage symptoms:

Research indicates that some of these may provide relief for nerve pain or damage that stems from the neck.

Medications

If pain is severe or persistent, a doctor may suggest:

• prescription pain relief medication
• muscle-relaxants, to reduce spasms
• drugs that ease nerve pain
• topical creams
• steroid medications, either in pills or as injections, when pain is severe
• an injection that combines steroid and anesthetic medication

A steroid injection aims to relieve pain by reducing inflammation. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor will inject the steroid into the roots of the affected nerves.

However, steroids can also have adverse effects, so a doctor will usually try to limit their use.

It is essential to follow the doctor’s advice when using medications.

A doctor will only suggest surgery if symptoms are severe and persistent and if no other treatment has helped.

A person might need surgery if pinched nerves result in serious numbness, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control, and if the damage is likely to get worse without surgery.

The type of surgery will depend on the problem and its location. A doctor can identify the affected areas with imaging technology, such as X-rays.

Surgery might involve removing a disc or piece of bone that is pressing against the nerves, then fusing nearby vertebrae. Or, a surgeon may replace a damaged disc with an artificial one.

In the past, spinal surgery was a major procedure. Now, endoscopic — or keyhole — surgery may be an option. This is far less invasive than open surgery.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, minimally invasive spinal surgery involves fewer risks, because:

• The incision is smaller.
• There is less blood loss during surgery.
• There is less chance of muscle damage.
• Recovery is faster.
• A doctor can use a local anesthetic.

Also, there is a reduced risk of pain and infection after surgery and less need for medication.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery is often an outpatient procedure, which means that many people return home the same day.

However, most people with spondylosis do not need surgery. A doctor will discuss the risks of spinal surgery, compared with the potential benefits.

Spondylosis is a common problem that affects the spine, and most people are likely to develop some degree of spondylosis as they get older. Many will not experience symptoms, or symptoms will be mild.

However, if pain is severe and numbness and weakness affect a person’s quality of life, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Causes, risk factors, and symptoms

Spondylosis is a type of arthritis spurred by wear and tear to the spine. It happens when discs and joints degenerate, when bone spurs grow on the vertebrae, or both. These changes can impair the spine’s movement and affect the nerves and other functions.

Cervical spondylosis is the most common type of progressive disorder that affects the neck during aging.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 85 percent of people older than 60 have cervical spondylosis.

Other types of spondylosis develop in different parts of the spine:

• Thoracic spondylosis affects the middle of the spine.
• Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower back.
• Multilevel spondylosis affects more than one part of the spine.

The effects of spondylosis vary among individuals, but they do not usually cause serious problems.

When a person has symptoms, these are often pain and stiffness that tend to come and go.

Spinal osteoarthritis is another term for spondylosis. Osteoarthritis describes arthritis that results from wear and tear. It can affect any joint in the body.

Share on PinterestSpondylosis happens when the discs and joints of the spine degenerate with age.

The spine helps give the body structure and supports most of its weight. It also carries and protects almost all of the main nerve branches that run from the brain.

The spine curved, not straight, and the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar parts of the spine contain 24 bones known as vertebrae.

Between these vertebrae are joints that allow the spine to move flexibly. These are called the facet joints.

Also, soft, rubbery tissue called intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae. These consist of cartilage endplates and a tough exterior, the annulus fibrosus, surrounding an inner core, the nucleus pulposus.

Intervertebral discs help achieve smooth movement, and they cushion against any impact on the bones.

As a person ages, the discs become drier, thinner, and harder, and they lose some of their cushioning ability. This is why an older person is more likely to have a compression fracture of the vertebra than a younger person.

A vertebral compression fracture results from bone collapsing in the spine. It commonly occurs with osteoporosis.

The facet joints between the vertebrae also function less well with age because of wear and tear on their cartilage surfaces.

As the cartilage erodes, the bones start to rub together, causing friction. This can result in the formation of bony growths, called bone spurs.

The loss of rubbery tissues and the development of spurs make the spine stiffer. Back movement also becomes less smooth, and friction increases.

Daily wear and tear over time is the general cause of spondylosis.

These changes affect people differently, depending on each individual’s risk factors.

Risk factors include:

• having a genetic tendency
• having obesity or being overweight
• having a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise
• having injured the spine or undergone spinal surgery
• smoking
• having a job that requires repetitive or weight-bearing movements that involve the spine
• having a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression
• having psoriatic arthritis

Most people with age-related spondylosis do not experience any symptoms. Some people have symptoms for a while, but then they go away. Sometimes, a sudden movement can trigger symptoms.

Common symptoms are stiffness and mild pain that gets worse following certain movements or long periods without moving, while sitting for a long time, for example.

More severe symptoms include:

• a grinding or popping feeling when moving the spine
• weakness in the hands or legs
• poor coordination
• muscle spasms and pain
• headaches
• loss of balance and difficulty walking
• loss of bladder or bowel control

Some initial changes or symptoms help doctors determine what type of spondylosis a person has. In other people, these same issues can develop as complications, according to research published in the BMJ in 2007.

Below, find examples of these kinds of changes:

Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the canal that carries the spinal cord nerves. Symptoms include pain in the neck or back that may extend down the leg, problems with the feet, and numbness or weakness.

Cervical radiculopathy: Changes in a disc or the bone can cause nerves in the spine to become pinched, leading to shooting pain, numbness, and hypersensitivity.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: This involves the spinal cord becoming compressed, or squeezed. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the limbs, a loss of coordination in the hands, imbalance and difficulty walking, and in the later stages, bladder problems.

Scoliosis: Research suggests that there may be a link between degeneration of the facet joints and scoliosis in adults.

These changes can make other symptoms worse. The location of symptoms such as pain will depend on the part of the spine that spondylosis affects.

Most cases of spondylosis produce only mild, occasional stiffness and pain, and they do not need treatment.

Home remedies

If a person experiences pain, they can try the following:

• Over-the-counter pain relief medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help.
• Keeping physically active: Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or walking, can help with maintaining flexibility and strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
• Improving posture: Slouching, for example, can make the pain worse.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist may suggest specific exercises or massage.
• Back support: A person may need to choose a chair or mattress that supports their back better.
• Rest during periods of inflammation: When symptoms are troublesome, try resting for a while.

Alternative treatments

Share on PinterestReceiving a massage from a trained provider may help relieve discomfort.

Some people use the following to manage symptoms:

Research indicates that some of these may provide relief for nerve pain or damage that stems from the neck.

Medications

If pain is severe or persistent, a doctor may suggest:

• prescription pain relief medication
• muscle-relaxants, to reduce spasms
• drugs that ease nerve pain
• topical creams
• steroid medications, either in pills or as injections, when pain is severe
• an injection that combines steroid and anesthetic medication

A steroid injection aims to relieve pain by reducing inflammation. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor will inject the steroid into the roots of the affected nerves.

However, steroids can also have adverse effects, so a doctor will usually try to limit their use.

It is essential to follow the doctor’s advice when using medications.

A doctor will only suggest surgery if symptoms are severe and persistent and if no other treatment has helped.

A person might need surgery if pinched nerves result in serious numbness, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control, and if the damage is likely to get worse without surgery.

The type of surgery will depend on the problem and its location. A doctor can identify the affected areas with imaging technology, such as X-rays.

Surgery might involve removing a disc or piece of bone that is pressing against the nerves, then fusing nearby vertebrae. Or, a surgeon may replace a damaged disc with an artificial one.

In the past, spinal surgery was a major procedure. Now, endoscopic — or keyhole — surgery may be an option. This is far less invasive than open surgery.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, minimally invasive spinal surgery involves fewer risks, because:

• The incision is smaller.
• There is less blood loss during surgery.
• There is less chance of muscle damage.
• Recovery is faster.
• A doctor can use a local anesthetic.

Also, there is a reduced risk of pain and infection after surgery and less need for medication.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery is often an outpatient procedure, which means that many people return home the same day.

However, most people with spondylosis do not need surgery. A doctor will discuss the risks of spinal surgery, compared with the potential benefits.

Spondylosis is a common problem that affects the spine, and most people are likely to develop some degree of spondylosis as they get older. Many will not experience symptoms, or symptoms will be mild.

However, if pain is severe and numbness and weakness affect a person’s quality of life, a doctor may recommend surgery.

Cervical Spondylosis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Overview

Cervical spondylosis affects one or more of the first seven vertebrae (and related parts) of the spine.

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear in the cervical spine (neck) that can lead to neck pain, neck stiffness and other symptoms. Sometimes this condition is called arthritis or osteoarthritis of the neck.

What are the parts of the cervical spine?

Your entire spine is made up of 24 vertebrae (bones of the spine). The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull. Running through an opening of the entire vertebral column are the spinal cord and its nerves. The spinal cord and nerves carry messages between the brain and rest of body, including muscles and organs. Between each vertebrae are disks. The disks act like the body’s shock absorbers. The disks are made of flexible but strong connective tissue filled with a gel-like material. Disks are like “jelly-filled, cushy doughnuts” between each vertebrae.

There are three joints between each pair of vertebrae. The front joint is called the intervertebral disk. Two joints in the back of the spine are called facet joints. Within every joint is cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones. Ligaments are soft bands of tissue that connect the vertebrae together.

Spondylosis is the natural wearing down of these parts of the spine. Cartilage wears out over time, disks lose their volume and become dried and cracked, ligaments may thicken and bone spurs may form where bones rub against each other in areas that are no longer covered with cartilage. All of these changes are defined as spondylosis.

How common is cervical spondylosis?

Changes in your spine are considered a normal part of aging. The spine likely begins this wearing-down process sometime in your 30s. By age 60, almost nine in 10 people have cervical spondylosis.

Who is most at risk for getting cervical spondylosis?

Older age is a risk factor for cervical spondylosis. In addition to age, you are more likely to experience neck pain or other symptoms related to cervical spondylosis if you:

• Smoke cigarettes or used to.
• Have one or more family members with this condition.
• Strain your neck often for your job, like looking overhead (for example, painters) or downward (plumbers or flooring installers) for many hours every day or keeping your head at an improper position for long periods of time (for example, staring at a computer screen that is too high or low).
• Have a previous neck injury, such as from a car accident.
• Do heavy lifting like construction workers.
• Are exposed to a lot of vibration like bus or truck drivers.

Symptoms and Causes

Disk herniation is one of the common causes of cervical spondylosis.

What causes cervical spondylosis?

As you get older, your spine undergoes changes due to decades of normal wear and tear. Starting in middle age, the disks between your vertebrae start to change. These changes can include:

• Degeneration: The spinal disks in your neck may slowly wear down (degenerate). With time, the disks become thinner, and the soft tissue has less elasticity. If you or your parents measure in a little shorter in height than you did years ago, this is normal collapsing or settling of your disks.
• Herniation: Normal aging can cause part of your spinal disk to tear or crack. This is called a herniated disk. The herniation can allow the disk to bulge out, pressing on nearby tissue or a spinal nerve. This pressure can cause pain, tingling or numbness.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a progressive (ongoing) condition that causes cartilage in your joints to degenerate (wear down with time). With osteoarthritis, cartilage degenerates faster than with normal aging.
• Bone spurs: When cartilage in the joints of the vertebrae in your spine starts to degenerate and bone tissue rubs directly against other bone tissue, abnormal bone growths develop along the edges of vertebrae. These growths (called osteophytes or bone spurs) are common as you age. Often, they cause no symptoms.

What are the most common cervical spondylosis symptoms?

You may have cervical spondylosis and not even know it. It’s common to have no symptoms related to this condition.

If you do experience symptoms, symptoms typically include:

• Neck pain or stiffness. This may be the main symptom. Pain may get worse when you move your neck.
• A nagging soreness in the neck.
• Muscle spasms.
• A clicking, popping or grinding sound when you move your neck.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches.

What is cervical myelopathy?

As your vertebral disks wear away with time, your spinal cord can be put under increased pressure as the canal gets narrower from arthritis and disk protrusions. This compression can result in worsening neck pain and other symptoms. This condition is called cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

If you have CSM, you have the symptoms seen with cervical spondylosis, plus these additional symptoms:

• Weakness, tingling or numbness in one or both arms or legs.
• Loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Trouble walking (feeling unsteady on your feet).
• Loss of function in hands, like having problems writing.

Symptoms related to CSM may slowly get worse over time. If your symptoms don’t go away, or if they significantly affect your life, your healthcare provider may refer you to a spine surgeon who specializes in treating this condition.

Diagnosis and Tests

How do healthcare providers diagnose cervical spondylosis?

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to find the cause of your neck pain or other symptoms.

Your symptoms and their severity give clues to how much pressure your cervical spine might be under. During a physical exam, your healthcare provider may check your:

• Neck flexibility.
• Muscle strength and reflexes in your hands, arms or legs.
• Reflexes.
• Gait (how you walk).
• Neck and shoulder, looking for trigger points (a small bump or knot in the muscle of your neck or shoulder that may be the source of your pain and tenderness).

Sometimes, healthcare providers can diagnose cervical spondylosis with just a physical exam. Other times, they may order tests to learn more about what may be causing your symptoms. These tests may include the following:

• X-rays show the bones in your neck, their alignment, loss of bone and bone spurs (if present). Not all bone changes cause symptoms. Healthcare providers may use X-rays as a starting point. X-rays or other tests can also help rule out other causes of your discomfort, such as a spine tumor.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans provide more detail than X-rays. This scan can help better view the spinal canal and bone spurs.
• MRI images show the details of soft tissues such as cartilage, nerve roots, muscles, spinal cord and disks. This test can show spinal compression or herniated disk more clearly than X-rays.electromyelography An MRI can help identify the source and location of pain.
• Other tests may include a myelogram (type of CT scan) or electromyogram (nerve function test). These tests provide more details on how cervical spondylosis may be affecting your nerves.

Management and Treatment

What are common cervical spondylosis treatments?

Cervical spondylosis does not always cause symptoms. Without symptoms, you may not need treatment at all.

When your condition does cause symptoms, conservative treatments effectively treat most cases. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Physical therapy: Your symptoms may be relieved with specific exercises and stretches. Physical therapy focuses on stretching and strengthening your muscles and improving your posture. You may do these stretches at home or need the assistance of a physical therapist at a clinic. Your healthcare provider will advise how long and how often you should practice these exercises, based on your individual symptoms and condition.
• Ice, heat and massage can help relieve your symptoms. You’ll have to conduct your own trial to see if heat or cold best relieve your pain and discomfort. Apply heat or ice typically no more than 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Massage is another option that may be tried in some patients. Ask your healthcare provide if this is a reasonable option for what’s causing your specific problem.
• Oral medications: Depending on how much pain you’re in, a healthcare provider might recommend prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen sodium (Aleve®). Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Amrix®, Fexmid®) can treat muscle spasms. For severe arm pain from nerve impingement, gabapentin (Neurontin®) may reduce the pain.
• Soft collar or brace: Your healthcare provider may recommend you wear a therapeutic collar for a short time. This can limit neck movement and help strained muscles rest and recuperate. Wearing a brace for too long can lead to muscle atrophy (wasting away). Only use a collar under the guidance of a medical professional.
• Injection therapy: Steroids can be injected into the affected area of the spine. Injection medications can make your symptoms better for a short period of time. There are three common steroid injection procedures:
  • Cervical epidural block: Neck or arm pain due to cervical disk herniation can be treated with an injection of a combination of a steroid and anesthetic. The injection is made into the epidural space, which is the space next to the covering of the spinal cord.
  • Cervical facet joint block: This steroid plus anesthetic injection is made into small joints at the affected segments of the cervical spine.
  • Media branch block and radiofrequency ablation: This technique is used to both diagnosis and treat chronic neck pain. If pain is relieved with an injection of an anesthetic, that spot is identified for treatment. The treatment, called radiofrequency ablation, involves damaging the nerves with sound waves that are causing pain in the joint.

For the most severe cases of cervical spondylosis – including cervical myelopathy or cervical radiculopathy – your healthcare providers may consider surgery. Surgeries can involve removing bone spurs and fusing together the vertebrae or creating more room for the spinal cord by removing a portion of vertebrae.

Spine surgery is complex and may involve a lengthy recovery. Your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms, condition and overall health before deciding whether surgery may benefit you.

Prevention

Are there ways to prevent cervical spondylosis from occurring?

There is no way to prevent cervical spondylosis as this condition is a normal, age-related deterioration (“wear and tear”) of the joint space and disks in your neck.

If you do have a job or a hobby that results in a lot of time spent looking overhead, downward or having your head in an awkward posture, take many short breaks in your day (if possible). Learn proper stretching and strengthening exercises from your healthcare provider or physical therapist.

Follow other self-help therapies such as applying ice or heat to your neck to ease muscle soreness and pain and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and pain-killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Always follow the instructions of your healthcare professionals and physical therapist.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I think I have (or have a diagnosis of) cervical spondylosis?

At first, you may not even have any symptoms. However, since cervical spondylosis is an age-related degenerative condition, if you are in your 60s, 70s, 80s or older you may have such symptoms as neck pain and stiffness to start. If you are young, you can still develop this condition if you have jobs or hobbies that cause your head and neck to be out of good alignment for long periods of time. Fortunately, most early symptoms of pain and discomfort can be treated with simple at-home and over-the-counter remedies.

Some people may go on to develop more complicated issues such as disk herniation, bone spurs, pinched nerves and nerve compression. These conditions may require an increasing amount of medical care, ranging range prescription medications, to steroid injections to surgery.

When should I call the healthcare provider?

Most cases of neck pain go away on their own or with nonsurgical treatments. If neck pain or discomfort lasts more than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Seek immediate medical care if you have:

• Severe pain or pain that is worsening.
• Numbness or tingling in arms.
• Trouble with coordination, trouble walking.
• Muscle weakness or heaviness in arms or legs.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.

Living With

What the difference between cervical spondylosis and spondylitis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Cervical spondylosis is a degeneration – or breakdown – of the spine and disks in your neck. It is a general term for the situation that occurs in your neck area. It is an arthritis of the joints (the spaces) between the vertebrae in the neck.

Spondylitis is inflammation of one or more vertebrae. “Itis” means inflammation. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis in your spine. Ankylosing spondylitis can result in vertebrae fusing together.

Spondylolysis is a physical break in the mid-arch area of a section of vertebrae called the pars interarticularis. The pars interarticularis are the horizontal pieces on the sides of the main body of each vertebrae – the “wings” on the body of each vertebrae. This condition is usually caused by injury, trauma or overuse by hyperextension (for example, weight lifters, tennis players). Spondylolysis usually occurs in the lumber (lower back) spine.

Cervical spondylolisthesis is a specific condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the vertebrae beneath it. A fracture (break) or injury of the vertebrae of the spine can cause the vertebra to start to shift out of place.

What is radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is a pinching of a nerve at the nerve root. The nerve root is the first segment of nerve as it branches off of the spinal cord within the spinal column.

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.

Continued

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.

Continued

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.

Continued

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.

90,000 Spondylosis – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Spondylosis literally means compaction or fixation of the vertebrae as a result of pathological changes in the spine. Spondylosis is caused by degenerative changes in the spine, such as the formation of osteophytes (bone spines) and degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs. Changes in the spine with spondylosis are referred to as osteoarthritis. For example, the phrase “spondylosis of the lumbar spine” means the presence of degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis in the intervertebral joints and the presence of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine.

Spondylosis can affect all parts of the spine (cervical thoracic lumbar), but the most common spondylosis is cervical and lumbar spine. Thoracic spondylosis often causes no symptoms. With lumbar-sacral spondylosis, changes occur not only in the lumbar spine, but also in the sacral spine. There are several medical terms that are similar in name to spondylosis and are therefore often confused. These are terms such as:

• spondylitis: an inflammation of one or more vertebrae of an infectious (including specific genesis) or non-infectious genesis (in inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis).Spondylitis is a completely different disease, because degenerative processes take place in spondylosis, while spondylitis is an inflammatory disease
• spondylolysis: incomplete development and formation of the articular part of the vertebra (pars interarticularis). This defect predisposes to spondylolisthesis due to the development of instability of the motor segments
• spondylolisthesis: displacement forward or backward of the vertebral body in relation to the underlying vertebra. For example, L4 to L5 anterior spondylolisthesis means that the fourth lumbar vertebra is displaced forward in relation to the fifth vertebra.As a result, the geometry of the spine changes.
• spondylosis deformans : occurs due to the growth of osteophytes or bone bridges around the degrading intervertebral disc (this term is almost synonymous with the term spondylosis).
• stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal. It is a narrowing of the spinal canal that limits the space needed for the spinal cord and nerves. Pressure on the spinal cord and nerves due to the narrowing of the spinal canal can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling.

Causes and risk factors

Spondylosis is an age-related change in the spine. As we age, the bones and ligaments in the spine wear out, which leads to the formation of bony growths. In addition, the intervertebral discs degenerate, weaken, which can lead to the formation of protrusions or disc herniation. The cause of early spondylosis may be heavy physical activity of a professional nature. Spondylosis is common. The first symptoms may appear between the ages of 20 and 50.More than 80% of people over 40 have radiological signs of spondylosis. The rate of development of spondylosis depends on both genetic factors and the presence of injuries or excessive stress on the spine.

Symptoms

Many people with spondylosis on radiographs have no symptoms. According to statistics, lumbar spondylosis is present in 27% -37% of people without any symptoms.

In some people, spondylosis causes lower back and neck pain due to compression of the nerves.Nerve compression is caused by herniated discs or osteophytes in the facet joints, which narrow the space where the nerves pass and cause spinal or foraminal stenosis. Even with small herniated discs, when they do not cause compression of the root, local inflammation and irritation of nerve fibers are possible. In addition, herniated discs can put pressure on the spinal ligaments and thus cause pain. Compression creates conditions for stimulating the growth of blood vessels and nerves, and this leads to chronic pain syndrome.In pain syndrome, individual parts of the spine try to compensate for the pain, and as a result, areas of soreness, muscle spasm and trigger points appear.

Symptoms of spondylosis include localized pain in the area of ​​the spondylosis, usually in the lower back or neck. If a herniated disc causes compression of the nerve, the pain may radiate to the limb. For example, a large disc herniation in the lumbar spine can compress a nerve and cause pain that occurs in the lower back and then travels down one leg and foot.This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica. Back pain due to a herniated disc usually worsens with prolonged standing, sitting, and bending forward, and often decreases with changes in body position and walking. Back pain due to arthrosis of the facet joints, as a rule, increases with walking and standing, and decreases with straightening of the trunk. Numbness and tingling may occur when the nerve is compressed. With severe compression of the nerves, muscle weakness in the limb may appear.If a herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal cord, it can damage the spinal cord (myelopathy). Myelopathy symptoms include numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. For example, a large herniated disc in the cervical spine can lead to cervical myelopathy, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and possibly legs. As a rule, patients with spondylosis have already been in contact with doctors, since CT or MRI radiography well visualize changes in the spine characteristic of this disease.The reason for the obligatory visit to the doctor is the following reasons:

• Lack of effect from the prescribed treatment
• Signs of acute nerve dysfunction (eg, weakness in one or more limbs)
• Disorders of the bladder or intestines, against the background of acute pain in the lower back or neck, indicate serious nerve dysfunctions and require hospitalization
• Numbness in the groin or in the sciatic area may indicate serious dysfunction of the nerve structures and also requires immediate hospitalization.

Diagnostics

Spondylosis is diagnosed using radiological methods such as plain radiography, MRI or CT. Radiography allows visualization of osteophytes, joint thickening and a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae. A CT scan of the spine is able to visualize the spine in more detail and can diagnose narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) if present. MRI research is the most informative and allows you to visualize soft tissues (discs, ligaments, nerves) and diagnose the presence of compression of nerve structures, which often allows you to find out the true cause of pain in spondylosis.
If nerve damage is suspected, ENMG may be prescribed to determine the extent of nerve damage and conduction disturbances. Sometimes, to clarify the diagnosis, a radioisotope scan may be prescribed, based on a different degree of absorption of radioactive material by tissues with different metabolism (for example, with inflammation or a tumor, more radioisotope will selectively abnormally accumulate in the bone tissue).

Treatment

There is currently no treatment that can reverse spondylosis because it is a degenerative process. Treatment of spondylosis consists of treating symptoms such as lower back or neck pain and similarly to those of osteochondrosis.

Drug treatment. Medicines that reliably stop the degenerative process in the spine do not yet exist. In pain syndrome, as a rule, drugs of the NSAID group and muscle relaxants are widely used. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be very effective in relieving low back and neck pain associated with spondylosis (ibuprofen, movalis, naproxen).Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) help reliably reduce muscle spasm associated with spondylosis. For severe pain, analgesics such as tramatodol or drugs of the narcotic group can be used.
Antidepressants may be used for chronic pain. Medications called tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Sinevkan), have been used for years in small doses to treat chronic back pain.Recently, an antidepressant such as duloxetine (Simbalta) has been used, and its effectiveness in chronic back pain has been reliably proven. A good effect is the use of ointments containing capsaicin.

Physiotherapy allows you to reduce pain, improve microcirculation in the tissues of the spine.

LFK . A carefully selected program of exercises, both with weights (on simulators) and in the form of gymnastics (qigong or yoga), can also reduce both pain manifestations and improve the functionality of the spine.

Manual therapy Gentle manual therapy techniques allow to achieve mobilization of motor segments and reduce pain. However, some patients should not undergo manual manipulation, especially when spondylosis is combined with a disease such as ankylosing spondylitis.

Acupuncture allows you to reduce pain and improve the conduction of nerve fibers.

Minimally invasive procedures such as injections of steroids into the epidural space or joints, or injection into trigger points can also reduce pain.

Surgical treatment

Recommended for patients with severe neurological symptoms and no effect of conservative treatment. Usually, surgical methods of treatment are used in the presence of severe spinal stenosis, in cauda equina syndrome, or in the presence of severe compression of the root by a herniated disc (osteophyte).

Forecast

Spondylosis is a degenerative process, and currently there are no methods of treatment that reliably stop degenerative pathological processes.But with systematic observation and treatment, it is possible to achieve stabilization of pain manifestations and preservation of the functionality of the spine.

90,000 Spondylosis – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Spondylosis is a general term that refers to the wear and tear of the intervertebral discs and bone tissue of the vertebrae. The expression “spondylosis of the spine” is considered by doctors to be not entirely correct, since spondylosis already implies a lesion of the spinal column. When the fibro-cartilaginous “pads” between the vertebrae become dehydrated and compressed, osteoarthritis occurs, including with the growth of bone protrusions along the edges – bone spurs.Sometimes the condition is described as an overgrowth of osteophytes. Over time, compression of the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord can occur, which causes pain and disturbances in the movement of not only the arms, but also the legs. In most cases, spondylosis can be treated conservatively, which includes medication and physical therapy.

Causes of spondylosis

The onset of the disease is associated with degenerative changes in the spine. This process is normal and all people are subject to it.Half of middle-aged and older people have worn-out intervertebral discs. However, this does not cause any painful symptoms. In addition to age, other risk factors are distinguished:

• heredity;
• smoking;
• certain types of physical activity with monotonous repetitive bends, twisting;
• previous neck injuries;
• spinal surgeries;
• osteoporosis;
• overweight;
• insufficient physical activity.

Classification

According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), spondylosis is classified under the M47 heading. Also allocate:

• other spondylosis with myelopathy – M47.1
• other spondylosis with radiculopathy – M47.2
• other spondylosis – M 47.8, including cervical spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, spondylosis of the thoracic spine without myelopathy
  unspecified spondylosis — M47.9.

Symptoms of spondylosis

Most people with degenerative changes in the spine do not have any symptoms of the disease.As the process progresses, pain and a feeling of stiffness appear.
Also signs can be:

• shoulder pain;
• headache that begins in the occiput and migrates to the frontal region;
• tingling, numbness, weakness in the arms, less often in the legs;
• walking disorders;
• clicks when turning the neck.

With the further development of the disease, two variants of the progression of the pathology are possible.
Myelopathy – compression of the spinal cord due to a change in the configuration of the spinal canal with its narrowing.When the spinal cord is compressed (compressed), signaling to the rest of the body is impaired. Condition manifests itself:

• coordination disorders. For example, it becomes difficult to button up a shirt;
• problems when walking;
• heaviness and weakness in the legs;
• incontinence of urine, feces.

Prolonged compression of the spinal cord can lead to its irreversible damage and even to disability.
Radiculopathy – irritation of the nerve trunk with bone fragments or hernial protrusion.Cervical radiculopathy manifests itself as a sharp pain that goes down the arm. Doctors call this condition brachialgia. In addition, there may be numbness, a feeling of “creeping”, increased pain when turning the head.

Diagnosis of spondylosis

If there are complaints of pain and stiffness in the spine, the doctor begins with asking . The following questions may be asked:

• Where exactly does it hurt? What is the nature of the pain (aching, pressing, cutting, baking, burning)?
  Where does it give?
• Have there been similar episodes before, did they go away on their own or after some treatment?
• Are there any violations in the control of urination, defecation?
• Do you have difficulty walking?
• Does tingling or weakness in the hands and feet bother you?
• What self-help measures have been used?
• Was there a neck injury, especially a whiplash?
• What is your profession, hobby, hobby?

Then the specialist assesses the range of motion, for this he asks to turn the head from side to side and up and down.Next, he checks reflexes and sensitivity. The appearance of pathological reflexes, numbness of the skin in certain areas may not indicate the involvement of the spinal cord in the process. Also, the doctor assesses the strength of the muscles and gait, the ability to maintain balance.

Instrumental research

Spondylosis can be detected on radiography. The images will show osteophytes (bone processes). If the doctor suspects myelopathy, there are severe symptoms and standard treatment is ineffective, indicated:

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The method is useful for detecting damage to nerve trunks.
• CT (computed tomography). The image is clearer and more detailed than with conventional radiography.
• Study of nerve conduction and EMG (electromyography). In the first case, electrodes are placed on the skin, which generate electrical discharges of low intensity. This test measures the strength and speed of the signals traveling along the nerves. For electromyography, a needle electrode is inserted into the muscle under local anesthesia.Then the electrical potentials of the muscles are examined. Usually, both studies are performed at the same time.

Spondylosis treatment

Primary goals are to reduce pain and prevent irreversible nerve damage.

Medicines

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . They are considered quite effective, it can be:

• diclofenac
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• etoricoxib
• celecoxib.

NSAIDs can be dangerous if you have asthma, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, or if you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer. In these cases, your doctor may recommend paracetamol. In any case, the appointment is made by the doctor after assessing the possibility of side effects or complications.

Muscle relaxants . For cramps and painful contractions, drugs are used to relax the muscles. For example, it could be diazepam.You need to know that the substance has a sedative effect, that is, it causes dizziness and drowsiness. Muscle relaxants should not be taken if you plan to drive a car or drink alcohol. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

Amitriptyline . If the above medications do not work and the pain persists for more than one month, your doctor may prescribe amitriptyline. This drug was originally developed to treat depression, but then it was found to help in the treatment of pain.The drug has a lot of side effects:

• dry mouth;
• drowsiness;
• constipation;
• difficulty urinating;
• blurred vision.

Amitriptyline should not be taken by patients with serious heart disease or by drivers.

Gabapentin (pregabalin). Used for brachialgia, radiculopathy. To achieve a sustainable effect, the drug must be taken for at least two weeks.Of side effects are possible:

• euphoria
• confusion
• dizziness
• skin rash.

Surgical treatment

Operation shown if:

• there are clear signs of pinching of the nerve trunk by the intervertebral disc or bone process;
• spinal cord compression determined;
• without surgery, irreparable damage to parts of the nervous system will occur;
• chronic pain is not relieved by other means.

It is important to know that the operation will not lead to a complete cure, it will only prevent further deterioration.The following types of interventions are possible:

• Anterior discectomy . Use if the deformed intervertebral disc presses on the nerve.
• Cervical laminectomy . Removal of bone fragments that press on the spinal cord.
• Prosthetics of the spinal disc . This is a relatively new method in which a worn-out intervertebral disc is replaced with an artificial one. Due to its novelty, there is no data on its long-term benefits.

Depending on the type of operation, the ability to work is restored from 4 days to 8 weeks.
As with all surgical procedures, interventions on the spine carry a certain risk of complications. May occur:

• problems associated with general anesthesia – heart attack, thrombosis, allergic reactions;
• swallowing disorders (dysphagia), usually this problem disappears after a few months;
• hoarseness of the voice, which may become permanent;
• paralysis;
• infectious complications;
• Damage to sensory nerves, which can cause persistent numbness or “creeping”.

Before the operation, it is worth discussing all the indications and risks with your doctor.

Lifestyle with spondylosis

Aerobic exercise – swimming or walking, physiotherapy exercises – can bring benefits. For sleep, you can use special orthopedic pillows. While awake, you need to take the correct posture when sitting for a long time or standing.
Long-term use of a neck collar or brace is not recommended as it can aggravate symptoms.Orthoses should not be used for more than a week, unless the doctor specifically warned about the opposite.

Sources

1. Cervical spondylosis, last reviewed 4 August 2017, NHS —http: //www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cervical-spondylosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
2. Cervical spondylosis, overview Mayo Clinic —http: //www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-spondylosis/basics/definition/CON-20027408? P = 1
3. Cervical spondylosis, MedlinePlus —https: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000436.htm
4. Chronic back pain, clinical guidelines, All-Russian public organization “Association of general practitioners (family doctors) of the Russian Federation” http://www.minzdravrb.ru/minzdrav/docs/hbs.doc

what is it, symptoms and treatment

Spondylosis is a common disease in young and old people, and cervical spondylosis is the most common type. After a certain age, almost everyone suffers from cervical spondylosis of varying severity.

If pain syndrome is pursuing, and doctors diagnose “Spondylosis”, read our material and you will learn how to solve the problem. Reading time 7 minutes.

General information about the disease

Cervical spondylosis is a dystrophic-degenerative disease. This means that it is caused by a violation of the local nutrition of the cartilaginous tissue of the spine.

Lack of local blood circulation leads to deterioration of the cartilage.

Ossification or ossification of the intervertebral discs is often observed against the background of disturbed trophism. This leads to decreased mobility and pain.

How is spondylosis formed

The reason for the high prevalence of cervical spondylosis is the special anatomical structure of the neck. It has high mobility, but at the same time it has much fewer muscles than near other parts of the spinal column.

During work and even rest, which is associated with long-term holding of the neck in a non-physiological state, the tissues of the neck are overstrained.The process affects the muscular and ligamentous apparatus, and the result is an overload of the intervertebral discs.

Further, there is a decrease in the rigidity of the annulus fibrosus of the cartilage, and its central part protrudes into the region of the longitudinal ligament of the spine. The consequence is the process of ossification in this area. The next stage is the appearance on the lateral surfaces of the vertebrae, the so-called osteophytes.

Osteophyte is a pathological growth that forms on bone tissue.

Without treatment, as the disease worsens, pathological changes are formed.

The intervertebral discs lose their height, the range of motion of the cervical spine is impaired. Due to degenerative processes and a decrease in the height of the cartilage, nerve endings can be pinched. This process is accompanied by an increase in symptoms characteristic of cervical neurological pathology.

Reasons

Most often, cervical spondylosis is promoted by age and the resulting metabolic and local trophic disorders.The cause of the disease can be neck injuries, both single and multiple.

Dysfunction of the endocrine system and chronic inflammatory diseases increase the risk of developing trophic disorders and subsequent spondylosis.

The risk group for the development of the disease includes people with pathologies of posture and curvature of the spine. These factors contribute to an uneven and incorrect load on the cervical spine. Cervical spondylosis is a pathology, first of all, of office workers and people employed in the field of intellectual work.

Symptoms

If the cervical spondylosis is limited and the height of the disc is not affected, symptoms may not be observed. As the disease progresses, pain occurs. Most often these are dull pains that do not go away for a long time and have an aching character. Usually at this stage, people try to reduce the load on the neck – for example, they turn their whole body, leaving the neck region motionless.

If there is compression of the arteries of the spine, pains in the head join.Dizziness is often observed, and with damage to the cervical nerves, hearing and vision impairment. Patients note violations of focusing of vision, the presence of “flies” in front of the eyes. The further the disease progresses, the stronger the pain becomes. They get permanent. character and do not pass even after rest and sleep.

• Over time, the disease leads to the formation of a “vicious circle”.
• Violation of the normal anatomy of the neck leads to permanent muscle strain.
• Spasmodic muscles, in turn, interfere with the normal movement of the spine and are themselves the cause of pain.

In addition, anatomical disorders can cause inflammation of the nerve roots. Sciatica develops. Another consequence is narrowing of the spinal canal, which is called stenosis. At the same time, muscle and skin sensitivity of the neck and collar zone begins to suffer. Feelings of weakness, decreased hand sensitivity, and irradiation of back pain are common.

A decrease in the diameter of the vessels and narrowing of the spinal canal can lead to the formation of vertebral artery syndrome.This is a complex combination of symptoms caused by impaired arterial blood flow in the spine.

At an early stage, vertebral artery syndrome manifests itself in the form of headache and dizziness, transient visual impairment. The syndrome progresses over time to the ischemic stage. It is manifested by attacks of acute circulatory disorders, or transient ischemic attacks.

There are impaired coordination, bouts of vomiting, acute and severe dizziness.Often these signs begin after sudden movements in the neck. When the position is restored, the symptoms of cerebrovascular accident can completely disappear.

This video will tell you more about the vertebral artery syndrome –

Stages of spondylosis

The course of the disease is divided into three stages

At the first stage of the disease, small osteophytes are formed, they do not go beyond the vertebrae. Symptoms at this stage are mild or absent.

The second stage more often leads to seeking medical help.Osteophytes begin to grow, which leads to increased pain and a noticeable disruption of neck mobility. Neck pains during this period are of a periodic nature, most often they are promoted by cold and physical activity.

The third stage of spondylosis is manifested by pronounced deforming phenomena.

Pains become constant, pain relievers are poorly relieved. Osteophytes begin to grow together, which leads to a gross decrease in mobility.

Important! Without treatment, complete immobility can form.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, the doctor requires both an examination of the patient and a check of reflexes. Additional studies are prescribed. The main diagnostic method is x-ray of the cervical spine . It allows you to detect cervical ossification and their localization.

One of the x-ray variations is myelography , a study using a contrast medium. An iodine-containing drug is injected into the spinal column, after which pictures are taken in the desired projections.

To obtain detailed information, the doctor can use computed tomography or MRI . The MRI method has an additional advantage – in addition to bone tissue, it makes it possible to examine the condition of muscles and ligaments. Today, due to the increasing availability of MRI and its safety, myelography is used less and less.

Treatment methods

Neurologists, orthopedists and vertebrologists – specialists in the pathology of the spinal column are engaged in the therapy of the disease. The third stage of the disease may require surgical intervention.Medical techniques, physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy are used.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy is one of the most common treatments for cervical spondylosis.

The following drug groups are used:

• NSAIDs – reduce pain, reduce inflammation and the severity of tissue edema;
• Muscle relaxants – drugs that reduce spasm of the cervical muscles, reduce pain and improve mobility;
• Vitamin preparations – strengthen the body, improve tissue trophism.B vitamins, thiamine and pyridoxine, contribute to the restoration of nerve tissue.
• Medicines to improve microcirculation – help to improve local blood supply, have a beneficial effect on small vessels.

Remember! Any drugs, regardless of the duration of their use, have side effects.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an effective method of combating disease.

Most commonly used by doctors:

• Pulse therapy – a variant of electrotherapy, in which nerve endings are stimulated by impulses of low frequency current;
• Diadynamic therapy – treatment with wave current;
• Interference therapy – exposure to electronic impulses of different frequencies;
• CMT – a physiotherapeutic procedure with a warming effect, consists in the action of sinusoidal modulated currents;
• Laser therapy – improvement of local blood supply through exposure to laser radiation;
• Shockwave therapy – treatment with an acoustic wave;
• UV irradiation – vitamin D is produced in the skin, which promotes better absorption of calcium;
• UHF-therapy – exposure to a high-frequency electromagnetic field.

Physiotherapy helps to reduce symptoms, improve mobility and reduce the rate of development of pathology.

Warming up is one of the easiest ways to reduce muscle tension and pain. At home, warming up the cervical region is easiest to implement with a hot shower. A more complicated procedure is heating according to Bolotov.

It is carried out only in medical clinics and is a heating in special salt baths.

Important! During an exacerbation, baths cannot be used. This can make the condition worse.

Reflexology

Acupuncture, or acupuncture – a method of treatment that is based on the impact on acupuncture points. Despite the fact that the method is considered “exotic” by many, it is an official medical practice, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed by clinical studies.

Acupuncture relieves pain and effectively relaxes the muscles of the cervical corset.The stimulating effect enhances microcirculation.

exercise therapy

Physiotherapy exercises – one of the foundations of the treatment of any diseases of the spine. The elimination of neck inactivity does not allow calcifications to grow and grow together with each other. This increases the mobility in the neck area. In addition to the therapeutic effect, the quality of life is improved.

The basic set of exercises looks like this:

1. Place the palms on the back of the head and press so that the chin touches the chest.In this case, the muscles of the neck should be as tense as possible for resistance;
2. Raising the arms to the sides and lowering them with the maximum reduction of the shoulder blades;
3. Swing legs forward and backward without arching the back, 10 pieces for each leg;
4. Squats, in which the back should not bend, and the legs should be placed shoulder-width apart;
5. Raising the upper half of the body with fixation in the lumbar region for 10 seconds, from a prone position.

Remember! Exercise therapy for vertebral artery syndrome requires increased attention.

Massage

Massaging for cervical spondylosis helps to remove muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Provides a distracting effect, which helps to reduce neck pain.

2. Self-massage for cervical spondylosis requires prior consultation with a doctor.
3. The best effect is provided by therapeutic massage, which is carried out by professionals.

Massaging begins with warming, stroking movements.Further actions of the masseur take into account the severity of the disease and the anatomical structure of the cervical spine. Both general massage of the neck area and acupressure can be prescribed.

Exercise machine Drevmass

One of the basic causes of diseases of the spinal column is neglect of one’s health. Take just 5 – 10 minutes of time a day to practice, and you will feel the difference!

• Drevmass is not just a symptomatic effect, it is a truly therapeutic roller trainer.
• How does the simulator work and why do doctors recommend it?
• The roller system allows you to act on large areas and makes the massage gentle and accurate.
• Basic Principles:

• Restoration and improvement of blood circulation;
• Formation of the correct muscle frame;
• Gentle traction of the spine;
• Combination of the benefits of massage, manual therapy and physiotherapy exercises.

Due to the extensive stimulation of the nerve endings of different departments and the improvement of local blood circulation, it will help not only prevent the disease, but also cure it .

Wooden roller trainer Drevmass is an excellent way to prevent cervical spondylosis. Many people have already tested its therapeutic and prophylactic effect on themselves. A huge advantage of the Drevmass simulator is its small size and compactness. The simulator can be taken with you anywhere – it does not take up much space. This will ensure that the neck treatment is not interrupted.

1. Take care of your neck – use the Drevmass simulator!
3. The simulator is made of hard wood, will last for many years and will not break, unlike plastic massagers.

Drevmass is a universal simulator, which means it may be useful in the future. It can be used by all family members, it is an opportunity to prevent not only cervical spondylosis, but also other disorders of the trophism of the spine.

• Wish you health!
• Your Drevmass Team

Cervical spondylosis: types, causes, symptoms and treatment

Cervical spondylosis is a pathology of a degenerative-dystrophic nature that affects the cervical spine.Since the pathology has a chronic course, it quite often leads to irreparable disorders that can cause the patient to become disabled.

Online consultation on cervical spondylosis disease.

Ask a free question to specialists: Neurologist.

Often, the growth of bone tissue occurs against the background of the natural aging process of the human body. However, the disease can develop against the background of other predisposing factors.

The basis of the clinical picture is pain syndrome localized in the neck and occipital region, impaired motor functions, severe headaches and dizziness.

To establish the correct diagnosis, a wide range of instrumental examinations of the patient is required. In addition, the diagnostic process uses the data obtained during the initial examination.

Treatment of spondylosis is accepted by conservative methods, which are based on physiotherapy procedures and exercise therapy exercises.

Etiology

Spondylosis of the cervical spine is included in the category of polyetiological pathological conditions, which means that several factors simultaneously influence its formation.

The underlying reason is metabolic changes occurring against the background of natural aging of the body. It follows from this that the main risk group is made up of elderly people. However, this does not mean at all that the disease cannot develop in persons from other age categories. The early development of the disease can be facilitated by:

• compression fracture of one or more cervical vertebrae;
• minor but multiple spinal injuries in the neck area;
• specific metabolic disorders leading to the accumulation of calcium salts in the spinal column;
• the course of chronic infectious diseases that negatively affect bone tissue;
• prolonged hypothermia;
• hormonal disorders;
• the presence of an inflammatory process in the spine or its joints;
• the presence of osteochondrosis in humans.

Signs of cervical spondylosis

A separate group of predisposing factors leading to the development of bone proliferation of the cervical vertebrae are states in which there is no prolonged physiological load on this area. The category of such sources should include:

• incorrect posture;
• persistent curvature of the spine, which is also called scoliosis;
• increased cervical lordosis, in which there is a physiological or pathological curvature of the spine;
• hypodynamia is a lack of physical activity in a person’s life.It is customary to refer to the provocateurs of such a pathology workers who need to spend a large amount of working time in front of a computer, at a microscope or other objects, for work with which it is necessary to take a forced head position.

In addition, a genetic predisposition and addiction to tobacco smoking play an important role in the formation of such a pathology.

All of the above reasons lead to the fact that there is a pathological growth of bone tissue in the form of thorns, antennae or protrusions, which in the medical field are called osteophytes.

It is also worth noting that cervical spondylosis occurs in 75% of cases in relation to other parts of the spine. It is often diagnosed in people over 55 years old. It is noteworthy that males suffer from the disease several times more often than women.

Classification

There are several types of cervical spondylosis, which differ in several criteria. Thus, the first classification divides the disease into several stages, differing in radiological indicators:

• first – the image contains a large number of bone growths or osteophytes, but they do not go beyond the affected segment.The volumes of the vertebral body and intervertebral discs remain unchanged;
• second – characterized by the fact that osteophytes begin to bend around the intervertebral disc. Sometimes osteophytes of neighboring vertebrae can grow together and eventually form a new joint. This condition is called neoarthrosis;
• third – at this stage, the vertebral osteophytes are completely fused, which leads to the formation of a bracket that blocks the vertebra. In such cases, the motor segment is completely immobilized, the height of the structural elements of the spinal column decreases and the spinal canal narrows.This becomes a factor in the development of consequences such as arthrosis or osteoporosis.

Sometimes, at the above stages, there is an attachment of bone and cartilaginous deformity, as well as changes in the ligaments.

The second classification is represented by the degrees of functional impairment, which reflect the level of performance of a patient with a similar diagnosis, against the background of which a decision is made to assign a disability to a person:

• grade 1 spondylosis – the mildest, because changes occur in the normal physiological curvature of the spine, with the appearance of signs of kyphosis or lordosis.In addition, there is a slight limitation of motor functions;
• 2nd degree spondylosis – mobility in the problem area is impaired so much that it causes a significant decrease in the patient’s performance. In such cases, patients are often advised to change jobs. This degree of occurrence corresponds to the third group of disability;
• grade 3 spondylosis – against the background of the formation of a bone bracket that blocks mobility, a person’s ability to work sharply decreases.In this case, the patient can be assigned a disability of the first or second group.

There are also the following stages of the course of the disease, which divide it into:

• slowly progressive spondylosis;
• moderately progressive spondylosis with periods of exacerbation of symptoms;
• rapidly progressive spondylosis – in this case, the vertebrae fusion occurs in a short time;
• fulminant spondylosis – characterized by an abrupt onset and an unfavorable course.

It should be noted that the last two degrees of severity of the course in the overwhelming majority of cases develop against the background of the course of other serious diseases affecting the spinal column.

Symptoms

The specificity of the course of such an ailment lies in the fact that with cervical spondylosis, clinical manifestations may be absent for a long time. Most often, the first symptoms occur at the second stage of the pathology.

The most striking symptoms of cervical spondylosis are presented:

• characteristic crunch that occurs during neck movement;
• pain syndrome localized in the neck.As the course of the disease worsens, pain spreads to the occipital zone, auricles, eyeballs, and in severe cases, to the lower jaw;
• decrease in the mobility of the problem area;
• dizziness – the intensity of this symptom can vary from insignificant to unsteadiness of gait and imbalance;
• by the appearance of “flies” before the eyes;
• numbness of the skin in the neck, head and shoulders;
• hearing impairment;
• sleep disorder – due to discomfort and pain in the neck, people often cannot find a comfortable sleeping position for a long time or often wake up at night;
• stiffness of the cervical spine, which worsens in the evening;
• intense headaches;
• by muscle tension in the neck – this is due to the fact that deforming spondylosis of the cervical spine leads to the appearance of compensatory spasms;
• fainting conditions – appear with a severe course of the disease, since strong compression of the vertebral arteries affects the violation of blood flow to the brain.The appearance of fainting is preceded by nausea, heaviness in the occiput and weakness;
• a decrease in sensitivity in the upper or lower extremities – this symptom is rarely manifested.

If spondylosis of the cervical spine was provoked by any other disease, then the symptomatology will be supplemented by the most specific signs of a provoking factor.

Diagnostics

In cases of one or more symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialist in the field of vertebrology, traumatology, neurology or orthopedics.Each of these doctors can carry out adequate diagnostics and draw up a scheme of how to treat such a disease.

First of all, the clinician needs:

Myelography

• study the medical history and familiarize yourself with the patient’s life history – to establish the most likely predisposing factor;
• conduct a thorough physical and neurological examination. The first consists in palpation and percussion of the cervical spine, and the second is aimed at assessing reflexes, movements and sensitivity.The information received will enable the doctor to preliminarily determine the severity and stage of the pathology;
• to interview the patient in detail – to draw up a thorough clinical picture, which is necessary in cases where cervical spondylosis has developed against the background of another ailment.

The most valuable diagnostic tests are the following instrumental examinations:

• CT and MRI of the cervical spine;
• X-ray of the problem area;
• electromyography – for assessing nerve conduction;
• myelography – is a radiography using a contrast agent.

Laboratory research is of no value in the diagnosis of such a pathology.

Treatment

Elimination of such a disease is carried out using the following conservative therapy methods:

• taking medications;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• neck warming;
• self-massage;
• Exercise therapy for spondylosis is the basis of treatment.

Drug therapy involves the use of:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• muscle relaxants – to relieve muscle tension;
• microcirculation correctors;
• multivitamin complexes;
• antidepressants.

Physiotherapy treatments are performed using:

• impulse therapy – involves exposure to low-frequency current pulses;
• diadynamic therapy;
• interference therapy;
• sinusoidal modulated currents;
• percutaneous electrical neurostimulation;
• laser therapy;
• acupuncture;
• pharmacopuncture;
• magnetopuncture;
• vacuum therapy;
• shock wave therapy;
• UHF and UFO.

• It is worth noting that treatment with folk remedies will be ineffective in diagnosing such a disease.
• Exercises for cervical spondylosis and self-massage at the first stages of therapy are performed under the supervision of the attending physician, after which the patient can independently perform the necessary manipulations at home.
• Self-massage of the neck includes the following stages:

• stroking;
• rubbing;
• kneading;
• Massaging the tubercles located behind the auricles.

Recommended remedial gymnastics exercises are:

• pressure on the forehead and back of the head;
• turns of the neck;
• head movements through resistance – while tilting the head back and from this position they try to reach the front of the neck with the chin;
• pressure on the whiskey;
• rotational movements of the head.

Gymnastics for cervical spondylosis

Operable treatment of cervical spondylosis is necessary in cases of ineffectiveness of conservative methods of therapy or the development of similar diseases against the background of another pathology.

Prevention

To reduce the likelihood of developing cervical spondylosis, you just need to follow these simple preventive recommendations:

• completely give up addictions, in particular, smoking;
• lead an active lifestyle, especially in sedentary working conditions;
• , if possible, avoid injury to the spinal column;
• timely treat diseases that negatively affect bone tissue;
• to prevent hypothermia of the body;
• eliminate hormonal disorders;
• undergo a full preventive examination at a medical facility several times a year.

Cervical spondylosis does not pose a threat to human life, because it can be cured if diagnosed early. Ignoring symptoms can not only affect mobility impairment, but also lead to disability.

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Diseases with similar symptoms:

Intoxication (overlapping symptoms: 8 out of 20)

Intoxication of the body – occurs due to prolonged exposure to the human body of various toxic substances.This can be industrial poisoning with poisons or chemical elements, prolonged use of medicines, for example, in the treatment of oncology or tuberculosis. The influence of toxins can be both external and internal, produced by the body itself.

… Migraine (overlapping symptoms: 8 out of 20)

Migraine is a fairly common neurological disease, accompanied by severe paroxysmal headache.

Migraine, the symptoms of which are actually pain, concentrated from one half of the head mainly in the area of ​​the eyes, temples and forehead, in nausea, and in some cases in vomiting, occurs without reference to brain tumors, stroke and serious head injuries, although it may indicate the relevance of the development of certain pathologies.

… Cerebral edema (overlapping symptoms: 8 out of 20)

Cerebral edema is a dangerous condition characterized by excessive accumulation of exudate in the tissues of the organ. As a result, its volume gradually increases and intracranial pressure increases. All this leads to disruption of blood circulation in the organ and to the death of its cells.

… Heart disease (overlapping symptoms: 8 out of 20)

Heart defects are abnormalities and deformations of individual functional parts of the heart: valves, septa, openings between vessels and chambers.Due to their improper functioning, blood circulation is disturbed, and the heart ceases to fully fulfill its main function – the supply of oxygen to all organs and tissues.

… Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (overlapping symptoms: 8 out of 20)

Chronic fatigue syndrome (abbreviated CFS) is a condition in which mental and physical weakness occurs due to unknown factors and lasts from six months or more.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, the symptoms of which are supposed to be to some extent associated with infectious diseases, in addition, is closely related to the accelerated pace of life of the population and the increased flow of information literally befalling a person for subsequent perception.

…

Cervical spondylosis: a degenerative disease of the spine, symptoms and treatment, exercise, massage, medication

Cervical spondylosis is the most common type of disease, which affects more than 80% of people after 50 years of age, while the incidence rate in men is higher than in women.Caused by degenerative changes in the structure of the vertebrae, this disease causes a lot of discomfort to the elderly.

Since the disease does not manifest itself clearly, it is impossible to diagnose it on your own without special instruments. Genetics plays a small role in the development of cervical spondylosis, when how much determines a person’s lifestyle, so it is quite possible to avoid the development of this dangerous disease.

From the article you will learn why osteophytes develop in the neck area, how to avoid it.

What is cervical spondylosis – disease description

The muscular corset of the neck is less developed than the corsets of other parts of the spine. At the same time, the neck is quite mobile. Performing a variety of tasks at home or at work, sometimes we have to keep the neck for a long time in positions leading to overload of muscles and intervertebral discs.

The development of spondylosis occurs only in the lower part of the cervical spine – from the 4th to the 7th vertebra, due to the fact that the vertebrae there have high mobility.With age, the bones thicken, growths – osteophytes – form on their surface. Osteophytes compress the nerves, blocking the free flow of blood to the cervical vessels.

This pathological process is called cervical spondylosis.

Anatomical background

With age, the structural elements of the spine age and wear out, tissues dry out, intervertebral discs become thinner. Neck vulnerability with age is associated with the following factors:

• low strength of the cervical vertebrae;
• limited space of vessels and nerves of the cervical spine;
• Weakness of the neck muscles.

Spondylosis rarely begins as an independent disease. Its presence may indicate the presence of other diseases of the spinal column: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or spondyloarthrosis. And the presence of such a disease as uncovertebral arthrosis acts as a catalyst for vertebral degeneration, increasing the rate of occurrence of deformities and symptoms.

Reasons for development

The development of spondylosis in humans is a multifactorial process. There are the following reasons for the appearance of degenerative changes in the vertebrae

• natural age-related changes in articular tissues;
• genetic predisposition to neck diseases.
• smoking and alcohol abuse;
• prolonged sitting at the computer, unnatural positions of the head and neck in case of performing any work, overexertion;
• whiplash injuries of the neck and spine;
• frequent hypothermia.

In addition, the position of the neck during sleep greatly affects. An improperly selected bed and pillows can cause various pathologies of the cervical spine.

Whiplash injuries of the cervical spine are the most dangerous.They can lead not only to spondylosis, but also to paralysis in this area.

Symptoms and signs of cervical spondylosis

Spondylosis is a complex and slowly developing disease. Signs of pathology appear gradually, when osteophytes occupy more and more space. Main symptoms:

• headache, pain in the cervical spine, occiput;
• numbness of the neck muscles, weakness in the shoulders, arms, hands;
• impaired coordination during movement, weakness in the limbs, due to compression of nerve structures or insufficient blood supply;
• spasms in the neck and shoulders, limited mobility after sleep;
• tingling or crawling creeps;
• nausea, dizziness and increased blood pressure;
• crunch when turning head

Symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses.If untreated, spondylosis progresses and can lead to severe changes in the entire musculoskeletal system, including joints, ligaments, and stabilizing muscles.

About the symptoms of arthrosis of fingers in women can be found here.

Diagnosis with X-ray of the neck and diagnosis

In the event of one or more symptoms, you must contact one of the specialists for consultation: a vertebrologist, traumatologist, neurologist or orthopedist.To carry out diagnostics, the specialist will perform the following actions:

• studied the history of the disease, the patient’s life history to determine the disposing factor;
• conducting examinations: physical – by palpation and percussion of the cervical spine, as well as neurological – to assess reflexes and sensitivity of the diseased area;
• patient survey – to supplement the patient’s clinical picture.

Possible instrumental examinations:

• CT and MRI of the cervical spine;
• EMG, or electromyography;
• X-ray of the problem area;
• myelography is an X-ray with the introduction of air or a contrast agent into the spinal canal.

EMG is a diagnostic method based on recording electrical muscle responses to excitation of nerve endings and muscle fibers.

Treatment

Treatment of cervical spondylosis is carried out by various methods: conservative, medication, surgical. The choice of treatment method depends on the degree of development of the disease, as well as the severity of its symptoms. The treatment is based on the elimination of pain, improving blood circulation, returning or maintaining the mobility of the neck muscles.

Conservative methods

Conservative treatments for spondylosis include physiotherapy, massage, and wearing a collar. Physiotherapy plays the most important role among conservative methods. It is performed at any stage of the disease.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is prescribed to the patient only after the pain syndrome has been eliminated. The advantage of this method of treatment is the effect on the focus of the disease, the absence of side effects and allergic reactions; increased immunity.The most effective types of physiotherapy for spondylosis are:

• Interference therapy – exposure to pulsed currents of medium frequency and periodicity to accelerate blood circulation and relax the muscle corset;
• Electrophoresis – the effect of electrical impulses on the tissues of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs with solutions of analgesics, NSAIDs or chondroprotexors; can be carried out at any stage of the disease;
• Diadynamic currents – intermittent exposure to impulse currents of low frequency in various combinations to increase the activity of the cervical vertebrae.

At the initial stage, acupuncture, magnetotherapy and laser therapy can also be used. The choice of the type necessary for the patient is made by the attending physician after studying the previous diseases.

Massage

Massage at the initial stages should be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician. Further, the patient can perform the necessary manipulations at home on his own. Massage promotes blood flow to the neck, shoulders, back; reduces pain; relieves muscle tension and strengthens muscles.

Elimination of pain syndrome occurs after 15-20 sessions, the duration of each of which is 15-20 minutes. The massage begins with the classic stroking, continues with rubbing and kneading the muscle tissue. Strong pressing and other traumatic methods should be avoided. Massage is contraindicated at the stage of exacerbation of the disease.

Before the procedure, it is imperative to undergo an examination for the presence of other diseases.

Fixation

Cervical braces and soft collars can be used to treat cervical spondylosis.The main task of the bandages is to fix the head and neck, to reduce the load on the neck. This method of treatment is rather auxiliary and should be used in combination with other methods of treatment.

Collars and corsets are selected individually, taking into account such characteristics of the object as height, collar fixation and girth tightness. Usually collars are worn no more than 3 hours a day for a total treatment duration of 1 month.

Depending on the course of the disease, the wearing time can be changed on the advice of your doctor.

The diagram shows how to choose the right size for a neck brace.

In the case of spondylosis, the collar should not be fastened very tightly, so as not to add stress to the blood vessels of the neck and not to provoke the appearance of side effects such as nausea, weakness, loss of consciousness.

Medication at home

Medical treatment of spondylosis is carried out in cases of exacerbation of the disease. For this, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used.Drug treatment allows you to alleviate the general condition of the patient, eliminate pain, and ease the load on the muscles.

Pain relievers include muscle relaxants, analgesics, and drugs for severe pain. For anti-inflammatory – NSAIDs. In chronic disease, the use of antidepressants is not excluded. Capsaicin-based ointments have a positive effect.

NSAID

NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs relieve pain by reducing inflammation by blocking enzymes.They do not stop degenerative changes in bone tissue, as well as the very cause of spondylosis. The following drugs are recommended for the treatment of cervical spondylosis:

• Diclofenac;
• Celecoxib;
• Amidopyrine;

These drugs have many contraindications and side effects and should only be used after consulting your doctor.

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants, or muscle relaxants – drugs designed to relieve muscle tension, relieve pain and eliminate neurological disorders.At the acute stage of the disease, muscle relaxants are recommended to be used in injections, later switching to tablet preparations. For cervical spondylosis, the following remedies are prescribed:

• Muskoflex;
• Tolperisone;
• miolgin.

Not all doctors approve of the use of muscle relaxants due to the fact that they increase blood pressure and have many side effects.

Steroid injections and blockades

Steroid injections are synthetic drugs that reduce inflammation.Installation of injection allows you to inject a large amount of medicine directly into the affected area.

The advantage of this type of medication is their good tolerance and low risk of side effects.

Steroid injections can and should be used in combination with other methods of treatment: NSAIDs, physiotherapy, massage.

Blockade – a procedure for injecting a steroid drug with an anesthetic into the nerve area, aimed at reducing pain.For blockades, Ketorol and Baralgin are used. The pain disappears after the introduction of several daily blocks.

Painkillers

In addition to the painkillers described above, there are several more:

1. Glucocorticosteroids: Diprospan, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone;
2. Chondroprotectors: Structum, Teraflex;
3. Analgesics: Nise, Ibuprofen, Ketorol, Acetaminophen.

Unlike NSAIDs, analgesics can be used for hypertension, asthma, heart disease, stomach ulcers, etc.d.

How to treat ligamentitis with folk remedies can be found by clicking on this link.

Surgical intervention

Surgical intervention for the treatment of cervical spondylosis is used only in the most extreme cases. For example, if drug treatment and other conservative methods did not have the desired effect, as well as in a severe course of the disease with late diagnosis.

Among the methods of surgical treatment of cervical spondylosis, the following are used:

• Cervical laminectomy – removal of fragments of the vertebra that compress the nerve;
• Cervical foraminotomy – expansion of the canal in which the nerve is located;
• Implantation of an artificial intervertebral disc – a new type of surgical intervention.Implantation guarantees a strong fixation of the vertebrae, adjusting to possible changes that have arisen during the course of the disease.

If it is not possible to save the vertebra, it is completely replaced with a prosthesis.

Possible complications

On the background of cervical spondylosis, the following complications are possible:

• protrusions and hernias;
• neurological disorders: numbness of the hands, weakness in the body, malfunctioning of internal organs;
• disruption of the cardiovascular system: dizziness, pressure surges, tinnitus;
• “false lameness” – the main symptom of this syndrome is rigidity of one leg and severe pain that does not go away even in a static position;
• visual impairment;
• development of thoracic spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis.

It is believed that protrusion is a protrusion of an intervertebral disc up to 5 mm, and a hernia is more than 5 mm. Protrusions are much more common, but can develop into hernias.

Prevention

Prevention of the development of cervical spondylosis follows from the determination of the causes of the disease. Thus, the prevention methods are quite simple:

• smoking cessation;
• sports and active lifestyle;
• avoiding neck and spine injuries whenever possible;
• timely access to a doctor and timely treatment of diseases of the spine;
• prevention of hypothermia of the body;
• control over the hormonal balance of the body, timely elimination of violations.

Cervical spondylosis does not lead to death, but failure to take the necessary treatment can lead to impaired mobility of the neck muscles and even disability.

How to treat arthrosis of the elbow joint with ultrasound can be found in this article.

Videos

This video explains what cervical spondylosis is and what causes it.

Conclusions

1. Cervical spondylosis is a common age-related disease of the spinal column.
2. The disease is characterized by the appearance of growths – osteophytes on the surface of the vertebrae, which leads to pinching of the nerve roots and a decrease in blood circulation.
3. In the treatment of cervical spondylosis, conservative, medical and surgical methods of therapy are used, the greatest effect of which is manifested in complex use. The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation while preserving the vertebrae.
4. Disease prevention, incl.

   a healthy lifestyle and exercise can reduce the risk of developing the disease.

We also recommend reading about the symptoms and treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands in this material.

90,000 Spinal spondylosis treatment

Spondylosis is a chronic disease of the spine, accompanied by deformation of the vertebrae due to the growth of bone tissue on their surface in the form of protrusions and spines and their degeneration, followed by narrowing of the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen. Being under the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, osteophytes sometimes irritate it.Osteophytes can reach significant sizes, sometimes causing fusion of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Osteophytes narrow the spinal canal and put pressure on the nerve roots. The appearance of these outgrowths is a protective reaction of the body to the degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

The proliferation of spine-like processes – osteophytes along the edges of the vertebrae cause limitation of their mobility. With the development of spondylosis, compression of the nerve endings with pain syndromes is possible. The patient experiences a dull, aching pain in the diseased spine.Spondylosis usually affects the elderly. The most common form of spondylosis is cervical spondylosis.

Usually, spondylosis of the spine manifests itself over the years in those who are in motionless positions for a long time, for example, working at a computer.

The classification of spondylosis is based on the topographic development of the pathological process. Distinguish between cervical (the most common), thoracic and lumbar spondylosis.

Causes of spondylosis of the spine

The causes of the disease are metabolic disorders leading to excessive deposition of lime salts in the body.Basically, spondylosis develops in old age (30-40% of the population over the age of 40) due to long-term heavy loads on the spine and age-related changes in the cervical spine; men get sick more often than women (3: 1). In young people, spondylosis can be caused by curvature of the spine. they lead to an incorrect, uneven distribution of the load on the vertebrae. Other reasons for the development of the disease are also possible.

Main causes of spondylosis:

• trauma or microtrauma of the spine
• static overload of the spine
• various metabolic disorders
• old age

As a rule, spondylosis affects one part of the spine, such as the lumbar or cervical.The cases of widespread spondylosis are less common.

90,000 Lesson 16. What is spondylosis? Its symptoms, causes and treatments.

Spondylosis of the spine is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system. This disease is characterized by deformation of the vertebrae, that is, the formation of bony outgrowths on the vertebral body. Such outgrowths are called osteophytes, they are located under the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine and irritate it.Osteophytes can grow to significant sizes, thereby causing fusion of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Outgrowths caused by degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the vertebrae narrow the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerve roots. The appearance of these outgrowths is a compensatory reaction of the body to the degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

SYMPTOMS – Pain in the back of the head, in the shoulder girdle and lower back, headaches. – Restrictions of mobility in the damaged segment of the spine.- Pain during movement. – Preservation of pain, even when at rest. CAUSES The main cause of this disease is metabolic disorders leading to excessive deposition of lime salts. Most often, spondylosis develops in old age, as a result of prolonged heavy loads on the spine and age-related changes. In young people, the cause of spondylosis is various curvatures of the spine, osteochondrosis, which lead to an uneven distribution of the load on the spinal column. TYPES OF SPONDYLESIS Types of spondylosis are determined depending on which department it occurs in. The most common is spondylosis in the cervical spine, less often lumbar spondylosis, and even less often thoracic spondylosis.

1) Spondylosis of the cervical spine causes pain in the neck, back of the head, stiffness of the neck movements, a feeling of “creeping”, weakness in the arms. A person prone to spondylosis of the cervical spine also suffers from headaches, dizziness, and muscle dysfunctions. 2) Spondylosis of the thoracic spine, although it is less common, has a more pronounced clinical picture.Pain occurs in the middle and lower spine, more often they are one-sided, spread to the chest. The pain increases with bending to the sides and extension. Disruption of the work of internal organs is possible. Deforming spondylosis of the thoracic spine is more common in people of mental labor and those who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. 3) Lumbar spondylosis leads to stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back, to constant pain in the lower back, aggravated by movements, bending, in a sitting position … TREATMENT Treatment of spondylosis should be started as early as possible. It is not necessary to count on the fact that the disease will “pass” itself. If there is constant pain and limited mobility of one or another segment of the spine, there is a possibility that the degenerative process is already underway. In most cases, patients come to the doctor with an advanced form of spondylosis or during an exacerbation, when they can no longer tolerate pain. Spondylosis of the spine easily becomes chronic, causing complications such as osteoarthritis, sciatica, and may even cause disability.Treatment first focuses on relieving symptoms. Such activities include taking anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications. Further, a non-drug complex treatment is prescribed, which includes massage, physiotherapy, exercise therapy. During the course of treatment, as well as after its completion, it is necessary to correct your lifestyle, that is, to ensure a balanced diet, the correct daily regimen, and sufficient physical activity. Therapeutic exercises for spondylosis should become daily, this will allow you to keep in shape not only the spine, but the entire body.Patients who have sedentary work should equip a comfortable workplace, it is advisable to get up every hour in order to actively move for several minutes, and often change their body position. PREVENTION Spondylosis, like all other diseases of the spine, requires complex prophylaxis. Remember that all problems with the spine begin with diseases of your feet. You need to know exactly about the presence or absence of any foot pathologies in you. If you find any violations in yourself, then immediately start treatment.If your feet are healthy, do everything to keep them that way. Wear comfortable, proper orthopedic shoes, use custom orthopedic insoles, self-massage your feet, and take care of your feet. Get enough sleep and eat so that your body gets all the nutrients it needs for strong bones and healthy joints. Constantly do gymnastics that will keep your muscles in good shape, work on the flexibility of your spine. Move more, follow all of the above recommendations, and then you will reduce the likelihood of this disease, and possibly completely eliminate its occurrence.The Academy of Orthopedics is happy to help everyone who wants to avoid the occurrence of this disease or those who are already susceptible to it. In our salons you can get advice from an orthopedic traumatologist, make individual orthopedic insoles or choose ready-made insoles, purchase orthopedic shoes and massage products for feet and body, fitballs for therapeutic gymnastics, corset-bandage products for maintaining and unloading the cervical, thoracic and lumbar parts of the spine, as well as receive a course of massage and physiotherapy.

As you can see, this is a very serious disease that requires complex treatment. Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of spondylosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to eat right, move more often, regularly visit an orthopedic traumatologist’s consultation, and take care of the health of your spine from a young age.

90,000 provoking factors, characteristic signs, diagnosis and treatment tactics

Spondylosis of the lumbar spine is a consequence of advanced osteochondrosis.This ailment belongs to the category of chronic diseases. Its main manifestation is the appearance of osteophytes – bone growths on the vertebrae.

They owe their appearance to the protective reaction of the body to a decrease in the thickness of the intervertebral cartilage, which causes the curvature of the ridge. Osteophytes create a kind of rigid frame that protects the back from deformation.

However, increasing in size, they compress the vertebrae and grow together. In the region of the sacrum, osteophytes grow together with the joints and bone tissues of the pelvis.Lumbar spondylosis occurs. It can manifest itself in different ways. As a rule, this ailment affects older people.

For a number of reasons, spondylosis can occur in young people. There are many factors that contribute to the appearance of this chronic disease.

Causes of deforming spondylosis

Various loads act on the spinal column almost constantly. This important organ of the human body is one of the first to lose its functionality.The lumbar region experiences maximum pressure and is most vulnerable.

The causes of spondylosis can be as follows:

1. Advanced age. Like any material, the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs wears out over time. The discs shrink, which leads to a curvature of the ridge and compression of the nerve endings.
2. Incorrect power supply. The absence in the menu of foods high in minerals, vitamins and protein leads to pathological changes in the structure of cartilage tissue.
3. Metabolic disorders. This leads to a disruption in the supply of nutrients to cartilage and a deterioration in their functionality. This is due to diseases of the liver or thyroid gland.
4. Injury or injury sustained. Violation of the integrity of one part of the spine entails the emergence of pathological processes in the entire organ.
5. Work associated with heavy physical exertion. Lifting a lot of weight leads to the destruction of cartilaginous tissue due to increased pressure on it.Spondylosis deformans occurs in almost all movers, drillers and loggers.
6. Obesity. The effect of own weight on the lower back is similar to physical labor. The pressure is applied continuously, which leads to deformation of the cartilage.
7. Sedentary work. Prolonged stay in one position has a destructive effect on the tissues of the ridge.
8. Hereditary predisposition. It is quite difficult to deal with such a factor.

Spondylosis does not appear immediately.But, once manifested, he will not leave a person alone. At the first signs of this disease, it is necessary to seek medical help.

The first signs of the manifestation of the disease do not cause any concern. A slight stiffness in the lower back can be perceived as a consequence of an awkward movement or a cold.

Symptoms:

1. Pain in the lower back. It gets worse after prolonged standing or walking. Partially passes after a person sits down or lies down.
2. Partial limitation of mobility when turning or tilting. This indicates that osteophytes increase in size and disrupt the functionality of the ridge.
3. Discomfort in the thighs and buttocks. Lameness in one leg may suddenly appear. These are the consequences of pinching one or more nerve endings.
4. Numbness in the legs. After a long walk, a significant decrease in their sensitivity may be observed.
5. Increased fatigue.Limited mobility forces a person to spend more energy on movement or doing some kind of physical work.
6. Deterioration of health. The patient may experience general weakness, blurred consciousness or increased blood pressure.

Early detection of the disease will allow treatment of lumbar spondylosis to begin immediately after diagnosis.

Diagnosis of the disease

Treatment of the disease involves an individual approach to any patient.Each diagnosis is unique.

1. Examination by a neurologist. In this case, the doctor identifies the presence of pathology according to the appropriate signs. More detailed data is obtained using diagnostic tools.
2. Radiography. This method is the most common and available in almost every district clinic. An x-ray can be used to determine the presence and size of osteophytes, the extent of the ridge lesion, and the extent of spondylosis.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging.Not every city has tomographs. In addition, research on such a device is quite expensive. But it allows you to get the most complete clinical picture of the disease. In some cases, the results of MRI can detect dangerous diseases in the early stages.

As a rule, treatment begins immediately. Every day can matter.

Treatment of lumbar spondylosis

The goal of the treatment is to stop the growth of bone formations, return a person to mobility and relieve pain.It should be noted that the appearance of osteophytes on the vertebrae is an irreversible phenomenon. It is almost impossible to get rid of them.

Treatment of lumbar spondylosis is carried out in a complex, using all methods of exposure:

1. Medical method. It involves the patient taking medications that will help relieve inflammation and pain. Antidepressants, analgesics, and local anesthesia are prescribed. Chondroprotectors are used to restore the structure of the cartilage tissue.Much attention is paid to vitamins.
2. Manual therapy. The massage is used only after the pain syndrome has been relieved. In the course of kneading the muscles, they relax and relieve the spasm. The spine stretches, resulting in less or no pressure on the nerves. In advanced cases, massage is unacceptable. This can lead to fractures of the fused bone tissue.
3. Physiotherapy. Exposure to heat, vibration and current of a certain frequency has a beneficial effect on both the spine and the surrounding tissues.Pain syndrome decreases, metabolism and blood supply to the affected area improves. The cells of the cartilage tissue take on their natural structure, which contributes to the beginning of regeneration.
4. Physiotherapy exercises. Performing specific exercises helps to increase muscle mass along the ridge. As a result, the musculature takes on most of the loads, freeing the spinal column from them. Exercise therapy is used throughout the patient’s life. Exercises are not performed during an exacerbation.
5. Acupuncture. This method allows you to return all vital processes in the body to normal. During the procedure, inflammation and tension in the tissues are removed. Only a specialist can perform acupuncture.
6. Surgery. Spine surgery is a very rare treatment. As a rule, surgical intervention is performed in extreme cases when critical compression of the spinal cord occurs due to severe deformation of the ridge.

To enhance the therapeutic effect, patients may be prescribed spa treatment. Healing mud and springs can have a tangible effect.

Preventive measures

Taking painkillers during an exacerbation of spondylosis is not a way out of the situation. After spondylosis is diagnosed, the back needs constant attention and care. This is the only way to stop the growth of bone tissue.

1. Follow all your healthcare professional’s recommendations for performing the prescribed procedures.
2. Perform a daily course of exercises prescribed by the doctor. The load should be sufficient, but not excessive.
3. Avoid hypothermia. This can lead to inflammation in the back.
4. Lose excess weight. Such a forced measure can stabilize the processes occurring in the lumbar spine, preventing them from moving to other sections.
5. Change your lifestyle. You may have to change jobs. It should not be seated or involved in heavy lifting.For the sake of money, you shouldn’t drive yourself to a wheelchair.
6. Eat well. Avoid eating convenience foods and fast food. Introduce foods rich in vitamins and calcium into the diet.
7. Try to avoid sudden movements and excessive efforts when performing various kinds of activities.
8. Buy orthopedic furniture. A bed and an armchair of this type will allow you to maintain the correct shape of the back for a longer time.
9. Use an orthopedic corset.It will allow you to maintain correct posture without effort on the part of the patient.
10. Regularly undergo preventive examinations by a neurologist. The doctor will be able to monitor the condition of the lower back and adjust the treatment.

Following these recommendations, a person can maintain mobility and lead an active lifestyle until a ripe old age. At the slightest hint of an exacerbation of the disease or its progression, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Source: https: // zdorovyiskelet.ru / raznoe / spondilez-poyasnichnogo-otdela-pozvonochnika.html

Spondylosis – what is it? Symptoms and treatment, types, complications

In medicine, there are different names for diagnoses. And by their endings, as by the shoulder straps on a military uniform, you can understand exactly what category the disease belongs to. So, all inflammatory diseases have the suffix “-it”.

These are hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), periostitis, myositis and many other diagnoses.Tumors and neoplasms end in “-oma” (sarcoma, chondroblastoma, meningioma).

And those diagnoses that are manifested by excessive proliferation or change in a specific type of tissue, their configuration, or a violation of the structure, generally its abnormal development and the formation of non-viable structures, end in “-oz”.

Such diseases include, of course, osteochondrosis, amyloidosis (which is characterized by the accumulation of a pathological protein – amyloid), severe congenital disease – cystic fibrosis.These diseases include spondylosis. What does it mean and how does it develop?

Spondylosis – what is it?

Translated from Greek, “spondylon” means a vertebra. Therefore, spondylosis is an excessive proliferation of vertebrae with a violation of their configuration. But the vertebra cannot turn into a shapeless bone mass, and grow wherever it pleases. After all, all the vertebrae are interconnected by special facet joints and ligaments, and the spinal cord passes through their central holes.

Therefore, only their free edges can grow in the vertebrae, which are in contact with other vertebrae due to abnormally high pressure, or for other reasons. These marginal bone growths are called osteophytes, or bone spines.

Parallels can be drawn: osteochondrosis is dystrophy and degeneration of cartilaginous tissue with deformation of intervertebral discs, and spondylosis is the same process, but occurring not with a cartilaginous disc – an inlay, but from the side of the bone tissue.

Spondylosis can lead to several important manifestations:

1. Deformity of the vertebrae;
2. Violation of the internal structure of the bone tissue of the vertebra, which is accompanied by a decrease in its strength;
3. Narrowing of the spinal canal;
4. Restriction of mobility, and the appearance of crunching and pain in the back, neck;
5. Periodic irritation of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine, especially the anterior longitudinal ligament. This ligament is quite tightly attached to the vertebrae, and the appearance of spine-shaped bone growths under it can have a long and painful effect.

Causes of spondylosis

Like any dystrophic – degenerative lesion of the musculoskeletal system, spondylosis never appears suddenly. It does not happen that a person goes to bed with a completely healthy back, and the next morning he had pronounced osteophytes in all parts of the spine, which would manifest with corresponding symptoms.

Spondylosis, like osteochondrosis, occurs slowly over a number of years. The most important causes of spondylosis are as follows:

• Chronic, permanent injuries of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine.This may be due to swelling of the ligaments, to which the deeper vertebrae respond;
• Prolonged sedentary work and uncomfortable body position, with significant vertical load. It has been shown that office workers who didn’t break away from computers during the working day and did not do preventive gymnastics, after three years of such a regime, have the first signs of spondylosis, and after a five-year period of work, its incidence can reach 25-35%
• Not only immobility, but also strong, short-term loads, which can dramatically increase the pressure on the vertebrae, lead to the development of spondylosis.As a rule, this occurs during the Sunday workload at the dacha and during the digging of “potatoes” of those persons who have been sitting motionless at their desk all week, and have allowed themselves a pronounced load on their backs on weekends;
• Unfavorable heredity. It was shown that with the development of spondylosis in parents, the risk of affecting children increases;
• Age-related changes. In the elderly, bone tissue contains less organic compounds and is more fragile;
• Osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women, is also a significant risk factor;
• Overweight.Simple reasoning shows that in this case there are the greatest chances for the development of spondylosis of the lumbosacral region, as the most exposed to stress;
• In some cases, the causes of spondylosis can be infectious diseases with the affinity (affinity) of pathogens to the musculoskeletal tissue (brucellosis, tuberculosis). Most often, the result is a complex inflammatory – degenerative lesion called spondylosis-spondylitis;
• Of course, aggravating diseases such as diabetes mellitus, poor nutrition, a deficiency of certain substances in the diet can also lead to weak bone tissue, and as a result – to the development of spondylosis.

Below we will consider the options for the most common lesions of the spine, in the cervical and sacral spine.

Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine

What is spondylosis of the lumbar spine, we found out earlier. Now it remains to describe its symptoms and preferential localization. As in the case of osteochondrosis, the most common is the localization of osteophytes in the region 4, 5 of the lumbar vertebra and the upper platform of the sacral bone, on which the entire human spinal column rests.So, the symptoms of spondylosis in this localization will be:

• Pain on movement, bending of the trunk, especially in the anteroposterior direction. But, since irritation of the longitudinal ligament is a constant process, the pain does not disappear even at rest, but is constant and aching;
• A characteristic feature that helps diagnose is the disappearance of pain, or significant relief when the body bends forward. If you stand or sit like this, “hunched over”, then the pressure of osteophytes on the compacted ligament weakens, which leads to a decrease in pain;
• If the disease is started, then radicular symptoms join the constant pain, due to the involvement of the lumbar roots.There are phenomena of lumbosacral radiculitis, with a sharp increase in pain when coughing, sneezing, straining;
• With these phenomena, conduction disorders of sensitivity are possible, such as numbness or “creeping”, the appearance of paresthesias. There may be periodic weakness in the legs, lameness, weakness in the foot due to disruption of the motor root of the nerve.

Only the proximity of the head allows us to make the correct assumption that with spondylosis there may be not only pain in the cervical spine, but also headaches, which leads to a general deterioration in well-being and performance.In addition to these pains, the following symptoms are characteristic of cervical spondylosis:

• Pronounced restriction and crunch when trying to turn the head to the side, sometimes this crunch is heard by others, and even at a distant distance;
• In advanced cases, by full analogy with the lumbar spine, radicular cervical syndromes may occur. They manifest as discomfort in the corresponding hand on the affected side. There may be tingling, paresthesia, decreased sensitivity.In the case of damage to the motor roots, there is a feeling of weakness in the fingers of the hand. Perhaps the development of hypotrophy in the muscles of the hand with damage to the motor roots by osteophytes, and even the development of paralysis;
• The well-known “vertebral artery syndrome” may also develop as a result of severe spondylosis. In this case, symptoms such as transient visual disturbances, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting may occur.

Complications of spondylosis

If all of the above is not enough to create a complete picture, then here are two complications that can lead to spinal spondylosis:

1. Development of a hernia in the corresponding part of the spine.It is difficult to say whether spondylosis will cause a hernia. But in the event that osteophytes are adjacent to the intervertebral disc, then such a complication is only a matter of time;
2. Compression of the vessels and the central canal, with the development of a picture of myelitis. These complications, as a rule, are the result of a deep-seated process.

With vascular compression, the most common picture of the vertebral artery syndrome, with impaired blood supply to the parts of the brain.

But sometimes the syndrome of occlusion of the anterior spinal artery, which is called the Adamkevich artery, can develop.

This vessel feeds most of the spinal cord below the lumbar enlargement. With significant compression, spinal cord infarction can develop, which is sometimes called spinal Preobrazhensky syndrome. It is characterized by the following picture:

• flaccid, peripheral paralysis at the level of the lesion (lower back), and below – spastic symptoms with hypertonicity of the muscles of the limbs and brisk reflexes;
• violation of pain sensitivity, as well as temperature below the level of occlusion;
• disorder of urination and defecation.

Treatment of spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine with this complication by conservative methods is ineffective, the patient needs surgical methods to decompress the spinal cord and restore spinal blood flow. Therefore, when such symptoms of spondylosis appear, urgent hospitalization is required in a neurosurgical or vertebrological hospital.

Such a stationary institution, for example, can be CITO in Moscow and NIITO (Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, where the outstanding surgeon Ya.L. Tsivyan, who is considered the founder of Russian vertebrology and spine surgery).

But these are emergencies. How can spondylosis be treated with therapeutic methods?

Treatment of spondylosis – drugs and techniques

In fact, the bone growths that have arisen on the vertebral body can be removed in only one way – by biting them with special bone nippers, which are included in the arsenal of tools for traumatologists and neurosurgeons. All other methods and promises to “remove growths”, except for the prompt one, are ineffective.

The only thing that can be done is to change the load on the vertebrae and prevent further growth of osteophytes with the help of a complex of exercise therapy, unloading the spine, wearing special corsets and reclinators. It is also possible, with the help of drugs and non-drug techniques, to relieve pain syndrome, which is expressed when the longitudinal ligament is damaged.

So, spondylosis of the spine, which is treated with muscle relaxants of central action “Mydocalm”, “Sirdalud”, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be transferred to an inactive form.

But the main treatment for spondylosis is physiotherapy exercises, swimming, and, for example, techniques such as acupuncture, which immediately relieve pain.

• Treatment of cervical spondylosis is reduced to wearing a Shants collar, improving cerebral blood flow and preventing the formation of cervical hernias.
• Lumbar osteochondrosis and spondylosis are sometimes suggested to be treated with shock wave therapy, or shock wave therapy. But if, in the case of protrusion, the elastic cartilage can be put in place, then the dense bone can only be broken.A breakaway osteophyte can cause serious complications, causing compression of large vessels and the spinal cord.

Particularly you need to be careful with the development of the process in the cervical spine, since the proximity of the brain and the possibility of compression of large vessels is an increased risk of stroke.

Therefore, you need to know the reserves of the main blood flow of the arteries of the head and neck, and timely undergo extracranial Doppler ultrasonography, as well as conduct an X-ray examination of the cervical spine with rotary tests to be sure of the stabilization of the process.

Source: https://medknsltant.com/spondilez/

Spondylosis of the spine

The proliferation of spine-like processes – osteophytes along the edges of the vertebrae cause limitation of their mobility. With the development of spondylosis, compression of the nerve endings with pain syndromes is possible. The patient experiences a dull, aching pain in the diseased spine. Spondylosis usually affects the elderly. The most common form of spondylosis is cervical spondylosis.

Usually, spondylosis of the spine manifests itself over the years in those who are in motionless positions for a long time, for example, working at a computer.

The classification of spondylosis is based on the topographic development of the pathological process. Distinguish between cervical (the most common), thoracic and lumbar spondylosis.

Causes of spondylosis of the spine:

The causes of the disease are metabolic disorders leading to excessive deposition of lime salts in the body.

Basically, spondylosis develops in old age (30-40% of the population over the age of 40) due to long-term heavy loads on the spine and age-related changes in the cervical spine; men get sick more often than women (3: 1).

In young people, spondylosis can be caused by curvature of the spine. they lead to an incorrect, uneven distribution of the load on the vertebrae. Other reasons for the development of the disease are also possible.

Main causes of spondylosis:

• trauma or microtrauma of the spine • static overload of the spine • various metabolic disorders
• old age

As a rule, spondylosis affects one part of the spine, such as the lumbar or cervical.The cases of widespread spondylosis are less common.

Symptoms of spondylosis of the spine

Spondylosis fixes the area undergoing overload, causing irritation of the nerve endings of the ligament. Patients experience dull, aching local pain and heaviness in the spine.

Spondylosis is accompanied by muscle tension around the motor segment, and then these two fixing mechanisms not only aggravate pain, but also worsen the damping function of the spine, straightening its physiological curves.

Osteophytes in spondylosis of the spine

Symptoms of spondylosis: pain in the affected spine and limitation of its mobility caused by compression of nerve endings (compression of intervertebral discs). Back pain worse during the day and troublesome at night.

Pain occurs not only during movement, but also in a motionless state. The patient cannot find a painless position of the body or head for a long time.

At the initial stage, spondylosis develops without painful symptoms and can manifest itself only by limitation of mobility.

Cervical spondylosis is widespread due to the increase in the number of people engaged in “mental work”: pain in the neck and shoulder girdle is often a concern of this contingent, since the work of such patients is mostly sedentary. Vascular disorders join the pain syndrome: dizziness, tinnitus, visual impairment, pressure drops.

The defeat of the thoracic spine with spondylosis is less common, but the clinical picture is pronounced.

Patients are worried about pain in the middle and lower parts of the spine, often one-sided, which can spread to the chest and sternum, if the anterior branches of the spinal nerves are involved in the pathological process.

Palpation reveals painful areas (as a result of inflammation) along the spine and anterior chest.

With spondylosis of the lumbar spine , the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae are more often affected, it can be unilateral and bilateral.Osteophytes in the form of spurs or rings often do not squeeze the nerve roots, but irritate, causing the corresponding radicular symptoms.

In patients with lumbar spondylosis, a symptom of spinal “intermittent claudication” (a symptom of false intermittent claudication) is possible: the discomfort is localized in the buttock, thighs and leg. Patients describe this discomfort in different ways: “wadded feet”, “numbness”, “feeling of wooden feet.”

Complaints occur when walking or with prolonged vertical static load.All symptoms are eliminated by tilting the torso forward, when the patient lies down in the “ball” position.

Unlike true “intermittent claudication” (vascular), the pain of spondylosis does not stop until the patient flexes his back.

Spondylosis is chronic and progresses for a long time. It is important to prevent development in the initial stages. Spondylosis is often accompanied by osteochondrosis.

Diagnosis of spondylosis of the spine

As a rule, a diagnostic measure that can detect spondylosis in the early stages is an X-ray examination of the spine, the X-ray of which clearly shows the coracoid bony protrusions.For the same purpose, computed tomography and MRI are used.

Treatment of spondylosis of the spine

Treatment of spinal spondylosis is mandatory in the early stages. Osteophytes themselves, with conservative treatment, will not go anywhere, and the goal of treatment is to prevent their further growth and relieve disturbing symptoms.

Treatment of spondylosis is aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation, strengthening the muscle corset in the affected area. Therapeutic measures are carried out to eliminate the causes leading to the pathology of the spine.

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs only relieve the condition and do not cure the disease itself. Drug therapy is represented by drugs of the NSAID group (ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, ketonal, movalis).

Effective in this case:

• massage,
• physiotherapy (electrophoresis with novocaine to the affected area, diadynamic currents, ultrasound to the spine),
• medical gymnastics to strengthen the muscular frame of the back.

Usually, short-term acute periods precede chronic clear clinical signs, therefore, with an exacerbation, analgesics are used parenterally – novocaine (blockade), baralgin, ketorol. Injections are carried out over several days, usually this is quite enough to restore the ability to work.

However, such an attack must be perceived as an alarming signal and urgently begin to engage in therapeutic exercises, correct posture during prolonged monotonous work, otherwise the process may become chronic.

Treatment of chronic forms of spondylosis should be aimed at secondary prevention (prevention of complications).

To do this, if you have a long-term sedentary work with your torso bent forward, for example, at a computer, you need to lean back in a chair once an hour, raise your head and relax your arms along your torso.

During work, observe your posture – the back should be straight, while the neck does not protrude forward. Professional therapeutic massage plays an important role in the prevention of spondylosis.

Modern successful methods of treatment: applied kinesiology, osteopathy can quickly eliminate the excruciating pain and help find an approach to improve metabolic processes in the body.

Manual therapy is an effective method for relieving pain in spondylosis and preventing complications, along with physiotherapy exercises.

It is also very important to eliminate the cause, change your lifestyle, or at least your posture, if your work involves constant sitting.

Drug treatment of spondylosis is ineffective, surgical methods of spinal spondylosis treatment are used only for complications.

In the treatment of spondylosis, an integrated approach is required – this is therapeutic massage and soft osteopathic techniques, as well as reflexology (acupuncture) techniques to relieve hypertonicity in muscle tissue.

In case of acute pain such an effective and sparing technique as hirudotherapy is used, which helps to relieve swelling as soon as possible.

The course of treatment for spondylosis may consist of shock wave therapy, electrophoresis with calcium fluoride and osteopathy.

After the removal of the pain syndrome, exercise therapy is necessary – a set of physical exercises to consolidate the positive result and prevent the recurrence of spondylosis.

The use of physiotherapy exercises makes it possible, by activating muscular activity, to improve blood circulation in the spine and maintain the functional state of the muscles at a satisfactory level.

Physiotherapy exercises are also aimed at maintaining optimal mobility of the spine, and at different stages of the disease, doctors use different approaches in its appointment. Physical activity must be performed in positions that provide unloading of the spine, for example, in a supine position or on all fours.

Some exercises are allowed to be performed while standing only with a not very pronounced pain syndrome, and the entire course of physiotherapy exercises is carried out against the background of a decrease in the total load on the spine, in some cases even wearing a special orthopedic corset is prescribed.

Attention! The following therapeutic manipulations are contraindicated: gymnastics for mobilizing the spine, intensive massage and intensive manual therapy, stretching the spine.

Severe forms of spondylosis are very difficult to treat (only surgery can help). If the growth of osteophytes is not interrupted, the process ends with the fusion of two vertebrae between themselves and spinal stenosis. Therefore, do not neglect the disease.

Source: https: // medicalj.en / diseases / orthopedics / 540-spondylosis

Spondylosis of the spine: causes, symptoms, treatment

Degenerative processes in the spine often end in a sad outcome:

• Loss of mobility of vertebral segments
• Persistent pain symptoms that do not subside even at rest

Spondylosis of the spine may become such a result.

Causes of spondylosis and its treatment

Before introducing you to this disease, let us clarify once again the meaning of some terms already familiar to us, with which spondylosis is often confused:

• Spondylitis is an inflammatory process in the spine, which can be caused by both specific and non-specific diseases
• Spondylolisthesis – displacement (or sliding) of the above vertebra relative to the lower
• Spondyloarthrosis – a degenerative disease of the joints of the spine

What is spinal spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a chronic deforming disease of the compensatory type, leading to ossification of the tissues of the spine and spine-like growths along the edges of the vertebrae (osteophytes)

Changes:

• outer annulus fibrosus (in this case, neither the nucleus nor the inner contents of the disc is affected by spondylosis)
• the periosteum of the vertebrae
• anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine

Pathology is not called compensatory for nothing:

• Spondylosis occurs as a reaction to a dystrophic process occurring in the discs, when marginal osteophytes compensate for the increasing load on the vertebrae
• The more the discs are destroyed, the flatter they become and more and more protrude beyond the edges of the vertebrae
• The thinner the intervertebral disc, the more proliferation: At the last stage, they are already very impressive and look like a fringed “skirt” worn on the vertebra.

Of course, this “outfit” is very burdensome for the spine, since:

• Leads to solidity (immobility) of segments
• Is accompanied by pain due to constant irritation by the spines of the longitudinal ligament

Many people think that the pain is caused by the deposition of salts in the spine.However, this is not true. Spondylosis is not a deposition of salts, but an overgrowth of the bone itself .

Etiology of spondylosis

The causes of the disease can be:

• Osteochondrosis of the last stage
• Traumatic damage to the periosteum
• Postoperative consequences: Not to be confused with fusion – an operative stabilizing method in which two adjacent vertebrae are artificially joined together
• Infections or tumors leading to the destruction of the vertebrae and other phenomena

But the main cause of the disease is the persistent urban habit of moving a little and sitting in the same position for a long time.

Prolonged immobility of the spine – an ideal opportunity for the splicing of all its links.

Most often the disease affects:

• First-second cervical vertebrae
• Fourth-fifth lumbar

Symptoms of spondylosis

• Cervical spondylosis, like osteochondrosis, is accompanied by:
  • Pain in the neck, occipital region
  • Dizziness and headaches
  • Visual and hearing disorders
  • Noise hallucinations
  • Shoulder-scapular periarthritis
• With lumbar spondylosis, symptoms of radicular radiculopathy appear:
  • Low back pain
  • Symptoms of numbness of the gluteal, femoral and lower leg surfaces
  • Lameness while walking
• Spondylosis, like osteochondrosis, is characterized by muscle spasms
• In spondylosis, pain also occurs when palpating the spinous processes, which may be absent in osteochondrosis

Methods and goals of treatment

It is quite difficult to treat this pathology, since it is impossible to reverse the process, that is, to reduce the growth itself.

Nevertheless, the treatment called for:

• improve the condition of the spine and the patient’s life
• relieve pain and improve mobility

Which treatments are appropriate here?

Not everything that is usually used for osteochondrosis is suitable for the treatment of spondylosis.

The most effective treatment for spondylosis:

• In order to partially break the fixed blocks in the spine, appoint:
  • Therapeutic back massage, therapeutic gymnastics
  • Shockwave therapy

  Manual therapy, in contrast to displacement and dislocations, is practically not used for this disease

• In the acute period, accompanied by severe pain, use
  • Traditional non-steroidal pain relievers: diclofenac, nimesil, ibuprofen, etc.d.
  • Lazarotherapy MLS (restores all structures of the back)
  • HILT laser (for 5 sessions a sharp improvement)
  • Electrophoresis
• It is completely useless to treat spondylosis of the spine with external anti-inflammatory drugs in the subacute period, when there is no pain: Ointments cannot penetrate into bone tissues and slow down degenerative processes in them
• Surgical treatment for the elimination of bone spines on the spine is practically not used.Exception – the threat of damage to the spinal cord

How to Stop Disease

Spondylosis needs constant monitoring. Having made erroneous conclusions about the fact that this is senile “salt deposition”, that is, an inevitable process, people do not even try to stop it.

Meanwhile, treatment is possible at any age . And the main thing is self-control:

• Mandatory daily morning exercise
• Physical warm-ups throughout the day
• Complete nutrition with products containing collagen, mineral supplements, vitamins and amino acids

All this helps to improve disc exchange and slow down the aging of your spine, and therefore you.

Source: https://ZaSpiny.ru/dorsopatiya/spondilez-pozvonochnika.html

What is spondylosis of the lumbar spine, symptoms and treatment of the spine

How should spondylosis of the lumbar spine be treated, what is it, what diagnostic tools are usually used?

Spondylosis is a disease of the spine characterized by the formation of specific growths of bone tissue on the surface of the spine in the form of protrusions and spines. This pathology is usually chronic.Its essence lies in the formation of bone growths on the vertebrae, called osteophytes.

Causes of the disease

Spondylosis is manifested by the appearance of growths. They usually affect the fourth or fifth vertebra on one or both sides, deform and destroy it.

Spondylosis of the lumbar spine occurs as a complication of osteochondrosis. In cases where the patient does not receive full treatment, the cartilage tissue begins to undergo significant destructive changes.The intervertebral discs lose their shape, lose their basic functions, and become deformed. Such processes affect bone tissue, joints, blood vessels and nerve endings.

Spondylosis is manifested by the appearance of growths. They usually affect the fourth or fifth vertebra on one or both sides, deform and destroy it. Gradually, the fibrous ring is drawn into the development of the disease, in which cracks appear.

As a result, the musculo-ligamentous apparatus suffers, exfoliating from its base under the influence of osteophytes.They themselves continue their growth, leading to the final destruction of the surrounding structures.

Usually this disease occurs after fifty years and more often affects men. As a rule, it is localized in the lumbar spine, since it is he who undergoes the greatest overloads during a person’s life.

Therefore, the question of what is spondylosis can be answered – it is a pathology that arises for a number of reasons. Most often it develops due to:

• age-related changes;
• injuries;
• obesity;
• metabolic disorders;
• hereditary predisposition;
• hypodynamia;
• posture disorders;
• unbalanced nutrition.

Endocrine diseases contribute to the progression of lumbar spondylosis. Chronic internal pathologies, diseases of the spinal column and joints can also provoke its development.

Excessive physical exertion, prolonged weightlifting, work in an uncomfortable posture can also be the reasons for its onset.

The influence of vibration, elevated temperature on the spine also has an adverse effect.Therefore, the treatment of this disease should be preceded by a thorough study of its signs, the general condition of the patient and internal processes in his body.

Symptoms of the disease

In order to understand spondylosis of the lumbar spine, what it is, you need to list its main symptoms. Usually he manifests himself:

• severe pain in the coccyx and sacrum;
• numbness of the lower back;
• difficulties in movement;
• creepy feeling running along the lower extremities;
• decrease in local body temperature;
• pain when walking, etc.

Signs of lameness, falling on the leg, curvature of the spine are also often observed. The patient feels that his legs are weakening, it becomes more difficult to control them, they gradually lose sensitivity. The lower limbs do not bend, it can be difficult for a person to sit or bend over. Therefore, most often he stands upright or lies curled up in a ball. This position of the body relieves pain.

These symptoms are explained by the fact that with spondylosis, osteophytes significantly injure the spine itself and the surrounding soft tissues.In addition, there is a narrowing of the lumen of the spinal canal, followed by compression of the nerves and blood vessels. The disease is constantly progressing, due to which the patient’s condition worsens.

Diagnosis and treatment of spondylosis

Pathology develops gradually, so it is easy to miss it. At the beginning, a person does not experience any special sensations. Then, with the appearance of growths, the first, as yet insignificant pains appear. Over time, the motor functions of the spine, joints and lower extremities are gradually disrupted.

In order to determine how to treat spondylosis, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis. Typically used for this:

1. X-ray;
2. magnetic resonance imaging;
3. computed tomography;
4. ultrasound examination.

They make it possible to determine the degree of development of the disease, the exact localization of the pathological process, the condition of the cartilage tissue and blood vessels, the presence of complications, the formation of an intervertebral hernia, etc.d.

X-ray examination must be carried out in two projections. It is this method that makes it possible to most clearly diagnose such a disease.

Treatment

Usually, spondylosis is first treated with therapeutic methods.

For this, apply:

• analgesics,
• muscle relaxants,
• antispasmodics,
• anti-inflammatory drugs,
• chondroprotectors,
• sedatives,
• diuretics,
• vasoactive drugs,
• immunostimulants,
• tranquilizers,
• vitamins,
• antidepressants.

They make it possible to eliminate pain, relieve puffiness, reduce pressure on nerve endings and blood vessels.

In addition, these medicines prevent the further progression of pathology, reduce the inflammatory process, and strengthen the cartilage tissue. They enhance the protective properties of the body, promote tissue regeneration and restore the basic functions of cells.

Usually, the treatment of the disease is complemented by physiotherapy, exposure to ultrasound, laser, UHF, phonophoresis, electrophoresis.It is mandatory to use massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy exercises, acupuncture, the use of balneology, paraffin, mud, ozokerite, special diet, etc.

These methods help:

• eliminate signs of spondylosis;
• to facilitate its flow;
• to stop the growth of osteophytes;
• to improve the patient’s well-being;
• to relax the muscles of the lower back;
• to normalize the motor activity of the spine;
• to restore flexibility to him;
• to facilitate the activity of nerve roots;
• to increase the outflow of lymph;
• to activate blood circulation;
• to lose those extra pounds.

Complications of spondylosis

This pathology is difficult to cure. Therefore, all the recommendations of specialists must be strictly followed. It is necessary to take medications strictly according to the schedule, to carry out the procedures at the right time and for the required period. The wearing of a medical corset is usually prescribed. All bad habits and factors provoking relapse of the disease should be abandoned.

The therapeutic effect of this disease becomes the higher, the earlier the patient consults a specialist.The consequences of such a pathology can be very serious.

If medical assistance is delayed, then osteophytes begin to actively grow together, causing very severe suffering to the patient and depriving him of a significant degree of mobility. Further destruction of the cartilage tissue, nerve fibers and the vertebral body occurs.

The highest effect of the treatment of spondylosis is achieved when the patient consults a doctor at the very beginning. Then it helps to quickly eliminate pain, restore normal blood circulation and restore joint mobility.

If the spine cannot be cured conservatively, an operation is performed. It is prescribed for the most severe, complicated course of spondylosis. This most often occurs when there is a phenomenon called by experts the syndrome of a cauda equina. Paralysis or damage to internal organs may also occur.

Surgical intervention is aimed at stopping the continuing narrowing of the spinal canal, causing compression of the spinal cord and nerve endings.

Thus, spondylosis of the lumbar spine is one of the most severe forms of complications of osteochondrosis. With it, significant dystrophic changes occur in soft tissues, violations of the structure and shape of the vertebrae. As a result, there is a strong compression of the spinal cord.

Fusing osteophytes, in the end, almost completely deprive the patient of mobility, significantly impede walking and even changing posture. The person experiences constant severe pain.Therefore, any manifestation indicating lumbar spondylosis should be a cause for alarm.

Treatment of this disease should be comprehensive, long-term and thorough. The development of the pathological process must be stopped as soon as possible. Otherwise, the deformed vertebrae simply grow together, resulting in stenosis of the spinal canal.

Source: https://hondrozz.ru/poyasnichnyj/spondilez-poyasnichnogo-otdela-pozvonochnika.html

90,000 Spinal diseases – Family clinic Arnika, Krasnoyarsk

Radiculitis is one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Other names for radiculitis: inflammation of the nerve roots, radicular syndrome.

There are two forms of the disease:

• sciatica is an acute inflammation
• radiculopathy – chronic inflammation

Any of the forms can occur in any part of the spine.Therefore, a distinction is also made between cervical, cervicothoracic and lumbosacral radiculitis (radiculopathy).

What is sciatica?

In the spine is the spinal cord, from which many nerves depart to different parts of the body. These nerves are responsible for the coordinated work of the whole organism, and their roots are located in the spine.

Damage or inflammation of the spinal nerve roots is sciatica.

Inflammation of the roots can be of a spondylogenous nature or discogenic .The difference between them is as follows:

1. Spondylogenic inflammation is caused by bone formations that compress the nerve roots. Such bone formations can appear as a result of spinal injuries or diseases leading to displacement of the vertebrae (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis, osteomyelitis, osteoma, osteoclastoblastoma, etc.).
2. Discogenic inflammation develops as a result of pressure on the nerve roots of damaged intervertebral discs – in diseases such as: osteochondrosis, disc protrusion, disc herniation.

The initial stage of sciatica is treated quite easily. In a neglected form, he causes a lot of trouble, and the terms of his treatment are delayed. Therefore, it is recommended to start treatment at the first signs of radiculitis.

What is the danger of sciatica?

1. In the absence of timely assistance, the disease usually takes on a chronic course. Chronic sciatica is characterized by the fact that any metabolic disorder, infection, careless movement or even nervous stress will each time provoke an attack of sciatica – acute back pain.
2. With each stage of development, sciatica more and more affects the nerve roots. And gradually, the part of the body with which the inflamed nerve is connected loses sensitivity. As a result, this limb may be paralyzed.
3. In the most common cases, sciatica is a complication of osteochondrosis. Accordingly, you must also remember about all the dangers associated with osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of sciatica

The main symptom of sciatica is pain in the part of the spine where the inflamed nerve root of the spinal cord is located.

Symptoms of cervical sciatica

Severe pain in the neck and back of the head, which is aggravated by coughing and other movements, can radiate to the arm – this is cervical sciatica.

Pain, as a rule, occurs abruptly – more often when turning or tilting the head, after sleep. It is difficult for people with sciatica to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Pain in sciatica of the cervical spine can radiate to the arm or contribute to a decrease (or even loss) of sensitivity and strength in the arms.

Signs of chest sciatica

If attacks of cervical pain seem to encircle the chest, this is thoracic sciatica. It is also called intercostal neuralgia . The pain can be constant, paroxysmal, aggravated by coughing, sharp bends or twists of the body.

At an early stage of the disease, patients also note an increased sensitivity of the skin in the thoracic spine – any touch (human hands, clothing, even blankets) causes unpleasant irritating sensations.

IMPORTANT : any chest pain requires urgent diagnosis, since it can not only cause sciatica. Heart attack, myocardial infarction, pneumonia – these and other serious diseases are also accompanied by chest pain and require urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of lumbosacral sciatica

Pain in the lower back, sacrum and coccyx, aggravated by walking and bending – sciatica lumbosacral .

If your lower back is stuck and does not let go for several days, and the feeling of stretching is added to the pain, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In addition, the following violations can be observed:

• pain in the lower back, sacrum, coccyx, which can radiate to the leg or pelvic bones;
• pain when walking on fingers and / or heels;
• restriction (or impossibility) of flexion of the big toe or the entire foot;
• paresis of the gluteus maximus muscle;
• restrictions in movements when bending forward, to the sides and bending back;
• pain in the legs;
• stiffness of the joints of the legs;
• paralysis.