What are the causes and symptoms of spondylosis. How is spondylosis diagnosed. What are the conservative and surgical treatment options for spondylosis. Can spondylosis be completely reversed.

Understanding Spondylosis: Causes and Risk Factors

Spondylosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition affecting the vertebrae of the spine. It primarily occurs due to wear and tear of spinal ligaments and bones over time. The condition can impact various regions of the spine, with the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) areas being the most commonly affected.

Several factors contribute to the development of spondylosis:

• Aging process
• Weakened and degenerated intervertebral discs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Genetic predisposition

As the condition progresses, it can lead to the formation of bone spurs and a reduction in the height of the spongy discs between vertebrae. This degeneration can result in various symptoms and complications if left untreated.

Recognizing Spondylosis Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Spondylosis can manifest through a range of symptoms, although some individuals may remain asymptomatic. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Back and neck pain due to nerve compression
• Inflammation in affected areas
• Numbness and tingling sensations in arms and legs
• Muscle spasms
• Sciatica (low back pain extending down the leg)

Is chronic pain always indicative of spondylosis? Not necessarily. While persistent discomfort is a common symptom, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, as these symptoms can overlap with other spinal conditions.

Diagnostic Procedures for Spondylosis: From Physical Exams to Imaging Tests

Diagnosing spondylosis involves a comprehensive approach combining medical history review, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers may employ the following methods to confirm the presence of spondylosis:

1. Medical history assessment
2. Physical examination
3. Radiological tests:
   • X-rays
   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
   • Computerized Tomography (CT) scans
   • Myelogram
4. Electromyogram and nerve conduction studies

How do these diagnostic procedures help in treatment planning? By providing detailed information about the extent of spinal degeneration and nerve involvement, these tests enable healthcare providers to develop tailored treatment strategies for each patient.

Conservative Treatment Approaches for Spondylosis Management

For many individuals with spondylosis, conservative treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These non-surgical approaches include:

Medications

Healthcare providers may prescribe various medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with spondylosis:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Analgesics (pain relievers)
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants
• Topical applications

Self-Care Techniques

Patients can implement several self-care strategies to manage spondylosis symptoms:

• Heat and/or ice therapy
• Use of specialized cervical pillows for neck pain relief during sleep
• Maintaining proper posture
• Ergonomic adjustments in daily activities

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises and physical therapy play a crucial role in spondylosis management:

• Strengthening exercises for back and abdominal muscles
• Regular walking routines
• Yoga and gentle stretching
• Supervised physical therapy sessions

How does exercise benefit individuals with spondylosis? Regular physical activity can improve flexibility, strengthen supporting muscles, and enhance overall spinal health, potentially reducing pain and improving function.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Spondylosis Relief

In addition to conventional treatments, several complementary and alternative therapies may offer relief for spondylosis symptoms:

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific body points. Many patients report reduced back pain following acupuncture treatments.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic spinal manipulations aim to correct spinal alignment and improve overall body function. These adjustments may provide relief for some individuals with spondylosis.

Are complementary therapies effective for everyone with spondylosis? While many patients find relief through these methods, their effectiveness can vary from person to person. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Minimally Invasive Procedures for Spondylosis Treatment

When conservative treatments prove insufficient, healthcare providers may recommend minimally invasive procedures to address spondylosis symptoms:

Steroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections can be administered to various spinal structures to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain:

• Facet joint injections
• Epidural steroid injections
• Intervertebral disc injections

Radiofrequency Denervation

This technique targets and treats specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, potentially providing longer-lasting relief for some patients.

How long do the effects of these minimally invasive procedures last? The duration of relief can vary, with some patients experiencing benefits for several months or longer. However, these procedures may need to be repeated periodically for ongoing symptom management.

Surgical Interventions for Advanced Spondylosis Cases

In cases where conservative treatments and minimally invasive procedures fail to provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Spinal decompression surgery is a general term encompassing various procedures aimed at relieving pressure on nerves caused by spondylosis:

Laminectomy

This procedure involves removing the bony arches (laminae) over the spinal cord to decrease pressure on spinal nerves.

Discectomy

A discectomy removes part of an intervertebral disc that is compressing a nerve root.

Foraminotomy

This surgery enlarges the openings (foramina) through which nerve roots exit the spinal canal.

Osteophyte Removal

Surgical removal of bone spurs (osteophytes) that are causing nerve compression.

Corpectomy

In severe cases, a corpectomy may be performed to remove a vertebral body and its adjacent discs.

What factors determine the need for surgical intervention in spondylosis cases? The decision to pursue surgery is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the extent of nerve compression, and the patient’s overall health and response to conservative treatments.

Long-Term Management and Prognosis of Spondylosis

While spondylosis is a degenerative condition without a complete cure, proper management can significantly improve quality of life and slow disease progression. Long-term strategies for managing spondylosis include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine
• Adopting ergonomic practices in daily activities
• Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise
• Following a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet
• Attending regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers

Can lifestyle modifications significantly impact the progression of spondylosis? While they cannot reverse the condition, healthy lifestyle choices can play a crucial role in managing symptoms, maintaining spinal health, and potentially slowing the degenerative process.

Understanding spondylosis and its various treatment options empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. By working closely with healthcare providers and adhering to recommended treatment plans, individuals with spondylosis can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle. As research in spinal health continues to advance, new and improved treatment options may emerge, offering hope for even better outcomes in the future management of this common spinal condition.

What is Spondylosis? | Spondylosis Treatment Procedure Video

Spondylosis is a condition where the bones that make up the spine (vertebrae) degenerate. Typically, this degeneration forms bony projections (bone spurs) and reduces the height of the spongy discs between the vertebrae.

Spondylosis is often called spinal osteoarthritis. It can affect the neck (cervical spine), upper, mid and lower back (thoracic spine and lumbar spine). The most common area affected is that of the lumbar spine and cervical spine.

Causes.

The causes of spondylosis are:

Age, which leads to wear and tear of spinal ligaments and bones

Weakened and degenerated intervertebral discs

Spinal cord injury

Genetic predisposition

Signs and Symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of spondylosis include:

Back and neck pain due to nerve compression

Inflammation

Numbness and tingling of arms and legs

Muscle spasms

Sciatica (low back pain extending down the leg)

Sometimes, you may have spondylosis, but not show any symptoms.

Diagnosis.

Your doctor will diagnose spondylosis after reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination.

Additional diagnostic tests for spondylosis may be ordered, including Radiology tests such as:

X-rays

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Computerized tomography (CT) scans

Myelogram

Electromyogram and nerve conduction study to measure electrical activity of the nerve

Treatment.

Treatment of spondylosis depends on the severity of symptoms.

Conservative therapy may include:

Medications.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, and analgesics (pain medications), muscle relaxants, anti-depressants and topical applications for relieving your neck and back pain.

Self-care.

You can use heat and/or ice therapy to lessen the pain. You can also use special cervical pillows to relieve neck pain while sleeping.

Exercises.

Your therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your back and stomach muscles. Regular walking and yoga will also help in relieving chronic back pain.

Adjunctive therapies.

Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of very thin needles into the body, may be beneficial for back pain.

Chiropractic spinal manipulations can also be suggested to correct the spinal alignment and improve your body’s function.

Your doctor may suggest minimally invasive procedures such as steroid injection and radiofrequency denervation.

Steroids may be injected into facet joints (joints between adjacent vertebrae), epidural space (space around the spinal cord), or intervertebral disc spaces, to reduce acute pain and pain radiating into a limb.

Your doctor may also perform radiofrequency denervation technique, in which the nerves causing pain are detected and treated, to stop the transfer of pain messages.

Surgery.

Your doctor will suggest surgery if conservative treatment does not relieve pain from spondylosis. Spinal decompression surgery is a general term used for various procedures that are performed to relieve pressure on your nerves caused by compression. These include the following procedures:

Laminectomy removes the bony arches over the spinal cord to decrease the pressure on the spinal nerves.

Discectomy removes part of the intervertebral disc that is applying pressure on the nerve.

Foraminotomy enlarges the openings from which nerve roots emerge.

Osteophyte removal removes bony projections such as bone spurs which cause pinched nerves.

Corpectomy removes a vertebral body and its disc

Your surgeon may combine vertebral fusion with any of these surgical procedures in order to stabilize the spine.

Spondylosis is a degenerative process and as such, there is no available treatment for the complete reversal of the condition. Treatment is aimed at providing relief from the symptoms, preventing permanent nerve injury and to enable the patient to perform routine daily activities.

Non-surgical Treatment of Spondylosis (Spinal Osteoarthritis)

Spondylosis is osteoarthritis of the spine. The symptoms may vary from mild and episodic to aggressive and painfully chronic.

Spondylosis affects the spine’s joints: the facet joints in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), and/or lumbar (low back) spine.

Fortunately, most people with spinal osteoarthritis do not need surgery. Some common nonoperative treatments include:

Patients with chronic back pain are urged to seek the advice of a spine specialist. Photo Source: 123RF.com.

• Acupuncture is a popular treatment used to help alleviate back and neck pain. Tiny needles, about the size of a human hair, are inserted into specific points on the body. Each needle may be twirled, electrically stimulated, or warmed to enhance the effect of the treatment. It is believed that acupuncture works (in part) by prompting the body to produce chemicals that help to reduce pain.

• Bed Rest: Severe cases of spondylosis may require bed rest for no more than one to three days. Long-term bed rest is avoided as it puts people at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clots in the legs).

• Brace Use: Temporary bracing (one week) may help relieve symptoms, but long-term use is discouraged. Braces worn long-term weaken the spinal muscles and can increase pain if not constantly worn. Physical therapy is more beneficial as it strengthens the muscles.

• Chiropractic: Chiropractors believe that a healthy nervous system is synonymous with a healthy body. A subluxation, or the misalignment of a vertebra, may distress the nervous system and lead to a disorder causing back and neck pain. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or use surgery. Their practice includes ice/heat, ultrasound, massage, lifestyle modification, and spinal adjustments, also called spinal manipulation.

• Lifestyle Modification: Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, regular exercise, and not smoking are important healthy habits to help spine function at any age.

• Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxant medication helps to alleviate muscle spasm and pain.

• Narcotics: Narcotics (opioids) may be prescribed for short periods of time to reduce acute pain.

• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve inflammation that often contributes to pain. Many NSAIDs are available over-the-counter (OTC) and others by prescription only. Do not combine OTC medications with prescription drugs without the physician’s permission. Doing so may cause a serious and adverse affect.

• Physical therapy combines passive treatments with therapeutic exercise. Passive treatment modalities include heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to alleviate muscle spasm and pain. Therapeutic exercises teach the patient how to increase flexibility and range of motion while building strength. Patients need not be fearful of physical therapy. Even patients experiencing pain and great difficulty moving have found that isometric exercises, in which muscles are contracted and held for a period of time, are beneficial.

• Spinal Injections: There are many types of spinal injections, including epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections. These combine a local anesthetic and steroid medication to reduce inflamed nerve tissues and thereby often help to reduce pain.

Seldom is Surgery Needed

Very few patients with spondylosis require surgery. When surgery is necessary, seldom is it an emergency. Non-operative therapy is tried first.

The physician may determine that combining two or more therapies may benefit the patient to quickly resolve their symptoms. In most cases, non-surgical treatments work.

However, some patients suffer neurologic deficit—weakness, incontinence, or spinal instability. The cause of severe symptoms often determines the type of surgery needed. For example, it may be necessary to surgically remove bone spurs or disc tissue compressing spinal nerves or causing spinal cord compression. Depending on the extent of the surgery, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine may be necessary.

Fortunately, newer minimally invasive spine surgical techniques greatly benefit patients. Minimally invasive spine surgery enables patients to return to normal activities sooner.

Talk To a Spine Specialist

Patients with chronic back pain are urged to seek the advice of a spine specialist. The all-important first step to relieve back and neck pain is to obtain a proper diagnosis. Back pain can be caused by many problems including spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, compression fractures, and bone tumors. The in-depth and specialized training spine physicians receive equips them to treat a variety of disorders causing back and neck pain.

Notes: This article was originally published August 31, 2005 and most recently updated March 18, 2020.

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Spondylosis. What is Spondylosis?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Spondylosis is a chronic degenerative lesion of the spine that develops as a result of aging, overload or injury to the spinal column. It is accompanied by dystrophic changes in the anterior sections of the intervertebral discs, calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament and the formation of osteophytes in the anterior and lateral sections of the spine. It is often asymptomatic, may be manifested by intermittent pain, limited mobility, fatigue during exercise and movement. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the results of radiography, MRI and CT. Treatment is usually conservative.

ICD-10

M47 Spondylosis

• Causes of spondylosis
• Pathoanatomy
• Symptoms of spondylosis
• Diagnostics
• Treatment of spondylosis
• Prices for treatment

General

Spondylosis is a chronic disease of the spine of a degenerative-dystrophic nature. It is accompanied by local changes in the anterior sections of the intervertebral discs and the anterior longitudinal ligament. In an isolated variant (with damage to 1-2 vertebrae and the absence of other pathological changes in the spine), spondylosis usually occurs at a young or middle age, is the result of constant static-dynamic overloads, spinal injuries or infectious diseases and is asymptomatic or with mild symptoms.

In combination with other diseases of the spine (osteochondrosis, spondylarthrosis), spondylosis is often detected in elderly and senile people, while the most striking clinical manifestations are not due to spondylosis, but to other degenerative-dystrophic processes. Pathological changes characteristic of spondylosis can occur at any level, but the lumbar and cervical spine are more often affected. Treatment of spondylosis is carried out by vertebrologists, orthopedists and traumatologists. In the presence of neurological manifestations, the participation of a neurologist is required.

Spondylosis

Causes of spondylosis

Currently, there are two points of view on this pathology. Some specialists in the field of traumatology and orthopedics consider this process as a variant of the primary degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine. Others believe that the main cause of the development of spondylosis is a single injury or repeated microtrauma of the anterior longitudinal ligament with protrusion of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. From this point of view, spondylosis is a disease with a mixed etiology, combining the influence of both traumatic and degenerative processes.

Researchers associate spondylosis not only with injuries, but also with metabolic disorders, natural aging and wear of the anatomical structures of the spine, as well as improper distribution of the load on the spine due to scoliosis or kyphosis. As the main predisposing factors for the occurrence of this disease, experts indicate constant static overload, hard physical labor, injuries and microtraumas of the spine, some infectious and non-infectious diseases. There is also a constitutional predisposition.

Pathology

Most scientists recognize the relationship between the development of spondylosis and injuries of the anterior longitudinal ligament. They describe the mechanism for the development of pathological changes as follows: for some reason (trauma, overload, infectious diseases), degenerative changes occur in the anterior sections of the intervertebral disc and the fibrous ring becomes unable to hold the pressure of the pulpy nucleus. With a significant load, the annulus fibrosus protrudes and tears off the longitudinal ligament from its attachment to the anterior surface of the vertebral body.

A small hematoma forms in the area of ​​separation, and at some distance from the hematoma, an osteophyte begins to form under the detached ligament. With repeated injuries, accompanied by new partial detachments of the ligament, new osteophytes arise. At the same time, unlike osteochondrosis or intervertebral hernia, there is no change in height or a pronounced dysfunction of the intervertebral disc, so spondylosis is asymptomatic for a long time.

Osteophytes irritate the anterior longitudinal ligament, and when they grow along the edges of the vertebrae, they limit the mobility of the spine. With a long course of spondylosis, bone outgrowths can reach large sizes and connect with each other, which leads to fusion of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Over time, the growth of osteophytes sometimes cause narrowing of the intervertebral foramina and the spinal canal. This causes pain and the development of neurological disorders.

Researchers associate spondylosis not only with injuries, but also with metabolic disorders, natural aging and wear of the anatomical structures of the spine, as well as improper distribution of the load on the spine due to kyphosis or scoliosis. As the main predisposing factors for the occurrence of this disease, experts indicate constant static overload, hard physical labor, injuries and microtraumas of the spine, some infectious and non-infectious diseases. There is also a constitutional predisposition.

Symptoms of spondylosis

In some cases, the pathology is asymptomatic and becomes an accidental finding during X-ray of the spine for other injuries or diseases. There may be some limitation of mobility of the affected spine, not accompanied by other symptoms. Typical manifestations of spondylosis are heaviness in the spine and dull aching local pains that increase towards the end of the day. Pain can cause anxiety at night, occur not only during movement, but also at rest.

Patients with spondylosis for a long time cannot find a comfortable position of the head (with cervical spondylosis) or trunk (with thoracic and lumbar spondylosis). Tension of the long muscles of the back and stiffness of movements are noted. Even if there is currently no pain, patients tend to move their head or trunk slowly and with some effort. When the nerve roots are compressed, neurological disorders can occur. Pain syndrome and neurological disorders are provoked by significant physical exertion, sudden movements or hypothermia.

It should be taken into account that in spondylosis there is no clear correlation between the severity of pathological changes in the area of ​​the affected vertebrae and the clinical manifestations of the disease. With gross changes on radiographs, only minor symptoms can be detected that do not cause the patient much concern and do not violate his ability to work. Spondylosis is characterized by a very slow progression; in the absence of other diseases of the spine, clinical manifestations may not worsen for decades.

• Cervical spondylosis is more often found in people 40-50 years old, engaged in intellectual work and, as a result, forced to stay in a forced position for a long time – sitting at a table with the torso tilted forward. The V and VI cervical vertebrae are usually affected. With cervical spondylosis, cervical migraine and pain in the neck can be observed, sometimes radiating to the arm or shoulder blade. There is a limitation of movement when turning the head, more noticeable in a standing position. In the supine position, stiffness usually decreases. There may also be visual disturbances, ringing or noise in the ears, and changes in blood pressure. When palpation of the vertebrae, muscle tension is determined, pain may occur, which intensifies when the head is tilted back.
• Spondylosis of the thoracic spine is quite rare. The lower and middle thoracic vertebrae are predominantly affected. Patients suffering from thoracic spondylosis may experience pain in the affected area, sometimes one-sided. With compression of the spinal nerves, pain radiates to the chest and sternum. Palpation reveals tension in the long muscles of the back and local areas of pain along the spine.
• Lumbar spondylosis is more common than thoracic spondylosis. Both people of physical labor and specialists engaged in sedentary work can suffer. Damage to the IV and V lumbar vertebrae is characteristic. With the growth of osteophytes, it is usually not compression that is observed, but irritation of the nerve roots with the development of the corresponding radicular symptoms. In patients with lumbar spondylosis, a symptom of false intermittent claudication may be detected, accompanied by a sensation of “cotton legs”, “stiffness” or “rigidity” of the legs during prolonged walking or static load. In contrast to true intermittent claudication due to obliterating endarteritis, with spondylosis, the symptoms disappear during an anterior tilt of the torso.

Diagnostics

The main method of instrumental diagnosis of spondylosis is spinal radiography. On radiographs, osteophytes are detected in the form of beak-shaped protrusions or points. Minor spondylosis is accompanied by the formation of marginal osteophytes located within the plane of the platform of the vertebral body along its anterior, anterolateral, or lateral surface. With severe spondylosis, osteophytes extend beyond the site and can bend around the intervertebral disc. With the opposite growth of two osteophytes located on adjacent vertebrae, the formation of neoarthrosis is possible. Pronounced spondylosis is accompanied by the formation of a bone bracket, which connects the bodies of neighboring vertebrae and completely blocks movement in the affected segment.

Differential diagnosis is carried out on the basis of clinical and radiological picture. With osteochondrosis, unlike spondylosis, there is pain on palpation of the spinous processes of the vertebrae. The radiographs show osteophytes located perpendicular to the axis of the spine, osteophyte adhesions are absent. In Forestier’s disease, as in spondylosis, ossification is observed in the region of the anterior longitudinal ligament, but the process is extensive, widespread, involving three or more vertebrae. Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by a relationship with sex and age (usually develops in men aged 20-40 years), an increase in ESR, low-grade fever and early ankylosing of the sacroiliac joints are detected.

In favor of spondylosis is the defeat of no more than 1-2 motor segments (3 segments sometimes suffer in the lumbar), the absence or slight severity of pain syndrome with significant ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament, as well as the preservation of the height of the intervertebral discs. Spondylosis is characterized by irregularly shaped, asymmetrically located osteophytes, directed downwards and upwards and enveloping the intervertebral disc. “Counter” ossification may be detected (symptom of “parrot’s beak”).

Treatment of spondylosis

Treatment is usually carried out on an outpatient basis. The goal of therapy is to prevent the progression of the disease, eliminate inflammation and pain, and strengthen the muscular corset. The patient is recommended a reasonable motor mode with limitation of physical activity and the exclusion of a long stay in a forced position. When sitting, you should constantly monitor your posture and regularly change your posture, leaning back in your chair, relaxing your arms and raising your head.

With severe inflammation and pain, NSAIDs are used (meloxicam, ketoprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin, ibuprofen), physiotherapy procedures are prescribed (ultrasound, diadynamic currents, electrophoresis with novocaine). In some cases, paravertebral blockades are performed and analgesics are prescribed intramuscularly. It should be borne in mind that the listed drugs and physiotherapy eliminate the symptoms, but do not stop the progression of the disease.

The main therapeutic and prophylactic agents for spondylosis are exercise therapy and massage. Physiotherapy exercises begin after the pain is eliminated. Regular exercise improves blood circulation in the muscles and the spine, reduces the load on the spine by forming a muscular corset and develops the correct movement patterns to avoid overloading the affected segment. It should be borne in mind that intensive massage, traction of the spine, manual therapy and exercises aimed at mobilizing the spine are contraindicated in spondylosis. The prognosis is favorable.

Sources

1. Degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the spine / Rameshvili T.E., Trufanov G.E., Gaidar B.V., Parfenov V.E. – 2011
2. Spinal surgery / Tsivyan Ya.L. – 1993
3. Degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine: lectures / A. Teremshonok – 2003
4. Spinal stenosis / Antipko L.E. – 2001
5. 0002 IMPORTANT
   The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

   Spinal spondylosis – treatment at the CMRT clinic Lenskaya

   Spondylosis is a chronic disease of the spine, which is accompanied by deformation of the vertebrae, due to the growth of bone tissue on the surface of the vertebrae, which look like a protrusion or spike, as a result of which the intervertebral foramens and the spinal canal narrow. Growing osteophytes can put pressure on the nerve, thereby causing its irritation, which is expressed in pain. In this article, we will look at what types of spondylosis exist and how to treat spondylosis.

   Varieties of spondylosis

   Unfortunately, such a disease as spondylosis injures and affects various parts of the spine, which, of course, negatively affects the state of the entire human body. Let’s consider what varieties of spondylosis exist:

   • Thoracic spondylosis is a very rare, but especially complex form of this disease, when the mobility of the spine is very limited, and severe pain is felt.
   • Cervical spondylosis appears more often than other types, pain and tingling are found in the occipital region, shoulder girdle, and can lead to disorders of the vascular system.
   • Lumbar spondylosis affects the fourth and fifth vertebrae, lumbar spondyloarthrosis may occur. Appears due to excessive physical exertion on the lumbar.

   To determine where you may have disc spondylosis or herniation, and to what extent – undergo a complete examination.

   Symptoms of spondylosis

   In 27-37% of people, symptoms of spondylosis do not appear immediately. Often there is pain in the neck and back. The cause of the pain is a pinched nerve. When the nerve is compressed, the disc protrudes, resulting in bone spurs on the joints, and narrowing the holes through which the nerve roots crawl out of the spinal region.

   Even if the compression is not too strong to compress the nerve, bulging discs can still negatively affect the nerves, causing them to become irritated. A herniated disc can pinch the vertebral ligaments, causing severe pain. Usually, with spondylosis, the pain is localized, usually in the back or neck. If there is a hernia, and it infringes on the nerve, then the pain can radiate to the limbs, so to speak, “shoot”. The pain may worsen when walking or standing still for a long time. That is, when certain physical loads occur on the vertebral sections, pain may occur. If these symptoms appear, make an appointment with a doctor for a more detailed examination.

   Diagnosis and treatment

   Spondylosis is diagnosed using an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine or a CT (computed tomography) machine. On x-rays, you can notice the formed growths or spurs, notice the thickening of the joints that connect the vertebrae, and the narrowing of the intervertebral space between the discs. With the help of CT, you can get better information, determine the narrowed channel, if any. And the use of MRI, although the most expensive, however, it best illuminates the clinical situation of spondylosis of the spine, as well as the lumbosacral region.

   Unfortunately, there is no treatment that would provide a complete cessation and reversal of the process caused by spondylosis. The goal of the treatment is to alleviate the pain and suffering of the patient, eliminate the process of inflammation, improve the quality of blood supply, and slow down dystrophic changes in tissues. Usually, medications, physical exercises, and auxiliary manual therapy are used in the treatment.