Spondylosis

Causes / Diagnosis / Symptoms / Treatment

Spondylosis is a term used for age-related spinal degeneration regardless of what is causing it. It is a sign of spinal disc or joint degeneration or growth spurs on the spinal vertebrae, both of which can cause extreme pain and discomfort. Spondylosis is also known as spinal osteoarthritis.

All of your body’s nerves pass through the spinal cord at one point, and that is why this can be extremely harmful if not treated. The growth of bone or any change in the spinal vertebrae can cause compression of a bundle of nerves..

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 85% of individuals above 60 have cervical spondylosis.

The pain can often be fleeting. The type of pain is named according to the region it originates from. Degenerative changes in the lower back would be classified as lumbar spondylosis, while thoracic spondylosis affects the middle part of the spine. Spondylosis refers to one specific degenerative segment or vertebra. When you have 3 or more spondylosis it is typically classified as degenerative disc or joint disease.

Causes Of Spondylosis

Spondylosis is an umbrella term used for spinal degeneration, and can be caused by several factors. Some of them include:

- Aging: With age, the intervertebral discs (discs between your vertebrae or spinal bones that assist in smooth movement and impact absorption) start to dry up and become hard. This causes a loss in their ability to absorb pressure and are more prone to fractures.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can lead to vertebral fracture compression resulting from spinal bones collapsing.
- History of Physical Stress or Trauma: A history of constant repetitive trauma or stress on the spine will cause accelerated aging on the joints of the spine.

Diagnosis Of Spondylosis

Spondylosis is not a complicated issue to diagnose. We can find it out using some simple techniques.

Patient History: If a patient has a history of trauma or falls, they could be suffering from spondylosis. Other than that, age plays possibly the most crucial role in evaluating whether or not spondylosis is a viable diagnosis.
Clinical Evaluation: When visiting a practitioner with complaints of back pain, he will first check the range of motion in your neck. He will also see you walk to observe your gait and test your reflexes and muscle strength to check whether the issue arises from the spinal cord or nerves.
Imaging and Injections: Imaging is the most effective method when diagnosing spondylosis. Plain film X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs easily reveal bone spurs, osteoarthritis, and other degenerative changes.

Symptoms Of Spondylosis

Older populations with spondylosis show common symptoms. The symptoms are progressive and worsen with time and use. However, these are not limited to old age. They include:

- Stiffness
- Progressive mild pain
- Poor coordination
- Headaches
- Weakness in hands and legs
- Loss of balance and difficulty walking

Surgical Treatments For Spondylosis

Surgical treatments are not the first treatment option, as spondylosis is a chronic condition that can be dealt with using physical therapy, chiropractic, and medication. But in severe cases, surgical treatments include:

- Laminectomy
- Discectomy
- Foraminotomy
- Osteophyte Removal
- Spinal Fusion

Minimally Invasive Treatments For Spondylosis

There are minimally invasive options available for the treatment of spondylosis, and they are much more preferred.

They include:

- Medication, mainly NSAIDs, to reduce inflammation and pain
- Chiropractic care can slow the progression of degenerative changes by restoring proper joint motion. This relieves physical stress and promotes blood supply and proper function to the affected area.
- Acupuncture
- Physical Therapy to mobilize and strengthen around the affected area.