Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the spine, characterized by the deterioration of joints and discs due to normal wear and tear, primarily as a result of aging. It encompasses any form of spinal arthritis and can manifest in various regions of the spine, including cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) areas. While many individuals over sixty show signs of spondylosis, symptoms can vary widely; some may remain completely asymptomatic. Common symptoms include back and neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort during movement, but many may be unaware of their condition until diagnosed through imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs.
Various factors, including repetitive physical activities and certain athletic practices, can contribute to the onset of spondylosis. Although there is no cure, treatment options focus on pain management and maintaining activity levels, utilizing medications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Preventative measures can include strengthening exercises, proper nutrition, and careful attention to body mechanics during physical activities. As such, understanding spondylosis is essential for those experiencing back pain or involved in activities that may strain the spine.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the spine. It is the technical description for any form of spinal arthritis. The word spondylosis is derived from the Greek word spondulos, meaning "spinal vertebrae," and -osis, a suffix used to indicate medical dysfunctions. Vertebrae are the bone segments that form the spinal column. They surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord. Spondylosis describes a progressive problem in which the normal wear and tear to cartilage causes a deterioration of the joints and discs in the spine. It is usually the result of age, although it can originate from any number of conditions. It affects many species of animals, including dogs, horses, and cats. Some form of spondylosis is present in 85 percent of all people over the age of sixty. However, the symptoms and degree of suffering can vary dramatically between patients, and some people with the condition may never experience any symptoms.
Spondylosis is different from a group of similarly named medical problems dealing with back vertebrae. Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spinal vertebrae. Spondylolysis describes any defect or stress fracture in the vertebrae of the back. It primarily occurs in the lower back, although it may be evident higher in the spinal column. If the spondylolysis is severe or allowed to persist for an extended period, the position of the spine may shift into an unnatural position. This causes a painful condition called spondylolisthesis in which individual vertebra slip out of their natural position. Spondylosis, on the other hand, is exclusively concerned with the degeneration of vertebrae. Spondylosis may also be used to describe general symptoms commonly associated with spinal degeneration.
Background
Three types of spondylosis are recognized, with the potential diagnosis correlating with where the damage occurs on the spine. Cervical spondylosis occurs in the cervical vertebrae (neck) area of the spine. This form of spondylosis may result from jagged bony growths called osteophytes (or bone spurs), problems with spinal discs, or arthritis. Thoracic spondylosis affects the middle two-thirds (the thoracic region) of the back. This form most commonly manifests itself as stiffness or expressions of pain when the spine is moved into a non-erect position. Arthritis that affects the lower portion of the spine is called lumbar (or lower back) spondylosis.
Spondylosis may be caused by a number of conditions or activities. Many athletes who engage in sports that require repetitive motions or hyperextensions of the spine are susceptible to spondylosis. It occurs more frequently in amateur athletes than professional ones. Doctors believe this is due to the special conditioning that professional athletes undergo over an extended period that allows their backs to be able to absorb heightened levels of physical stress.
The most common symptoms of spondylosis are back pain and neck pain that result from the compression of nerves by vertebrae. However, many people with spondylosis may be unaware they have the condition. For instance, 27 to 37 percent of people with lumbar spondylosis are completely asymptomatic. Other symptoms of spondylosis may include shoulder pain, headaches, spinal joint deformity, back stiffness, and painful spinal joint movements. As spondylosis is the result of spinal degeneration, it does not usually occur suddenly; rather, suffering builds in intensity over time as the condition progresses. Spondylosis that is evident in X-rays may not result in physical symptoms until months or years after the first manifestation. Undiagnosed spondylosis may result in the development of increased inflammation of nerves and bulging discs. Heightened nerve sensitivity and disc herniation can occur as well. If new nerves develop because of increased spinal pressure, this may lead to muscle spasms, tenderness, limb weakness, problems with bladder control, and chronic pain.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Anyone who feels regular or severe back pain should consult a doctor. A doctor will first attempt to determine how much a patient can move his or her back without pain. The most common method for diagnosing spondylosis is using X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. These tests may demonstrate the presence of bone spurs, thickening of the joints that connect the vertebrae, narrowing of the space between intervertebral discs, or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis). Myelography, a test in which a tracer dye is injected into the spinal canal, can offer additional detail. Another method for determining the extent of potential nerve damage is through nerve function tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.
There is no cure for spondylosis. Instead, doctors usually recommend a series of treatments to reduce inflammation and manage pain. The ultimate goal of such treatments is to allow patients to maintain their normal level of activity. Doctors may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, corticosteroids like prednisone, and muscle relaxants. Other drugs such as anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease pain from spondylosis. Physical therapy and acupuncture are also often prescribed to help manage pain.
In more severe cases, a doctor may suggest surgical options. These can include removing any herniated discs or damaged vertebrae. Advanced cases of spondylosis may require fusing a segment of the neck using medical devices or bone grafts. These options carry some risk.
Young athletes are particularly susceptible to early onset spondylosis. Regardless of age, it is better to take steps to prevent back problems than to have to manage the disease after its development. Some techniques that may be used to reduce the risk for spondylosis among athletes is resistance and core stability training exercises that target the back. This allows the spine to absorb impact and withstand fractures more easily. In addition, athletes should try to demonstrate rotary stability (that is, to control any motion in which the body swings in a circular motion) to limit any unnatural movements of the spine. For instance, golfers, especially those already experiencing back pain, should try to perfect a swing that reduces lumbar motion and any resulting stress to the spine.
For athletes and non-athletes alike, several other practices may reduce the risk for developing spondylosis. Doctors and therapists recommend that people increase their consumption of calcium and vitamin D to promote bone strength. Wearing properly fitted footwear that is appropriate for the activity at hand helps to support bodily alignment. In addition, glucosamine has been shown to be an effective treatment for arthritis. Proper stretching before exercising may also lower the risks of developing spondylosis. In general, anyone experiencing prolonged back pain should try to limit his or her exercise levels and seek a doctor's opinion.
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