Spondylosis of the spine is a disease that occurs due to degenerative changes in individual vertebrae and intervertebral discs, as a result of which osteophytes form and narrowing of the spinal canal, as well as intervertebral openings. Osteophytes (bone outgrowths) can grow over time and reach sizes that cause the fusion of bodies of neighboring vertebrae. In addition, osteophytes are able to irritate the nerves coming close by with a sharp edge, causing the corresponding symptoms.
Spondylarthrosis of the thoracic spine is similar in its symptoms to spondylosis, mainly due to the fact that both of these diseases are a consequence of degenerative vertebral disease.
Causes of Spondylosis
Spondylosis of the spine can develop due to many reasons, among which:
- Spinal injury: Any damage to the vertebrae, even the presence of microcracks, can grow together along a perverted path, thereby forming excessive bone outgrowths, which are one of the negative consequences of a disease such as spondylosis of the spine.
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Due to osteochondrosis, the height of the intervertebral discs decreases, and the pressure on the articular surfaces increases significantly.
- Metabolic disorders. Violation of metabolic processes is often the cause of spondylosis, which is especially noticeable in the elderly.
- Spinal deformity: An uneven load on the spinal column caused by a sedentary lifestyle is often the cause of scoliosis and flat feet, which, in turn, can provoke a disease such as spinal fusion.
- Severe physical exertion. Long and heavy physical exertion, which are characteristic of people who are professionally involved in weightlifting or other sports, can lead to irreversible consequences for the spinal column.
- Age-related changes. According to statistics, the age of more than 30% of all patients with spondylosis of the spine exceeds 40 years.
- Hypothermia. General hypothermia or a local reaction to cold in the area of damage to the spinal column can disrupt the innervation of the vertebrae and adjacent vessels and ligaments.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
- Aching pain in the back, which aggravates when walking or after prolonged standing on legs.
- Limit mobility in areas of the affected spinal column.
- Violation of the gait due to the uneven distribution of load on the spinal column, lethargy and weakness in the legs.
- Discomfort in the affected area with possible awakenings at night.
- Reducing pain when torso is tilted forward (with lumbar spondylosis).
Spondylosis Treatment
- Painkillers, NSAIDs. During the pain syndrome, single injections are possible, as well as analgesic blockade with novocaine or ketonal. It must be understood that taking painkillers can only facilitate, but not cure, the disease.
- Massage. Therapeutic massage can both relieve pain and help in the treatment of the disease.
- Electrophoresis Electrophoresis with novocaine solution and other physiotherapeutic procedures will alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
- Therapeutic gymnastics. Therapeutic gymnastics is necessary for the overall strengthening of the body.
- Lifestyle changes. First of all, changes in life are necessary for those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Need to break away from their affairs, at least once an hour, and do small exercises.
Spondylosis of the spine develops over the years, progressing for a long time, but true. In the absence of proper treatment in the initial stages, spondylosis of the spine can easily develop into sciatica.