Lumbar Spondylosis - Physiotherapy Treatment
Spondylosis involves spinal degeneration, which is caused by wear on cartilage and bones in the spine
. The condition generally involves the spinal joints, ligaments and discs; when the cushioning and shock absorbing properties of the disc is lost, ligaments weaken and bone growths can occur. The condition, which is primarily related to age, can be quite painful. The condition is found in both the neck (cervical spondylosis) and lower back (lumbar spondylosis) areas. The condition is usually first noticed in men and women over the age of 40; however, men tend to get it more frequently at a younger age than do women. The symptoms of the syndrome tend to worsen with age.
The condition is a progressive one. The bones and cartilage that comprise the backbone and neck degrade over time; part of the degradation process includes the development of bony spurs around the spine. These spurs can impinge on nerves, and they occur in most everyone's spine. Not all develop to the point where they cause pain and the other symptoms associated with the condition. Symptoms typically include pain, tingling, muscle spasms and stiffness.
In the more serious forms of the condition, spondylosis can result in a compression of the spinal nerves, and bone spurs that result from the condition can diminishes the size of the canal housing the spinal cord. These more serious manifestations of the condition can lead to permanent disability; however, only about 10% of people with the condition will form this more serious manifestation.
Symptoms range widely and can include: pain in the shoulders, chest and arm, stiffness, pain in the neck, lack of coordination/difficulty walking, tingling sensations in the hands, arms, feet and legs, reduced reflexes (or hyper reflexes) and loss of bladder/bowel functioning.
Degenerative spondylosis is usually associated with age. Although symptoms do not generally appear until later, many people have evidence of disc degeneration by age 30. By that age, drying of the disc occurs, leading to loss of elasticity. There is frequently by that age, evidence of disc bulging or herniation, and ligaments in the spine have begun to stiffen. Injury to the area can accelerate the development of the condition.
When consulting a medical professional, a flexibility assessment will be conducted, as the condition is associated with limited motion in the neck or back. In conducting this test (in the case of the neck, for example) the doctor will ask you to bend your head toward each of your shoulders and move it back and forth from side to side.
A neurological exam might also be warranted to determine if there is pressure on your spinal cords, or the nerves within it. Reflexes will be checked and you will be checked to ensure that you have sensation in your arms, legs, feet and hands. The doctor might also ask you to walk in order to observe whether you have issues with gait or coordination.
An X-ray might be ordered, to determine the location of bone spurs or other abnormalities. MRIs and CTs are sometimes used for this purpose as well. Rarely, but sometimes, a myelgram is used as well. This test works by shooting dye into your spine; the dye illuminates with imaging technology to indicate the presence of abnormalities.
Spondylosis treatment can include surgery, in cases where conservative treatment fails to reduce symptoms or where the symptoms indicate neurological damage (weakness in the extremities, for example).
More conservative treatments include reducing inflammation and pain with over the counter products, or prescription medications if necessary. Hot and cold packs can be used to reduce pain and inflammation as well. Where the patient presents with severe pain, rest is recommended for a brief period (one or two days), followed by a period of limited activity (though brief periods of light exercise are indicated).
Physical therapy can also be indicated, to help the patient increase flexibility, mobility and strengthen muscles in the neck, back, shoulders and stomach area. Cervical spondylosis exercises will focus on the neck, while lumbar spondylosis will focus on the back.
Some patients will be prescribed braces or cervical collars. Regular low impact exercise, like walking, is also recommended.
Because the condition is associated with aging, prevention can go a long way to helping many people avoid the worst of the condition. There is a variety of preventative measures, including limiting the amount of high impact activities. High impact activities include certain types of aerobics, running, heavy lifting. You can also focus on ensuring that muscles that control the affected areas are kept strong and flexible through regular exercise and stretching.
Also, avoid repetitive activities, like sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Also, simply maintain good posture can forestall many problems.
Summary
Spondylosis is condition that is caused by spinal degeneration that occurs naturally through the aging process (or sometimes is precipitated by injury). The condition, which typically affects the neck and lower back, can lead to pain, stiffness, and loss of sensation in serious cases. There are many preventative measures that can be taken to frustrate the natural aging process that leads to the condition.
by: Johnathan Lim
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