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Spondylosis - Spondylosis symptom, treatment, causes

Spondylosis is due to the degenerative changes of unknown cause in the joints between two or more vertebrae and their intervertebral discs, leading to narrowing of the spinal canal and pressure on the spinal nerves. The cervical (neck) spine is most often affected. with resultant stiffness and pain (often spreading down the arms) that may be aggravated by spasm of muscles surrounding the affected part of the spine. and weakness of the arms. Diagnosis is by X-ray. Sometimes the condition improves or stabilises spontaneously. Otherwise treatment is by use of NON-STEROID ALANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS, physiotherapy to strengthen and relax muscles, a soft support collar, and pain-killing and muscle-relaxant drugs as needed. In severe cases traction or surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord may be necessary.

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks). Also known as cervical osteoarthritis, the condition usually appears in men and women older than 40 and progresses with age. Although cervical spondylosis affects both sexes equally, men usually develop it at an earlier age than women do. The abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. When nerve roots are compressed, pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation will occur. In advanced cases of cervical spondylosis, the spinal cord maybe become compressed. If the spinal cord becomes compressed, the pain, weakness and changes in sensation will also occur in the legs. Cervical spondylosis is also called cervical osteoarthritis.

Spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis) is a degenerative disorder that may cause loss of normal spinal structure and function. It also leads to inflammatory changes, which in turn brings about calcification (deposition of calcium) leading to extra bone formations called osteophytes in the adjoining structures. Spondylosis is a specific form of arthritis, which attacks vertebrae and connecting bone, and ligament structure. The spines of majority of people above the age of 50 have certain degree of osteo arthritic changes. But they seldom cause acute symptoms. Certain precipitating factors like trauma, incorrect posture of the body, pressure while sleeping and excessive intake of sour food usually precipitate spondylitis attacks.

Causes of Spondylosis

The common Causes of Spondylosis :

• Injury if met with an accident a long time ago and left untreated.
• Emotional problems leading to muscle cramping.
• Stress and strain due to sitting for a long time.
• Muscles remain weak and increase the risk of injury if not exercised.
• Incorrect nutrition due to wrong diet.
• Psychological strain leading to muscle spasm.

Symptoms of Spondylosis

Some common Symptoms of Spondylosis :

• Weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs.
• Loss of balance.
• Lower back pain.
• Numbness or weakness in the arms, hands and fingers
• Giddiness.
• Neck stiffness that progressively worsens.
• Headaches
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, if the spinal cord is compressed .

Treatment of Spondylosis

• A period of rest is often recommended. This may range from limiting normal activities to complete bed rest for three to five days.
• Some patients may have the spaces between the vertebrae injected, which reduce inflammation and reduce pain, which in turn has a muscle-relaxing effect.
• These may help relieve symptoms and strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
• In some cases intermittent neck traction may be recommended for one to two weeks. This may be in hospital or at home.
• Pain can be treated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which help to reduce pain and swelling. People with certain conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, heart problems or kidney failure may not be able to take anti-inflammatory drugs. As a short-term measure when pain is particularly bad, a muscle-relaxing drug may help.
• This limits neck movement and means that the shoulders are taking the weight of the head.