Spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis, i.e. degenerative changes in the spine and intervertebral joints, are one of the most common disease syndromes in recent years - basically everyone over 65 has them. What are the causes and symptoms of spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis? How is the treatment going?

Spondylosisandspondyloarthrosisare common, which is due to the progressive change in lifestyle, reduced physical and physical activity, and easier living conditions following technical progress.

Degenerative changes occur in virtually all people over 65.

They concern interbody connections, joints between articular processes, joints located on the posterolateral surfaces of the C4-C7 vertebral bodies, spinous processes of the vertebrae and ligaments. Most often they are located in the most mobile parts of the spine, i.e. at the level of C8-Th1 and L5-S1.

Spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis - pathophysiology

Usually the disease begins in the third decade of life, when the loss of water content in the intervertebral disc causes vertebrae stabilization which increases their mobility in all planes.

This leads to the so-called ataxia in the intervertebral joints, narrowing of the lumen of the spinal canal and intervertebral openings, and tightness manifested by compression of the nerve roots.

The consequence of the deformation of the intervertebral disc is a change in the curvature of the spine and an increase in pressure on the surfaces of the intervertebral joints.

In spondylosis, the presence of pitted osteophytes on the sides and on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies is characteristic.

These outgrowths arise as a result of ossification of intervertebral ligaments. After joining the outgrowths of the adjacent vertebrae, the given segment of the spine is stiffened.

In contrast, spondyloarthrosis causes sclerotization of the subchondral bone layer and narrowing of the joint space. Interestingly, osteophytes are less common.

Spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis - causes

The causes of the development of degenerative changes in the spine and intervertebral joints include:

  • disadvantagescongenital (sacralization, lumbalization, hypertrophy of the transverse and spinous processes)
  • post-traumatic injuries (fractures of vertebral bodies, joint processes, vertebral arches, injuries of the intervertebral disc)
  • post-inflammatory changes
  • non-physiological static-dynamic loads
  • excessive prolonged pressure on limited sections of the vertebrae (e.g. on the front edge of the shaft in excessive kyphosis, on the concave side in the lateral curvature, on the articular processes in excessive lordosis)
  • pelvic position defects causing spine curvatures
  • hyperlordosis or hyperphosis
  • long-term work in non-physiological positions
  • increased susceptibility of the spine to damage in congenital diseases (e.g. dysplasia), in nutritional disorders (e.g. rickets, osteomalacia) and in hormonal disorders (menopause, acromegaly) or during treatment with hormonal preparations

Spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis - symptoms

The patient's symptoms depend on the site of the degenerative changes.

These include local pains that initially intensify after exercise, and then appear with each movement and at rest, pains caused by compression of the nerve roots, pains imitating angina symptoms, and muscle atrophy.

Back pain: unusual symptoms of back diseases

Spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis - diagnosis

The basic and most frequently performed examination to diagnose degenerative changes in the spine and intervertebral joints is an X-ray image.

It should be remembered, however, that X-ray images do not show soft tissues, which can cause significant discomfort from the compressed nerve roots.

In view of the above, also CT or magnetic resonance imaging is performed in order to more accurately determine the severity of lesions.

Spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis - treatment

In the treatment of spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis, the following are used:

  • physical therapy (diathermy, diadynamics, thermotherapy)
  • kinesiotherapy (exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles)
  • pharmacotherapy (topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs)
  • wearing orthopedic corsets that stabilize the selected section of the spine

They can also help:

Classic spine massage
Manual therapy for spine pain
Surgical treatment is also possible, is to remove the cause of compression of nerve elements.

Finally, don't forgeton prophylaxis - it is very important to avoid excessive strain on the spine.

Check:

Is it possible to run with a backache?

How to Ride a Bike to Avoid Back Pain?

Back exercises - 10 exercises to strengthen the back muscles

Category:

Anatomy