As we age, almost every a part of our body will experience natural changes. And for a lot of adults, neck and back problems are one in all the not-so-pleasant parts of the aging process.
Spondylosis (or degenerative disc disease) is probably the most common spinal conditions experienced by adults. The truth is, it’s estimated that around 85% of adults over the age of 60 show signs of spondylosis.
But what exactly is spondylosis? What are the signs and symptoms of spondylosis? Is it curable? And when do you have to see a physician about neck and back pain you might be experiencing? We answer all these questions and more.
What’s spondylosis (degenerative disc disease)?
Spondylosis is a type of arthritis. Along with degenerative disc disease, it may well even be called degenerative disease of the spine. Spondylosis affects the discs within the spine, which may sometimes result in neck pain, back pain, or lack of normal spinal function.
What causes spondylosis?
Spondylosis is attributable to the natural aging process you’ve got probably heard of as “normal wear and tear”.
The vertebral discs act as cushions between each cervical vertebra and the vertebrae – also known as rubbery or gelatinous. But as we age, these discs begin to dry out and turn into thinner. And this thinning puts strain on every muscle, joint, and ligament that holds your spine in place, which may result in pain and reduced range of motion.
Over time, these spondylotic changes can sometimes result in compression of 1 or more spinal nerve roots, growth of bone spurs, or a herniated disc, which may cause other symptoms.
As well as, there are specific risk aspects that may speed up the aging process or make you more more likely to develop spondylosis, including:
- Be obese
- Family history of spinal disorders
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Work that requires repetitive movements that strain the spine
Spondylosis symptoms
There are three various kinds of spondylosis. Each type is related to a selected area of the spine where changes have occurred. These include the cervical (C), thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) regions.
Your spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae, that are partly made up of seven cervical (neck) vertebrae, 12 thoracic (middle back) and five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae. There’s a disc between each vertebra.
The spine also has joints called facet joints. Their task is to attach the vertebrae and give them flexibility in moving relative to one another.
The symptoms of spondylosis can vary from individual to individual. Some people may not even notice neck or back pain or problems. While spondylosis can affect joints anywhere along the spine, it’s more common within the neck and lower back.
Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis affects your neck, which can be called the cervical spine and represents the vertebrae C1 to C7. These vertebrae connect your skull to your body and are chargeable for movements corresponding to turning your head left and right or nodding your head up and down.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis
Your neck has an enormous job to do. Supports the load of the top and provides a wide selection of movement. While many individuals experience no symptoms of cervical spondylosis, those that do may experience:
- Neck pain, which can feel like a relentless ache, worsens with movement or each (pain can also spread to arms or shoulders)
- Neck stiffness that will worsen over time
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Headaches, especially behind the top
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sensation when moving the neck
In some cases, cervical spondylosis can result in narrowing of the spinal canal through which the spinal cord and nerves pass. If a cord or nerves turn into pinched (or pinched), the next symptoms may occur and you need to see your doctor as soon as possible:
- Numbness, tingling, or stabbing pain in your arms, shoulders, or hands, or what may feel like an electrical sensation while you bend your neck forward
- Difficulty walking or lack of coordination
- Lack of bladder and bowel control (rare)
Thoracic spondylosis
Your thoracic spine, from T1 to T12, rises where the cervical spine ends. It continues to guard the spinal cord in addition to connect and support the chest.
Symptoms of thoracic spondylosis
Because the “trunk” or middle back, these 12 vertebrae are stable and strong. Consequently, thoracic spondylosis is the least common kind of degenerative disc disease and most individuals experience no symptoms. But when symptoms are present, they are sometimes similar to the symptoms of lumbar spondylosis, which we speak about in the subsequent section.
Lumbar spondylosis
Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower back, from L1 to L5. More specifically, the lumbar region is the section of the vertebrae between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. That is the a part of the spine that carries probably the most weight, so it’s no surprise that the aging process can result in lumbar spondylosis.
Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis
Your lower back supports and distributes most of your body weight, making lumbar spondylosis perhaps probably the most common degenerative disease of the spine.
The truth is, over 80% of individuals within the US over the age of 40 can have lumbar spondylosis. Nonetheless, like other forms of spondylosis, many individuals may not have any symptoms or pain. For many who experience symptoms, they could include:
- Low back pain, which can feel like a relentless soreness, worse with movement, or each (back pain can also be worse within the morning and improve in the course of the day)
- Back stiffness
- Weakness within the legs or feet
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Grinding, clicking, or popping noises when sitting, standing, or moving in certain ways
- Bladder retention (inability to urinate)
As with cervical spondylosis, changes within the spinal discs within the lumbar region also can result in nerve or spinal compression. A herniated disc also can occur, which is when a disc slips or bulges through a weakened a part of the spine. Herniated discs are commonest within the lower back and are also more common with age. Call your doctor instantly in the event you experience any of the next symptoms:
- Numbness, tingling, or pain radiating from the back to the buttocks, legs, feet, or toes (sciatica)
- Changes in the way in which you walk (gait) or difficulty walking
- Lack of bladder or bowel control (rare)
Spondylosis vs Spondylolysis: What is the Difference?
The 2 terms may look and sound almost equivalent, but there are key characteristics that make the terms different. While each may cause back pain, spondylosis refers to normal changes that may occur with age. Spondylolysis is definitely a stress fracture that happens in an element of the spine called the “pars” and is usually attributable to overuse.
How is spondylosis diagnosed?
When you are experiencing any symptoms of spondylosis, you possibly can skip your GP appointment and see a physical therapist instantly. You possibly can simply check together with your insurer to know your insurance coverage.
At your first visit, your physical therapist will likely start a physical examination, which can include:
- Asking questions on the situation and severity of any pain, stiffness, or other symptoms you’re experiencing
- Assess range of motion by moving, bending, or twisting in alternative ways
- Examination of weakness within the muscles of the arms and legs
- Feel along the spine to assist detect tenderness or possible muscle spasms, tumors, or areas of inflammation
In some cases, imaging tests corresponding to an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could also be beneficial to take a better take a look at the spine.
Is spondylosis curable?
Yes. For most individuals, the symptoms of spondylosis could be treated with home treatments, corresponding to over-the-counter painkillers, heat and cold therapy, and some lifestyle modifications.
Depending in your condition, a back specialist can also recommend pain psychology, acupuncture, or injections for long-term but still temporary pain relief. And if spondylosis has resulted in compression of a nerve or spinal cord, surgery could also be helpful in reducing the pressure.
But stretching and activity could be the most vital step in treating pain or other symptoms of spondylosis. That is because movement is very important for keeping all of the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the body working. And dealing with a spinal physiotherapist can assist.
Spinal physical therapists can teach you targeted stretching exercises and neck and back strengthening exercises to assist reduce pain and stiffness related to spondylosis. Depending on several aspects, including how long you’ve got had neck or back pain, a more intensive physical therapy program, corresponding to the TRIA Neck and Back Strengthening Program, could also be beneficial. The spine strengthening program is specifically designed for individuals with chronic back pain.
Learn more about spondylosis treatment and exercise.
Take step one towards easing your neck and back pain
While you possibly can’t stop aging, there are steps you possibly can take to administer the neck and back pain that may accompany it.
When you’ve recently began noticing regular pain and stiffness in your neck or back and it doesn’t appear to go away, making an appointment with a spinal physiotherapist could be a fantastic first step. At TRIA, our physical therapy programs don’t require a physician’s referral, nevertheless it is idea to examine together with your insurance company to know coverage.