CERVICAL AND LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
Cervical spondylosis is a common, age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in a part of the neck called cervical spine. It is variably known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis.
It develops as the result of wear and tear of cartilage and bones. It is largely the result of age, however it can be caused by other factors too.
SYMPTOMS
Some people who have this condition never experience symptoms. With others however, it causes chronic, severe pain and stiffness
Sometimes, the condition results in the narrowing of the space needed by the spinal cord as well as the nerve roots that pass through the spine to the rest of the body. If the spinal cord or nerve roots become pinched, one might experience:
- Tingling, numbness and weakness in the limbs
- Difficulty walking and lack of coordination
- In severe cases, the loss of bladder or bowel control
CAUSES
Just like all bones in the body, the bones and protective cartilage in the neck are prone to wear and tear that could lead to cervical spondylosis. Possible causes may include:
- Bone spurs
This the result of the body trying to grow extra bones to make the spine stronger.
However, that extra bone if formed, can press on delicate areas of the spine, such as the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain.
- Dehydrated spinal discs
Between spinal bones are discs which are thick and padded. They absorb the shock of lifting, twisting, etc. There is a gel-like material inside these discs that dries out over time. This causes the spinal vertebrae and indeed all bone joints to rub together, this brings about a lot of pain.
- Previous Injury
A previous injury to the neck due to a fall or car accident for examples, could accelerate the aging process
- Herniated discs
In some cases, spinal discs develop cracks. These cracks facilitate the leakage of the gel-like cushioning material, which presses on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition results in symptoms such as numbness in the arm.
- Ligament stiffness
There are some tough cords that connect the spinal bones to each other. Over time, these can become even stiffer, thus affecting neck movement.
- Overuse
Repetitive movements or heavy lifting such as during construction, can put extra pressure on the spine, resulting in early wear and tear.
RISK FACTORS
Ageing happens to be the greatest risk factor for cervical spondylosis. Disc herniation, dehydration, and bone spurs as listed above, are all results of the ageing process.
However, other factors can increase your risk of cervical spondylosis. These may include:
- Injuries to the neck
- Smoking
- Genetic factors, e.g. (family history of condition)
- Strenuous activities that put extra strain on your neck from heavy lifting
- Prolonged and repetitive neck movements
- Being overweight and inactive
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
One should see a doctor immediately he experiences loss of bowel or bladder control or the sudden onset of numbness or tingling in the shoulders and the limbs. Especially if the pain and discomfort begins to interfere with normal activities.
As said earlier, the condition is often the result of aging, however, there are treatments that can reduce the symptoms.
TREATMENTS
The treatments for cervical spondylosis focuses on providing pain relief and lowering the risk of permanent damage.
Nonsurgical methods are usually very effective, the following are a few modes of treatment.
- Physical therapy
A doctor might recommend a physical therapist for treatment. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles, ultimately making them stronger. This helps to relieve the symptoms.
Another option is Neck Traction. This is the use of weights to increase the space between the cervical joints and relieve the pressure on the cervical discs and nerve roots.
- Medications - non surgery
If drugs bought over the ends up not working, a doctor might prescribe certain medications. These may include:
- muscle relaxants (to treat muscle spasms)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (to reduce inflammation)
- anti-epileptic drugs (to relieve pain caused by damage nerves)
- steroid injections (to reduce tissue inflammation and lessen pain)
- narcotics (for pain relief
- Surgery
If the condition is severe or does not respond to other forms of treatment, surgery might be recommended. This can involve the removal bone spurs, parts of the neck bones, or herniated discs in order to give the nerves and spinal cord more space.
Surgery is rarely used to treat cervical spondylosis. However, a doctor may recommend it due to the severity of a case especially if it affects movement of the arms.
Non surgery
- Acupuncture - is popular in the alleviation of back and neck pain. The method involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body. The needles are twirled, stimulated, and or warmed to enhance the effects. It is believed that acupuncture prompts the body to produce chemicals that help to reduce pain.
- Bed Rest - Severe cases of this condition may require some bed rest.
Long-term bed rest is carefully avoided because it puts patient at risk for deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs).
- Chiropractic - Chiropractors believe that a healthy nervous system is synonymous with a healthy body. A misalignment of a vertebra, may distress the entire nervous system and lead to neck pain. Chiropractors use mainly ice/heat, ultrasound, massage, lifestyle modification, and spinal adjustments -- also called spinal manipulation.
- Lifestyle Modification - Weight Loss, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, regular exercise, and not smoking are important habits to help spine function at any age.
- Spinal Injections - Epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections are used to combine a local anesthetic and steroid medication to reduce inflamed nerve tissues and thereby often help to reduce pain.
OPTIONS FOR HOME TREATMENT
With a mild condition, few things can be tried at home to treat the condition such as:
- Taking pain relievers, which includes NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil)
- Using a heating pad or a cold pack on your neck to provide pain relief for sore muscles.
- Exercising regularly to facilitate faster recovery.
A soft neck brace or soft collar is worn for temporary relief. However, wearing these for long periods can make the muscles weaker.
