What Is Spondylosis? Key Facts Every Biology Student Should Know
The spinal cord helps to support the body structure and weight of the individual. It also carries and protects the main nerve branches, which run from the brain. Vertebrates contain 24 bones including spine curved, not straight, lumbar parts of the spine, and the cervical thoracic. These bones and joints allow flexibility of the spine. These are called facet joints. Spinal Spondylosis usually occurs due to abnormal bone development or noninflammatory degenerative disease of the spine. Spondylosis is usually found in vertebrates and reduces the mobility of intervertebral joints. Spondylosis commonly occurs in aged men while compared to women. Symptoms of spondylosis will increase gradually and cause disabling tingling pain, limited motion, and partial paralysis. The thoracic spine will experience less effect than the lumbar and cervical spine. This is because the curvature present in the latter prevents spondylosis from impinging the spinal cord. Lumbar and cervical spondylosis can occur simultaneously in the individual. Spondylosis occurs due to the excessive growth of bone and reactive osteoarthritis.
Spondylosis Risk Factors
Spondylosis Definition - wears and tear over the spin. The person with the following risk factors has a high chance of being affected by spondylosis. The risk factors are listed below.
1. This may occur due to genetic tendency.
2. A person with obesity or overweight has a high risk.
3. Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle.
4. Smoking
5. Overweight-bearing and repetitive stress for the spinal cord
6. The person with anxiety or depression
7. A person having psoriatic arthritis.
8. A person with spinal cord injury or spinal cord surgery.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
People who are experiencing age-related spondylosis could not find any symptoms. But, some people will experience symptoms during sudden movements. At the initial stage of cervical lumbar spondylosis, it causes stiffness and mild pain. It may lead to severe symptoms if it remains untreated. The severe symptoms like muscle spasms and pain, poor coordination, weakness of hands or legs, headaches, loss of balance and difficulty in walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, and spins may create a grinding or popping feeling
Complications on Spondylosis
A person who has mild lumbar spondylosis will have some complications. The list of complications is listed below.
Spinal Stenosis:
This occurs due to the narrowing of the canal in spinal cord nerves. Spinal stenosis may cause symptoms like pain in the neck or back, and it may extend to legs and cause problems in the feet, numbness, or weakness.
Cervical Radiculopathy:
Changes in a disc or bone will cause nerves in the spine to become shooting pain, hypersensitivity, numbness, and pinching.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy:
This is due to the spinal cord compressed or squeezed. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy causes symptoms like pain and numbness in the limbs, a loss of coordination in the hands, bladder problems, imbalance, and difficulty in walking.
Scoliosis:
This occurs due to the degeneration of facet joints and scoliosis in adults.
Spondylosis Diagnosis Method
To diagnosis, the spondylotic disease doctors will follow the physical examination methods as below.
During General Screening
1. Will check the range of motion in the neck
2. Will test the muscle strength and reflexes to find out one's pressure on spinal nerves or spinal cord.
3. Notice the walk to identify the spinal compression
Imaging Tests
Image testing is a kind of screening process. These imaging tests can provide some detailed information about the infected part and help the doctor for further treatment.
Neck X-Ray:
To screen the abnormalities in the bone spurs can take an X-ray. Through X-ray, we can easily find the causes for neck stiffness and pain, tumors, infections, or fractures in the neck.
CT-Scan:
Through CT scan we can get more details about the bones
MRI:
To know a clear idea about the nervous system and its defects. MRI scan can be used.
Myelography:
During myelography, a tracer dye is injected into the spinal cord to provide clear X-ray or CT imaging.
Nerve Function Tests
The physician will suggest a nerve function test to determine the flow of nerve signals and their traveling property through nerves. To perform nerve function tests physicians can use the following methods while screening mild lumbar spondylosis
Electromyography:
By using electromyography, it is possible to measure the electrical activity of the nerves and their transmitting routes into the muscles during the contraction and resting position of muscles.
Nerve Conduction Study:
For nerve conduction study, electrodes are attached to the skin and small shocks are passed through the nerves to measure the strength and speed of the nerve signals.
Spondylosis Treatment
Treatment for cervical lumbar spondylosis depends on the severity of the symptoms and signs of the spondylotic disease. The treatment will help to relieve pain and to maintain usual physical activities and prevent further injury in the spinal cord and nerves.
To treat mild lumbar spondylosis, physicians will provide some medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine, corticosteroids, Anti-seizure medications like horizant, Neurontin, and Antidepressants.
Therapeutic Treatments
Some mild lumbar spondylosis can be treated with therapies. The physiotherapist will help to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the neck and shoulders. People with cervical lumbar spondylosis can also benefit from the use of tractions, which can help to improve space between spines if nerve roots are merged.
Surgery for Spondylosis
The person, who could not benefit from the above treatments will move for surgery. Through surgery, it is possible to create more room for spinal cord and nerve roots. During surgery, doctors will remove a herniated disk or bone spurs, part of a vertebra, and fuse a segment of the neck using bone graft and hardware.
FAQs on Spondylosis Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
1. What exactly is spondylosis, and what are its primary causes?
Spondylosis is a broad term for age-related degeneration or 'wear and tear' of the spinal discs and vertebrae. It is a form of arthritis affecting the spine. The primary cause is the natural ageing process, which leads to:
- Dehydrated Spinal Discs: The gel-like discs between vertebrae lose water and shrink over time, reducing their cushioning effect and leading to more bone-on-bone contact.
- Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): The body may grow extra bone to try and strengthen the spine, but these spurs can narrow the space for the spinal cord and nerves.
- Stiffening of Ligaments: The tough cords that connect spinal bones can become stiff with age, reducing the spine's flexibility.
2. What are the most common symptoms a person with spondylosis might experience?
While many people with spondylosis have no symptoms, others may experience:
- Pain and Stiffness: Aching pain and stiffness in the neck or back, which might be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Grinding Sensation: A popping or grinding feeling (crepitus) when moving the affected part of the spine.
- Radiculopathy: If a nerve root is compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or legs.
- Headaches: In cases of cervical (neck) spondylosis, headaches often originate at the base of the skull.
3. How is spondylosis different from spondylitis and spondylolisthesis?
These terms sound similar but describe different spinal conditions. Understanding the difference is key:
- Spondylosis: Refers to the degeneration (wear and tear) of the spine, often due to ageing. It is a non-inflammatory type of arthritis.
- Spondylitis: Involves inflammation of the vertebrae. It is often linked to autoimmune diseases, with Ankylosing Spondylitis being a primary example.
- Spondylolisthesis: Describes the slippage of one vertebra forward over the one below it. This is often caused by a fracture or instability in the spine.
4. What are the different types of spondylosis based on their location in the spine?
Spondylosis is classified based on which section of the vertebral column is affected. The main types are:
- Cervical Spondylosis: Affects the neck region (vertebrae C1-C7). It is very common due to the neck's high degree of mobility.
- Thoracic Spondylosis: Affects the mid-back (vertebrae T1-T12). This type is less common because the thoracic spine is more rigid.
- Lumbar Spondylosis: Affects the lower back (vertebrae L1-L5). It is also very common as the lumbar spine bears most of the body's weight.
5. What are the typical treatment options for managing spondylosis?
Treatment focuses on relieving pain and maintaining function, as the underlying degeneration cannot be reversed. Common approaches include:
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, muscle relaxants to ease spasms, and sometimes specific medications for nerve pain.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injections near the affected nerve roots or joints can provide temporary but powerful anti-inflammatory relief.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding activities that strain the spine.
- Surgery: Reserved for severe cases where nerve compression causes significant weakness or loss of function.
6. Can spondylosis be completely cured, or is it a permanent condition?
Spondylosis cannot be completely cured because it is a degenerative process related to ageing and wear and tear. The structural changes in the discs and bones are permanent. However, this does not mean a person will have permanent pain. The goal of treatment is not to reverse the condition but to manage the symptoms, reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain a high quality of life through physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
7. How does the ageing process contribute to spondylosis at a biological level?
At a biological level, ageing directly impacts the key structures of the spine. The intervertebral discs, which act as cushions, are primarily composed of water and proteins called proteoglycans. With age, these discs naturally lose water content and become desiccated. This reduces their height and ability to absorb shock. As the discs shrink, ligaments can thicken and the body attempts to stabilise the spine by forming bony growths called osteophytes. This entire cascade of changes constitutes the pathology of spondylosis.
8. Why might someone with spondylosis experience symptoms like numbness or weakness in their arms or legs?
Numbness or weakness are classic signs of nerve compression (radiculopathy). In spondylosis, the degenerative changes can narrow the spaces in the spine through which nerves pass. This narrowing can be caused by:
- A herniated disc, where the inner material bulges out and presses on a nerve.
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) that grow into the spinal canal or the foramen (the opening where nerves exit), directly impinging on the nerve root.
This pressure disrupts the nerve's ability to send and receive signals, resulting in symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the part of the body that the nerve supplies.
