{"id":2779,"date":"2018-09-27T21:50:12","date_gmt":"2018-09-27T21:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=2779"},"modified":"2021-10-13T02:22:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T02:22:39","slug":"9-undeniable-truths-about-spondylosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/9-undeniable-truths-about-spondylosis\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Undeniable Truths About Spondylosis"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThe spine runs from the base of the skull to the tailbone between your hips. Its elegant curve supports your body weight and provides structure to your frame. The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine are responsible for your posture and act as a highway for your nervous system.<\/p>\n

The individual bones of the spine are known as vertebrae. Each of them has independent facet joints separated by soft cartilage tissue, known as discs. The vertebrae absorb impact and allow for mobility and flexion of the spine.<\/p>\n

As we age, the discs and facet joints dry out and thin due to wear and tear. It\u2019s common for seniors to experience back pain due to diminished mobility that occurs from thinning disc and joint cartilage.<\/p>\n

However, the joints and discs may also experience premature wear from degenerative diseases like spondylosis and arthritis. Spondylosis is common in seniors, but it can affect people of all ages.<\/p>\n

1. Spondylosis Affects the Neck<\/h3>\n

The cervical spine extends from the base of your skull to the top of your shoulders. This section of the spine consists of seven small vertebrae that form your neck. Cervical spondylosis<\/a> is also known as cervical osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n

This condition occurs from the development of bone spurs (osteophytes,) on the edges of vertebrae. Swollen facet joints in the neck and spurs can pinch nerve roots or the spinal cord as cartilage disc thins.<\/p>\n

This condition creates tingling sensations in the arms and hands. In severe cases, affected individuals may experience a loss of coordination and feeling in their limbs. Some extreme cases may affect mobility.<\/p>\n

Almost 85-percent of people over 60-years old suffer from cervical spondylosis. However, these individuals don\u2019t always experience pain from the condition. A combination of medication, neck stretches, massage, and chiropractic adjustment may help to treat mobility issues. Severe cases may require surgery to fuse vertebrae or clean bone spurs.<\/p>\n

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2. Spondylosis affects the Mid Back<\/h3>\n

The thoracic spine is the most extended area of the spine stretching from the shoulders to the lower back. The thoracic consists of 12 vertebrae and is the only area attached to the rib cage.<\/p>\n

Development of spondylosis in the thoracic is typically an age-related medical condition.We tend to place less burden on our mid back. Therefore, spondylosis generally develops from lumbar or cervical spondylosis. Daily activity and physical stress accumulate on the spine over time. The pars interarticularis is the section of vertebrae most affected by spondylosis. This area joins the facets on the rear of the vertebrae<\/a>. A small crack on the pars is all that\u2019s needed to trigger spondylosis.<\/p>\n

Thoracic spondylosis doesn\u2019t always present symptoms of discomfort. You may only feel slight discomfort or stiffness. When pain occurs, it’s typically due to pinching of the nerves that extending from the spinal canal. This pain may extend down into your legs creating \u201cpins-and-needles,\u201d or numbness. You may also lose the ability to walk correctly.<\/p>\n

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3. Spondylosis Affects the Lower Back<\/h3>\n

This degenerative spinal condition is also known as spinal osteoarthritis. Lumbar spondylosis affects the five small vertebrae at the bottom of the spine. Office workers and people that sit for extended periods may suffer from this condition due to weak lower back posture. This degenerative condition affects people over 40-years of age.<\/p>\n

Natural aging is the most common reason for the development of lumbar spondylosis. The first signs of the condition are stiffness or pain in the lower back. Lumbar spondylosis progresses over time, wearing away the cartilage<\/a> between the vertebrae. Eventually, the loss of cartilage and thinning discs expose nerve roots resulting in lower back pain.<\/p>\n

Nerve inflammation creates lower back pain and feelings of numbness or lameness in the legs. It requires regular treatment through stretching and manipulation to reduce symptoms and slow progression of the condition. If left unmanaged, lumbar spondylosis reduces mobility in the lower limbs and spreads to the thoracic spine.<\/p>\n

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4. Spondylosis Triggers Bone Growth<\/h3>\n

The spine responds to the development of spondylosis. The loss of disc cartilage causes direct contact between vertebrae, rubbing them against each other. This inflammatory condition induces bone growth around the edges of the vertebrae. These \u201costeophytes<\/a>,\u201d \u201cspurs,\u201d or \u201cprojections,\u201d stiffen the spine creating friction that causes pain while reducing mobility.<\/p>\n

Spurs do not go away by themselves, even with treatment. They are more likely to grow in size and number around the vertebrae. As spurs become more pronounced, they rub against spinal nerves causing pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n

Spondylosis narrows the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord and nerves. This results in a condition referred to as \u201cspinal stenosis.\u201d There is no cure for this chronic condition. People experiencing severe nerve pain symptoms may require spinal fusion to halt its progression.<\/p>\n

Other invasive surgery techniques to clean up bone spurs will also provide relief to individuals suffering from spondylosis or spinal stenosis.<\/p>\n

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5. Spondylosis and Spinal Osteoarthritis<\/h3>\n

Osteoarthritis is the most common source of chronic joint pain<\/a>, affecting over 25-million Americans. The condition is not a single disease, but rather a culmination of structural and functional disorders resulting in the eventual failure of joints.<\/p>\n

Osteoarthritis affects the entire area. The affected area includes the joint capsule, joint lining, underlying bone, as well as the muscles and ligaments close to the affected joint. This degenerative condition consists of the loss of joint cartilage. As the body tries to repair damaged cartilage, the bone remodels itself. Subchondral bone cysts form as the bone hardens.<\/p>\n

The process of developing osteoarthritis has several stages. The stationary phase involves osteophyte formation and narrowing of the joint spaces. Further progression of the disease leads to the complete elimination of the joint area.<\/p>\n

The next step of the condition constitutes the growth of subchondral cysts under the cartilage. The final stage of osteoarthritis involves bone remodeling and repair.<\/p>\n

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6. Spondylosis has Multiple Causes<\/h3>\n

People develop spondylosis for a variety of reasons. Here is a list of the most common cause of the condition. Inflammatory joint disease \u2013 conditions like gout, joint infection, and rheumatoid disease. These conditions inflame the facet joints and discs.<\/p>\n

Metabolic issues \u2013 Paget\u2019s and Wilsons disease can cause the development of spondylosis.<\/p>\n

Endocrine<\/a> issues \u2013 Diabetes, acromegaly, hypothyroidism, and obesity. All of these conditions play a role in human health, and their symptoms can create structural problems that lead to the development of spondylosis.<\/p>\n

Neuropathic disorders \u2013 Degenerative nerve disease will prevent individuals from sensing pain attributed to spondylosis.<\/p>\n

Traumatic injury \u2013 Breaking vertebrae or damaging discs in an injury, such as a car accident.<\/p>\n

Developmental or congenital abnormalities \u2013 For example; unequal leg length may place stress on one side of the hips leading to the development of lumbar or thoracic spondylosis.<\/p>\n

Genetic disorder \u2013 Diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos disrupt collagen production.<\/p>\n

Nutritional deficiencies \u2013 A diet lacking in calcium and magnesium can lead to skeletal disease and development of spondylosis.<\/p>\n

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7. Spondylosis Affects People of all Ages<\/h3>\n

We typically associate spondylosis with aging. However, genetic predisposition to the disease means that cases do occur in people of all ages. Some individuals will experience the first symptoms of the disease in their early twenties. While it\u2019s rare for people to develop the condition at this age, genetic predispositions such as Ehlers-Danlos can influence the early onset of spondylosis.<\/p>\n

Ehlers-Danlos affects the body\u2019s ability to generate collagen<\/a>. This protein is critical for the development of bone and cartilage. Individuals who are suffering from the disease experience a lack of collagen production.<\/p>\n

This deficiency leads to the development of spondylosis and osteoarthritis in their joints.
\nThe majority of individuals report their first symptoms associated with spondylosis between the ages of 30 and 50-years old. More than 40-percent of people older than 40-years have X-ray evidence of spondylosis.<\/p>\n

Lumbar spondylosis is the most frequently cited form of the disease in people under the age of 40-years old. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 75-percent of people over the age of 60-years suffer from some form of the disease.<\/p>\n

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8. There is No Cure for Spondylosis<\/h3>\n

Spondylosis is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. It\u2019s a degenerative disease that progresses slowly over time as we age. However, there is treatment available to manage the symptoms of the condition.<\/p>\n

Medication – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help individuals manage the inflammatory effects of the disease. These drugs reduce swelling around the vertebrae and increase the mobility of the facet joints. Painkillers<\/a> help to limit to pain from nerve damage and worn discs or joints.<\/p>\n

Physical therapy \u2013 Regular stretching and mobility work can limit the spread of the disease and reduce symptoms of pain while increasing mobility.<\/p>\n

Surgery \u2013 This treatment option is typically the last resort for physicians treating spondylosis. Surgical procedures may include the removal of herniated discs, damaged vertebrae, or bone spurs.<\/p>\n

Heat and ice therapy \u2013 Individuals can reduce swelling and pain by applying a heat or ice pack to the affected area,<\/p>\n

By implementing these treatment options, you can slow the advancement of spondylosis and increase your quality of life.<\/p>\n

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9. Adjustments to Diet Help to Relieve Symptoms of Spondylosis<\/h3>\n

Spondylosis is a degenerative disease that creates inflammation in vertebrae and facet joints. Individuals can manage the symptoms of inflammation through adjustments to their diet.
\nResearch suggests that the consumption of refined carbohydrates exacerbates systemic inflammation in the body. Consumption of carbohydrates<\/a> creates inflammation of the intestinal wall in the digestive tract.<\/p>\n

This inflammation spreads to every other biological system, including the skeletal system. Implementing a ketogenic diet is an effective method of reducing systemic inflammation. The meal plan involves abstinence from consuming carbohydrates, replacing the nutrient with healthy fat sources instead.<\/p>\n

Individuals choosing a ketogenic lifestyle report better feelings of well-being. They also note a marked reduction in the symptoms of spondylosis. Focus your diet on consuming healthy fats from nuts, avocados, extra-virgin coconut, and olive oils, as well as eggs and fatty fishes such as salmon and tuna.<\/p>\n

Add an Omega-3 EFA supplement to your diet and additional calcium as well. Changing your diet will not cure your condition, but it may reduce symptoms and help you cope with the progression of the disease.<\/p>\n\r\n

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