What is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine. Constant wear and tear of the discs and cartilage of the spine can lead to spondylosis. The neck and low back can be affected by spondylosis, resulting in neck or low back pain.
Chronic wear on the spine may affect the discs, cartilage and joints of the spine which overtime may compress one or more of the nerve roots. Your arms and legs may also be affected in advanced cases. People who are very active at work or take part in sports are more likely to experience spondylosis.
What are the symptoms of Spondylosis?
Symptoms of spondylosis typically occur overtime but there are times they may start and get worse abruptly. Symptoms include:
- Neck and back pain
- Stiffness in neck or low back, limited mobility
- Pain over the shoulder blade
- Pain that spreads to the upper arm, forearm or fingers
- Headache
- Numbness or an abnormal sensation in the shoulder, arms or legs
- "Clicking" sound from the spine
What causes Spondylosis?
Spondylosis is caused by changes to the structures that make up the backbone and neck. As people age, the backbone and neck gradually change due to wear and tear. These changes include:
- Dehydrated spinal discs: Your discs acts as cushions between the verterbrae of the spine. As we age, these discs begin drying and shrinking. As the discs shrinks, there is more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.
- Herniated discs: Cracks can also appear on the exterior of the spinal discs. The soft interior of a disc may squeeze through these cracks and press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Bone spurs: As the disc breaks down, the body may produce extra bone in an effort to strengthen the spine, resulting in bone spurs. These bone spurs may sometimes pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Stiff ligaments: Ligaments are cords of tissue connecting bone to bone and spinal ligaments may stiffen with age.
What are the risk factors of Spondylosis?
Risk factors for Spondylosis include:
- Being 60 years of age or older
- Osteoarthritis
- Physically demanding jobs that may require activities such as constant bending or heavy lifting
- Neck or back injuries
- Prior spine injuries
- Obesity
How do you prevent Spondylosis?
- Avoid sitting at your desk for extended periods of time. Take short breaks every hour to stand, walk around and stretch.
- Use a lumbar support when sitting to support your back.
- Adopt good ergonomics - sit upright and make sure both your feet are on the floor.
- Keep the top of your computer screen at eye level so you'll be looking down at your screen at a 15 to 20-degree angle, which is less strenuous on the neck.
- Do regular stretching and strengthening exercises if sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- Quit smoking.
How is Spondylosis diagnosed?
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check the degree of curvature of the spine and check for related underlying medical conditions.
