Spondylosis – The Causes, Signs, and Treatment Options

In Shrewsbury, many people struggle with arthritis, and spondylosis is one of the most common ones. It is the type of arthritis that occurs when there is wear and tear to your spine. It occurs when your joints and discs degenerate, and the changes may hinder movement in your spine and nerves. Here are a few things to know about Shrewsbury spondylosis. 

What Are the Causes of Spondylosis?

The spine consists of various motion segments. These segments appear in stacks and enable smooth movement of the spine. In every segment, there are three primary points of contact. They include an intervertebral disc and two facet joints. If there is trauma or degeneration to your facet joints, the protective cartilage starts wearing away. Over time, bone spurs may form, leading to stiffness, pain, abnormal motion, or malalignment. 

The Risk Factors

The main risk factor for spondylosis is prolonged wear and tear. It affects people in different ways. Some may experience the symptoms sooner or more intensely than others. The other risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese.
• Genetic tendencies.
• Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Have gone through spinal surgery or suffered a spine injury
• Work in a job that demands repetitive or excessive weight-bearing

Symptoms of Spondylosis

Most people with spondylosis don’t experience any symptoms in the beginning. When the symptoms finally manifest, they vary depending on the location and severity of arthritic changes. In some cases, the symptoms disappear after a few days. Sudden movements may trigger them, and they get worse after long periods of moving. Here are the most common symptoms:

• Weakness in your leg or hands
• A popping or grinding feel when your spine moves.
• Headaches.
• Pain and muscle spasms.
• Poor coordination.
• Loss of bowel control.
• Reduced balance and difficulty walking.

Treatment

If you have a mild case of spondylosis, you may not need treatment. It may cause occasional pain and stiffness, which doesn’t affect the quality of your life. However, your specialist may administer treatment. It starts with non-surgical options like physical therapy and medication. You may require bracing to make your back immobile and allow the fracture to heal. 

If regular medications don’t work, they may recommend a spinal epidural injection. It has steroids that reduce inflammation hence alleviating your pain. If non-surgical treatment methods don’t work, you may need surgery. 

Home Remedies

• Rest for a few minutes when the inflammation gets worse.
• Use over-the-counter pain medication.
• Adopt a good posture. Slouching could make things worse.
• Walking, swimming and other types of low-impact exercise could help improve your muscle strength and flexibility.
• Invest in a supportive mattress and chair to minimize back pain.
• Massage.

Spondylosis is a common problem not only in Shrewsbury but all over the world. It affects older adults, and most people are likely to develop it when they are older. The symptoms range from non-existent to mild. If you suspect that you may have it, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your specialist will administer treatment depending on the severity of your case.