Spinal Osteoarthritis: Causes, risk factors, and signs
Cervical spondylosis, a common age-related disorder that affects the neck, can cause a range of symptoms including neck pain, stiffness, and neurological issues. This condition, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, affects more than 85% of people over the age of 60.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can be debilitating, with common complaints including neck pain and stiffness that worsen over time, limited neck mobility, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, and sometimes legs, headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, and pain radiating to the shoulders, arms, or legs in severe cases.
Fortunately, there are various management strategies available to alleviate these symptoms.
**Lifestyle Changes**
Correcting posture and making ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the neck are essential. Avoiding prolonged sitting and repetitive neck movements, maintaining neck mobility through gentle exercises, managing mental stress, and improving sleep can also be beneficial. Some traditional views link these factors to symptom exacerbation.
**Alternative Therapies**
Ayurvedic therapies, such as Nasya therapy (medicated oils applied through the nasal passages), aim to relieve stiffness, ease pain, and improve neck movement by balancing bodily doshas, particularly Vata. Herbal medications and specific dietary adjustments to reduce aggravating factors like dry and processed foods are also used in Ayurvedic treatment.
**Medications**
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain and inflammation associated with cervical spondylosis. In some cases, muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications may be prescribed.
**Physical Therapy**
Specific exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility, techniques to alleviate nerve compression symptoms, and strategies to improve posture are all part of physical therapy for cervical spondylosis.
**Surgical Options**
Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases where there is significant nerve or spinal cord compression causing neurological symptoms. Common surgical procedures include discectomy (removal of herniated discs compressing nerves), laminectomy (removing parts of vertebrae to relieve spinal cord pressure), and spinal fusion (stabilizing affected vertebrae to prevent further damage).
Minimally invasive spinal surgery involves fewer risks due to a smaller incision, less blood loss, less muscle damage, faster recovery, and a reduced risk of pain and infection after surgery.
It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a tailored treatment strategy based on individual symptom severity and overall health status. Research suggests that complementary therapies may be effective for nerve pain or damage that stems from the neck.
Scoliosis may be linked to degeneration of the facet joints in adults, and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that carries the spinal cord nerves, can cause symptoms such as pain, problems with the feet, and numbness or weakness.
Spondylosis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine, can also affect the middle of the spine (thoracic spondylosis) and the lower back (lumbar spondylosis). Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a condition that affects the spinal cord, can cause symptoms such as pain and numbness in the limbs, a loss of coordination in the hands, imbalance, and difficulty walking, and in later stages, bladder issues.
Most people with spondylosis do not need surgery, and a doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of spinal surgery. Surgery for spondylosis may involve removing a disc or piece of bone that is pressing against the nerves and then fusing nearby vertebrae, or replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one.
Cervical radiculopathy, a condition caused by changes in a disc or bone that can cause nerves in the spine to become pinched, leading to shooting pain, numbness, and hypersensitivity, is another condition associated with spondylosis.
Home remedies for spondylosis pain include over-the-counter pain relief medication, low impact exercise, improving posture, physical therapy, back support, and rest during periods of inflammation. Multilevel spondylosis, which affects more than one part of the spine, may require a more comprehensive treatment approach.
In summary, cervical spondylosis is a manageable condition with a variety of treatment options available. Lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, alternative therapies, and surgery (in severe cases) can all play a role in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for a personalised treatment plan.
- Obesity can exacerbate symptoms of cervical spondylosis due to increased pressure on the spine.
- Predictive analysis in medicine can help identify individuals at risk of developing cervical spondylosis based on certain factors.
- Depression is a common mental health condition associated with chronic pain and disability in patients with cervical spondylosis.
- Backpain, due to various medical conditions like cervical spondylosis or musculoskeletal surgeries, can significantly impact work productivity and workplace-wellness.
- Ayurvedic therapies, including AQ (Ayurveda Quotient), may provide relief from symptoms of cervical spondylosis and other musculoskeletal disorders.
- Bipolar patients might experience more severe symptoms and less response to treatment for conditions like cervical spondylosis due to the overlap of neuroinflammation.
- Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, can lead to increased stress and mental health issues, potentially worsening symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
- AD (Attention Deficit) medication may be adjusted in patients with cervical spondylosis, as such medication can affect musculoskeletal health and possibly aggravate symptoms.
- PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) tests are not generally affected by cervical spondylosis.
- Science continues to explore the relationship between sleep disorders and cervical spondylosis, as adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and wellness.
- Workplace wellness programs can incorporate strategies to manage cervical spondylosis symptoms, such as ergonomic workstations, stress management techniques, and fitness-and-exercise initiatives.
- Individuals managing cervical spondylosis should be aware of the increased risk of developing additional chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, eye-health problems, and hearing impairments due to shared risk factors.
- Older adults with cervical spondylosis may also be diagnosed with age-related conditions like skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders.
- Women's health issues, such as sexual health and menopause, can intersect with cervical spondylosis management due to hormonal changes, weight-management concerns, and increased risk of certain complications.
- Men's health aging concerns, like prostate issues and cardiovascular health, may impact the progression and treatment of cervical spondylosis.
- Skin-care routines can be adjusted to accommodate sensitive skin or specific medical conditions associated with cervical spondylosis treatments or symptoms.
- Therapies-and-treatments for cervical spondylosis, in addition to those mentioned earlier, may include acupuncture, cannabidiol (CBD), and other holistic approaches.
- Nutritional guidance, including a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients, can support overall health and help manage cervical spondylosis symptoms.
- Addressing cervical spondylosis and its associated conditions is paramount in the prevention and management of potential complications, especially for individuals utilizing Medicare and navigating parenting or caregiving responsibilities.
