Spondylosis

Symptoms

For most people, cervical spondylosis presents with minimal symptoms.

N

Tingling, numbness, and weakness of upper and lower extremities.

N

Lack of coordination and difficulty in walking

N

Loss of bladder or bowel control

N

Stiffness

Causes

The causes of cervical spondylosis may include:

E

Dehydrated discs. Discs act as a shock absorber between the vertebrae of your spine. By the age of 40, most people’s spinal discs begin to shrink, which allows more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.

E

Herniated discs. Age also affects degeneration. Mild cracks often appear, leading to bulging (herniated) discs — which sometimes can pinch on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

E

Bone spurs. Disc degeneration often results in bone spurs. This bone growth can pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots.

E

Stiff ligaments. Ligaments are the structures of tissue that connect bone to bone.

E

Spondylosis is a process of aging.

E

Jobs that involve repetitive movements, awkward positioning, or a lot of overhead work put extra stress on your neck.

E

Neck injuries. Previous neck injuries lead to an increased risk of cervical spondylosis.

E

Genetic factors.

Diagnosis

E

X-ray. It can show abnormalities, such as bone spurs, which indicate cervical spondylosis. Neck X-ray can also rule out rare and more serious causes for neck pain such as stiffness, such as tumors, infections, or fractures.

E

CT scan. A CT scan can provide more detailed images of bones.

E

MRI can help to find areas where nerves might be pinched.

E

Helps the spinal canal to provide more detailed X-ray or CT imaging.

E

This test measures the electrical activity in your nerves.

E

Nerve conduction study. To measure the strength and speed of nerve signals.

Treatments

Pain killers may relieve the pain temporarily, but it does not cure in all cases. Most of these problems may be managed without surgery with physical therapy. If it is an acute case (less than 6 months) icing is recommended to reduce the muscle ache. IFT, Ultrasound, and TENS are the electrotherapy modalities in physiotherapy management. Neural mobilization is very effective to relieve tingling and numbness to the lower limbs.

Our Spinal Wellness Program is a combination of manual and advanced therapeutic modalities, specific to individual patient conditions and diagnoses. Spinal decompression is an advanced version of traction which allows a negative pressure of -150 to -200 mm Hg to help the disc shrinks to its original shape. It applies computer-controlled pulling forces at measured angles to gently distract specified spinal segments. This distraction in the joints relieves pressure within the disc and any pinched nerves which promotes the movement and absorption of fluids and nutrients in the disc space. These fluids and nutrients are adequate to maintain disc health. Progressively these mechanisms can help to relieve pain.

Back ergonomic guidance and correction is critical for proper rehab and is extremely important for backache management as it helps in preventing recurrence. This consists of proper postural habits, a proper work environment, back exercises, and modifications in activities of daily living.

Elements of Spinal Wellness Program

N

Spinal Decompression Therapy

N

Pain Management

N

Exercises

N

Nutrition & Diet Management

N

Lifestyle Management

N

Ergonomics Guidance

Get a Quick Reply Here



Office

Aluva
Calicut
Perinthalmanna
Kochi

Monday to Saturday: 8:30am – 6pm



Make A Call Now

+919995089400

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spondylosis the same as arthritis of the spine? They overlap. Facet joint spondylosis involves osteoarthritic changes in the spinal facet joints. Disc degeneration is a separate but related process. The term spondylosis encompasses both, along with osteophyte formation. It is more accurate to say that spondylosis includes arthritic changes in the spine rather than that they are identical.

Will spondylosis keep getting worse? Structurally, some progression is part of normal ageing. Clinically, symptoms do not necessarily worsen with structural progression. Many patients with significant spondylosis on imaging have stable or improving symptoms with appropriate management. Modifiable factors, weight, posture, activity level, smoking, directly influence the rate of progression.

Can I exercise with spondylosis? Yes, and you must. Exercise is the primary treatment for spondylosis. The muscles surrounding the spine compensate for reduced disc and facet joint stability. Without consistent exercise, this compensation fails and symptoms worsen. The exercise prescription is specific, not all exercise is appropriate, so a physiotherapy assessment determines the right program for your spinal level and symptom pattern.

My scan shows spondylosis at multiple levels, or bone spurs. Do I need surgery? Almost certainly not, unless you have a neurological deficit or myelopathy. Multilevel spondylosis or bone spurs on imaging, without significant neurological involvement, is a conservative management problem, not a surgical one. Surgery is considered only when changes are compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord and producing significant neurological symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment.

Is it safe to have my neck manipulated with cervical spondylosis? Gentle cervical joint mobilisation, the technique used in physiotherapy, is safe for most cervical spondylosis cases. High-velocity manipulation (the type used in some chiropractic treatment) carries a small but real risk in the presence of significant spondylotic changes. At Maana Health, cervical treatment is assessed and delivered specifically for your degree of spondylosis.

How long does physiotherapy take for spondylosis? For axial pain without nerve involvement, 8 to 12 sessions typically produces significant improvement. For nerve root symptoms, 12 to 20 sessions including spinal decompression is a reasonable course before reassessment. Ongoing maintenance exercise is needed long-term, as spondylosis is a chronic condition, not an acute one.