Spondylosis is a generic term that describes wear and tear to your spinal discs. Unfortunately, it’s a common issue that may contribute to other musculoskeletal problems. Fortunately, when you understand the signs and seek care from a Lakeville chiropractor from Enlighten Chiropractic, you may slow the progression and manage your symptoms.
General Information
Spondylosis specifically refers to age-related wear and tear affecting your spinal discs. The discs will lose fluid and shrink. As a result, you’re more prone to osteoarthritis and bone spurs from osteoarthritis.
You may develop spondylosis in any portion of your spine, including the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine.
Cervical spondylosis is common and affects over 85 percent of those who are 60 years and older. Additionally, 80 percent of people over 40 have lumbar spondylosis.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary based on the severity of wear and tear. Most people with any form have no symptoms. However, in more serious cases, a person may experience pain that interferes with his or her life. Stiffness is also a sign you may have spondylosis.
Your spine could also narrow from spondylosis. As a result, your spinal cord and nerve roots will have less space. The nerves could even become pinched, which will contribute to tingling, numbness, and weakness that could affect your hands, arms, feet, or legs, depending on the location of the nerve.
When it affects your lower back, you could have difficulty walking or experience a loss of bowel or bladder control.
If the spondylosis causes osteoarthritis, you may notice any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Loss of range of motion
- Joints that feel tender or warm to the touch
- Joint stiffness
- Joint Pain
Causes
As briefly noted, spondylosis comes from age. By the time you reach the age of 40, it’s more than likely that your spinal discs have been drying out. Eventually, your vertebrae may rub against one another, causing you discomfort and a decrease in your range of motion.
Also mentioned above, the wear and tear of the discs can eventually affect your connective tissue. The bone spurs are your body’s way to compensate when you have bone deterioration. Additional bone will form, and it, unfortunately, appears in the wrong location, leading to a bony protrusion.
While age is the primary factor, your job can increase your chances. For instance, if you have a job that entails you moving your neck a great deal or in awkward positions, you’re enhancing stress on discs and vertebrae. If you have a job that requires you to sit a great deal or bend repeatedly, you could be increasing your risk of lumbar spondylosis.
Additionally, genetics appears to play a role in some people.
Chiropractic Treatment
At Enlighten Chiropractic, our Lakeville chiropractor will determine a customized treatment plan ideal for you. For one, our chiropractor may guide you through exercises to do in our office and at home. These physical activities will strengthen and stretch your muscles in that region.
Part of our care will include lifestyle advice so you can learn ways to reduce the strain on that portion of your spine.
Our treatment approach for any issue, including spondylosis, is to keep you comfortable and restore function. In some cases, our goal may be to stop or slow the progression when possible.
Book an appointment with Enlighten Chiropractic, serving Lakeville, MN, and the nearby region, by calling 952-232-1935 today. You may also fill out our contact form.
