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Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the spine which is a common cause of back pain and is osteoarthritis of the spine. Over 85% of people over the age of 65 have this condition however most people do not experience symptoms. 
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Anatomy of the back
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In order to understand Spondylosis you must understand the anatomy of the spine and the relationship between the vertebra, the discs and the nerve root. ach vertebra is rigid and thick to protect the spinal cord however the spine is not one solid column. 
 
The spine is broken down into segments known as vertebra otherwise it would be one thick column which would not produce movement (conditions such as ankylosing spondylosis causes the spine to become more stiff like a solid column). Each vertebra sits on a disc which acts to separate the vertebra and allow fluidity of movement. The disc also has other roles such as increasing hydration and acts as a shock absorber.
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Cause of Spondylosis
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As we age the vertebral discs between the vertebrae starts to shorten as a result of the ageing process. As this occurs the facet joints, the joints between one vertebrae to the other starts to press come into contact and rub on each other causing pain. As this continues to occur the joint become arthritic and bone spurs start to develop which can cause pain and also start to irritate the nerve. This can cause numbness, weakness and pins and needles in the legs
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Risk factors
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  • Age 
  • Manual job
  • Smoking
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Treatment
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Physiotherapy-Physiofriend helps people with sciatica manage and resolve their pain through a range of manual therapy techniques such as massage, spinal mobilisations, postural advice and education, and pain management.
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NSAIDs (Non Sterioidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)- Back pain is the way your body tells you that there is damaged structured such as muscles and ligament. With damage to structures inflammation can cause heightened sensitivity and more pain. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can be used to reduce the inflammation.
 
Corticosteriod injections- These are injected into the area of pain and can help to reduce back pain.
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