HELP! DOCTOR SAID THAT I HAVE SPONDYLOSIS!

 You may have heard the Doctor announce to you or someone that you know that he or she has spondylosis, either cervical, thoracic or lumbar. This is a very common condition in the 21st century because of our various day to day activities.

But what is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is simply the wear and tear or degeneration of the spine or- either the arthritis of the facet joints of the spine or the degeneration of the intervertebral discs. 

This has no precise cause but has many risk factors which include:

- Poor lying, sitting or standing postures

-having a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise

- having injured the spine or undergone spinal surgery

- smoking

- having a job that requires repetitive or weight-bearing movements that involve the spine

- having a genetic tendency

- having obesity or being overweight

- Aging

The common symptoms are:

- Back pain (upper, mid or lower back pain, depending on the part of the spine affected)

- Pain moving down the back of the thigh and leg

- numbness and weakness of the muscles of the legs that worsen with upright stance and walking, and improve with sitting and supine positioning.

This is usually confirmed with X-rays and MRIs.

How to manage Spondylosis

1. The Use of painkillers- This usually gives a temporary relief. However, you need to be precautious on the prolonged use of painkillers. You can read our previous teaching on WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT PAINKILLERS for more details.

2. Physiotherapy- a conservative method which has proven results of recuperation.

3. Surgery- performed usually in critical cases.

Tips to Help you Feel better

1. Ensure your mattress is firm enough; avoid mattresses that sink.

2. Ensure you sit upright, on a good, ergonomic chair.

3. Lumbar support (or pillow on your low back) can help

4. Avoid positions that aggravate the pain eg. Bending forward.

5. If bending forward aggravates the pain, do some back extension exercises (push-up with the waist on the bed, just the upper body being lifted).

6. See your Possible Physiotherapist to support you in achieving your goal of easy movements, and get you back to doing what you love to do.

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-Dr. Esther Ugwu

#possiblephysiotherapy