As you age, your body and bones start to grow weaker. You may experience a number of health disorders that you did not suffer from before. These are known as degenerative diseases. Such conditions also affect the spinal region of a person. The degenerative diseases that affect the spine are termed as lumbar spondylosis.

What causes spondylosis?

Here are some known causes and risk factors for spondylosis-

  The bone, ligaments and other connective tissues in the spine wear down with age. Additionally, the intervertebral discs also undergo degeneration. This can lead to bulging discs and even herniation.
  Apart from your age, your genes also play a role in spondylosis. People who have a family history of the condition are more likely to suffer from the disorder.
  Lastly, if you have suffered from an injury to the spine, spondylosis is much more likely. It does not develop as soon as the spine is injured, but may gradually appear over a period of years.

Common symptoms of spondylosis:

Symptoms differ from one patient to the next and some people may not experience any effect of the disease. However, symptoms are present if the herniation or slipped disc leads to excessive pressure on the nerves.

  The most common symptoms of lumbar spondylosis are back and neck pain
  In case the spondylosis results in a pinched nerve, the pain may radiate into the legs and arms
  Other minor symptoms of spondylosis include tingling, weakness and numbness

Treatments for spondylosis:

Spondylosis cannot be cured. However, symptoms can be managed using medications and therapies.

  Pain medications - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to deal with the pain and discomfort from the degenerative disorder.

  Antidepressants - Some antidepressants are useful in treating the pain associated with spondylosis. However, these medications have side effects. This is why it is wise to consult a doctor before consuming them.

  Topical medication - In some cases, topical medication applied directly at the site of the pain is more effective than oral pain medications.

  Physical therapy - Your doctor may recommend physical therapy for you as well if the spondylosis is severe and is interfering with daily life.

Acupuncture and chiropractic practices can also help deal with the discomfort to some extent. Furthermore, exercise relieves some pressure on pinched nerves, reducing the pain.

Lumbar Spondylosis - Common Symptoms & Treatment Of It!

Cervical spondylosis is fast becoming the bane of modern life. An age-related wear and tear problem affecting the spinal discs in your neck, cervical spondylosis is increasingly affecting the young because of the use of cell phones, laptops and the like.

Cervical spondylosis is a general term used to define shrinkage of discs in between vertebrae in the neck region. Along with disc degeneration, bony projections also form in the area and are called bone spurs.
Other causes of cervical spondylosis are dehydrated discs. Discs are thick, pad-like cushions in between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. They are made of a gel- like material that can dry over time. This causes the spinal vertebrae to rub together causing pain. The discs also crack which allows the internal gel-like material to spill out and impinge on spinal nerves causing symptoms.

There is a narrowing of the space required by the spinal cord and nerves that emanate in the upper spine to go to various parts of the body. Pinching of these nerves can cause alarming symptoms like

Numbness and weakness in your arms, hands, legs and feet
Lack of coordination and difficulty in walking
Loss of bladder or bowel movement
Stiffness and pain in neck
Treatment and management
Usually, cervical spondylosis doesn t cause any symptoms. But when you start experiencing pain, stiffness and weakness of muscles, it s best to go to a doctor who will diagnose the problem and then treat it.
Treatment for cervical spondylosis depends on the severity of your symptoms. Its goal is to get rid of pain, allow you to carry on your daily activities and prevent any permanent damage to your spinal cord and nerves.

Medicines

Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Example Ibuprofen.
Corticosteroids are oral medications to get rid of the severe pain. If these don t work, your doctor can suggest steroid injections.
Muscle relaxants medicines relax the muscles in the upper part of the spine and help in curing neck pain and stiffness
Anti-seizure medications are also prescribed to dull the pain of damaged nerves in the spine. These include epilepsy medications, such as gabapentin and pregabalin.
Physiotherapy

Non surgical treatments are usually very effective in treating cervical spondylosis and surgery is usually not required. Physiotherapy is a bulwark for patients as it helps manage the condition very well.
Neck exercises that help stretch and strengthen muscles in your neck and shoulders can help manage debilitating symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
Few patients also benefit from traction, which can help provide more space for nerve roots within the spine.
Surgery

Surgery is the last resort for treating cervical spondylosis.
It is suggested when non-surgical treatments fail and the pain and neurological signs such as weakness in your arms or legs get worse.
It is done to create more room for your spinal cord and nerve roots.
Cervical spondylosis surgery typically involves removing:

Herniated disk
Bone spurs
Part of a vertebra

Cervical Spondylosis - How to Treat It?

The backbone is made up of multiple small bones which are connected together by a softer bone. The spine is what allows important body movements including bending and walking. The issue is, with age, the backbone also loses its elasticity and becomes rigid. Though this is a natural process with ageing, lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle makes it worse.

Lumbar spondylosis is the medical term for this chronic, degenerative condition of the lumbar and the sacral spines (the lower portion of the backbone). This leads to chronic stiffening of the spine, affecting movement. This joint is very crucial in all bending movements and spinal movements.

Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis:

Ageing: As the condition progresses, the nerves that run through the spines can get exposed and there could be pain and irritation
Genetic abnormalities that produce a weak bone
Spinal trauma like accident or falls
Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting in front of the computer for prolonged hours also causes lumbar spondylosis
Overuse: People who are weightlifters tend to put excessive pressure on the spine, causing lumbar spondylosis
Symptoms:

Stiffness and pain in the low back
Pain with continued sitting
Numbness and tingling if nerves are getting affected
Loss of balance, leading to frequent falls
Losing control over bowel and bladder movement
Pain radiating to the lower legs
Ayurvedic remedies: This includes a combination of external applications, yoga, and food preparations including kashayas and tailas.

This condition is caused by increased Vata and Kapha. Maharasnadi kashayam, Astavarga kashayam, and Dashamoola kashayam reduce these elements.
Pain and inflammation is relieved by the use of various Guggulu including Mahayogaraja Guggulu, Simhanada Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, and Dhanvantara Vati  
The affected joints can be hydrated with the use of gandha taila and dhanwantharam.
Kukkutandatvak bhasma is known to strengthen the bone.
Ashwagandha is known to lubricate the vertebral disks and joints
External treatments like Abhyanga are useful in improving joint movement. They improve circulation and help in removal of toxins so that pure blood can flow and reduce inflammation.
Vasti: This helps in improving nutrition to the joints and bones, thereby helping them repair themselves and heal.
Yogas for lumbar spondylosis: The five most effective asanas are:

Ardhakati chakrasana
Pada hastasana
Matsyasana
Ardha chakrasana
Vakrasana (sitting in a chair)
Additional measures:

Sit in a comfortable position with adequate back support
Take short breaks to avoid continued sitting
Sleep comfortably, by resting the back adequately
Strengthen the back muscles by regular exercises.
Eat healthy, avoid junk, and drink plenty of water.

Lumbar Spondylosis & Ayurveda - What To Expect

Cervical spondylosis a special type of arthritis. The region of its occurrence is in the cervical vertebrae and the problem is more prevalent in men who belong to the middle age groups. In the language of Ayurveda, this problem is known as Greeva graham. The condition falls under the category of Vata condition.

What are the causes of cervical spondylosis?
The several factors that cause cervical spondylosis are as follows:

When the Vata Dosha increases in magnitude, the tissues start degenerating even in the neck joints.
Intake of food that leads to the formation of gas in the body is also one of the reasons of cervical spondylosis.
When people take too many gaps during two consecutive meals, then it leads to the formation of gas as well which causes cervical spondylosis.
Those who have night shifts frequently have a tendency to develop cervical spondylosis.
Overindulgence in activities of mental, physical and sexual nature can also cause cervical spondylosis.
What are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis?
The main symptoms of cervical spondylosis are listed below.

A persistent headache is one of the most common symptoms.
People often complain of feeling a stiffness in the neck region in case of cervical spondylosis.
A numbness or tingling feeling in arms is also one of the symptoms of this condition.
The posterior region of your back and shoulders will also pain in case you develop cervical spondylosis.
People also find it difficult to walk at times and face a lack of coordination as well.
What are the Ayurvedic treatment measures for cervical spondylosis?
The main treatment measures in Ayurveda for cervical spondylosis are:

Mridu Shodhana   This procedure is also known as mild purgation. In this procedure, a mixture is made with milk or the fruit pulp of Cassia fistula and castor oil.
Greeva Basti   A black gram paste is applied to the back of the neck and this will aid in retaining the medicaments in that region. Several medicated oils like Ksheerbala oil are heated and then the compound helps in retaining this oil within it for a time. The reason for this is that when the heated oil is applied to that area, it helps in giving relief from disc herniation. The disc cartilage nourishment is improved and thus, the degeneration process of the tissues is reversed.
Secondary Ayurvedic procedures are also effective against cervical spondylosis. Some of these procedures are Patrapinda Sweda, Shirodhara, Abhyanga, and Pizhichil.
Pacifying Herbs   Some of the Ayurvedic herbs act as a pacifier in cervical spondylosis. These are Bala or Sida cordifolia, castor root or Ricinus communis, Amalaki or Emblica officinalis, Shunthi or ginger and Gambhari or Gmelina arborea.
Medicines   Some of the effective Ayurvedic medicines include Rasnairandadi kashaya, Yogaraja Guggulu and Sahacharadi Kashaya.
Above ayurvedic treatments not only give you relief from cervical spondylosis but also stop further degeneration of the affected tissues.

Cervical Spondylosis And Ayurveda - What To Know

Spondylitis includes swelling of the vertebra. It happens because of wear and tear of the ligament and bones found in your cervical spine, which is in your neck. While it is to a great extent because of age, it can be brought on by other reasons too. Side effects incorporate pain and stiffness starting from the neck to the lower back. The spine's bones (vertebrae) get fused, bringing about an unbending spine. These changes might be mellow or extreme, and may prompt a stooped-over posture. Some of the non-surgical methods to treat spondylitis are as follows-

Exercise based recovery/physiotherapy: Your specialist may send you to a physiotherapist for treatment. Non-intrusive treatment helps you extend your neck and shoulder muscles. This makes them more grounded and at last, relieves pain. You may neck traction, which includes using weights to build the space between the cervical joints and decreasing pressure on the cervical disc and nerve roots.
Medications: Your specialist may prescribe you certain medicines if over-the-counter medications do not work. These include:
Muscle relaxants, for example, cyclobenzaprine, to treat muscle fits
Opiates, for example, hydrocodone, for pain relief
Epileptic medications, for example, gabapentin, to ease pain created by nerve damage
Steroid infusions, for example, prednisone, to decrease tissue irritation and diminish pain
Home treatment: In case your condition is less severe, you can attempt a couple of things at home to treat it:
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, for example, acetaminophen or a calming medication, for example, Advil or Aleve.
Use a warming cushion or an ice pack on your neck to give pain alleviation to sore muscles.
Exercise routinely to help you recover quickly.
Wear a delicate neck prop or neckline to get transitory help. In any case, you shouldn't wear a neck brace for temporary pain relief.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a highly effective treatment used to mitigate back and neck pain. Little needles, about the extent of a human hair, are embedded into particular points on the back. Every needle might be whirled electrically or warmed to improve the impact of the treatment. Acupuncture works by prompting the body to deliver chemicals that decrease pain.
Bed Rest: Severe instances of spondylitis may require bed rest for close to 1-3 days. Long-term bed rest is avoided as it puts the patient at danger for profound vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clots in the legs).
Support/brace use: Temporary bracing (1 week) may help get rid of the symptoms, however, long-term use is not encouraged. Supports worn for a long time weaken the spinal muscles and can increase pain if not continually worn. Exercise based recovery is more beneficial as it reinforces the muscles.
Lifestyle: Losing weight and eating nutritious food with consistent workouts can help. Quitting smoking is essential healthy habits to help the spine function properly at any age.

Spondylitis - Can Non Surgical Methods Help You?

It is important for you to know about degenerative disc disease (DDD) and spondylosis. Spondylosis is an umbrella term for spine pain, which occurs because of degenerative conditions. Spondylosis refers to several conditions. They include spinal stenosis, which is the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to leg pain, degeneration due to DDD and degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis involving the spine. It may also include cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis.


About spondylosis
Spondylosis is a common condition, which is age related. The joints and discs present in the neck are specifically affected as a result of this condition. It commonly develops on account of the wear and tear of the cartilage and bones present in the neck. This condition, in spite of being common, worsens with age. In many patients, symptoms are not observed externally, but pain and muscle spasms are experienced. 


Many people with spondylosis do not undertake treatment in spite of suffering from the symptoms and pain. In case the symptoms are prevalent over a long time and tend to worsen, you have several modes of treatment to choose from. They may include medicines, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy and even surgery in some extreme cases. 


How does DDD or spondylosis occur? 
DDD is a spinal condition. It is caused due to the breakdown of the intervertebral discs. With ageing, the spine starts to show signs of wearing and tearing. This happens on account of the discs drying out and shrinking. All these age-related changes are responsible for arthritis, spinal stenosis and disc herniation. Because of these factors, pressure is likely to fall on your nerves and spinal cords, which may further cause back pain. DDD or spondylosis also develops on account of these factors.


Treatment for DDD and spondylosis
There are various modes of treatment, which are available for you to choose from in order to get relief from the symptoms and pain associated with DDD or spondylosis. You may be prescribed typical painkiller medications, such as non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS, muscle relaxants, epidural injections, ultrasound and massage, oral steroids, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and many more. Every mode of treatment has got its own benefits, but has its limitations as well.


If you experience any symptoms of DDD or spondylosis, you must consult a doctor immediately. Your pain management physician or doctor will be able to diagnose your condition properly and will determine the mode of treatment which will suit you best.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and Spondylosis - How You Can Get it Treated?

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