Spondylosis is one of the most uncomfortable joints across the spinal joints. It prevents you from moving accordingly. However, with time, it is necessary to note that spondylosis is very much similar to arthritis as it is an age-related disease.
Based on the seriousness of the condition, the doctor will recommend you to a physical therapist to keep the pain at bay and strengthen the spinal muscles. Physiotherapists help to strengthen the muscle by stretching them. The increase in nerve compression helps to enhance the spine position.
What is spondylosis?
Spondylosis is also sometimes known as osteoarthritis of the spine. It is a progressive degenerative disease that leads to wear and tear of the spine. It may often cause discomfort around bones and ligaments and thereby weakens the vertebrae disc. Moreover, after the age of 40 years, people become more and more prone to spondylosis. However, it also affects people at a young age but only a few of them.
What is the cause of spondylosis?
People suffering from spondylosis often feel a pressure on their spine. Apart from that, other leading causes of spondylosis include the following
- Heavy lifting
- Injury leading to wear and tear
- Increasing age
- Joint subluxation
- Bad posture
- Trauma
- Sports activities
Symptoms
Spondylosis often goes unnoticed due to the lack of symptoms. The symptoms may become prevalent only if the condition worsens.
Nonetheless, spondylosis may lead to exhibition of symptoms in the initial period itself such as pinched nerves, stiffness and bone spur which may be confused with a general pain. Once the condition becomes severe, some of the most noted symptoms of spondylosis include the following
Muscle weakness
- Pain in neck and back
- Numbness
- Loss of sensation
- Tingling sensation
Most people suffering from spondylosis develop a hunched posture with the course of time. One may experience symptoms really bad during morning which eventually eases as day progresses.
Spondylosis and Physiotherapy
The most effective treatment for spondylosis has always been physiotherapy. MRI, X-ray and CT Scans can help to detect the condition, but physiotherapy will help to cure the condition.
Passive Treatment
The passive physiotherapy treatment is usually divided in three categories
Deep Tissue Massage
The muscle tension and spasms are targeted to remove stress which may be the leading cause of pain. The therapist will apply direct pressure on the soft tissues to release the pressure.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy will be used alternately to allow more blood into the target area. The hot therapy improves blood flow to heal by the removal of waste products. Cold therapy further reduces inflammation and pain.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation helps to boost endorphin production thereby removing muscle spasms. However, this needs to be performed by experts only in a professional way.
Active Treatment
In an active treatment of physiotherapy, the professionals physiotherapist will carry out different exercises to improve strength, flexibility and core therapy.
Your physiotherapist is responsible for preparing a chart about exercises after understanding the body mechanisms. It is necessary to avoid exercise positions that may increase the pain. While practising the physiotherapy exercises make sure to correct your posture to avoid unnecessary pain.