About the Spondylosis
Back pain affects almost 80% of the adult population in Dubai. Some causes, such as sports injuries, will resolve on their own. Others, however, are long-term, chronic, and disrupt daily life.
If you’re suffering from regular or worsening back pain, you could have a form of spondylosis. Keep reading to find out more about the signs and symptoms, and how to manage your back pain.
What is Spondylosis?
Spondylosis is the term used for a range of degenerative conditions of the spine. It affects the bones in the spine, known as the vertebrae and may sometimes be referred to as osteoarthritis. It can affect a small area of the spine or most of it, from the base of the skull down to the lower back.
The issues caused by spondylosis are not caused by muscular tears or sprains, but a degeneration of the bone or spinal disc condition over time.
It can affect anyone but tends to be first noticed in early to mid-adulthood. It gets worse with age as the body naturally degenerates, which is why early detection and treatment is important.
Some types, such as thoracic spondylosis, will cause no problems until much later in life, while other types will be obvious much earlier on as they cause restriction of movement or continued and worsening chronic pain.
Signs and Symptoms
There are several signs and symptoms to look out for. These may also be symptoms of acute back injury, such as a muscle tear from exercise.
The key difference between an injury and spondylosis is time: an injury will lessen as time goes on, but spondylosis pain will continue and worsen.
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Stiff movement in the spine
- Back soreness in the morning
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty bending over
A definite diagnosis will help you to determine the best course of action for pain management and prevention of further degeneration.
Pain Management Techniques
The hardest thing about degenerative spinal conditions is the chronic pain patients experience. Your physician will prescribe you suitable pain medications if they are required, but there are many things you can do in addition to help reduce and manage your pain.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist will be experienced in handling all types of spondylosis. They will be able to recommend regular exercises to help maintain movement and flexibility in your spine.
You may also receive a massage to help alleviate pain caused by muscle tension in the back.Acupuncture
Acupuncture is widely recognized as a suitable pain management therapy for spondylosis sufferers.
Very thin needles are placed at certain points in and around the area of pain. The patient is left to relax with these needles in situ for a while before they are removed.
It sounds painful, but it doesn’t hurt and can reduce your chronic pain on a long-term basis.
