Treatment of spondylarthrosis

Dystrophic changes in the structure of the articular-ligamentous apparatus are one of the main causes of pain in the skeleton. In addition to hernias, osteochondrosis, there are a number of other degenerative diseases that affect the joints and bones of the spine. These include spondylarthrosis. Unlike pathologies that directly destroy intervertebral discs, this disease is characterized by degenerative changes in the components of the vertebral joint.

What is spondylarthrosis?

The diagnosis of spondylarthrosis characterizes degenerative changes in the joints of the spine. The vertebra consists of several components: the body, the arch and 4 articular processes. The processes are connected to each other, forming a joint, which, together with the intervertebral discs, provides stability to the spine. With spondylarthrosis, the articular elements begin to collapse, affecting the entire joint and, above all, the articular cartilage. Most often, the disease accompanies the destruction of discs and develops in parallel with osteochondrosis.

Causes of pathology

The following factors lead to the development of spondylarthrosis:

• constant static loads on the spine (sedentary work);
• intense physical activity;
• excessive mobility of individual segments of the spine;
• obesity;
• violation of metabolic processes in the body;
• trauma and surgery;
• congenital malformations of the spine.

Stages of the disease

In its development, spondylarthrosis goes through 3 stages:

• The first stage is almost asymptomatic, it can manifest itself as sensations of stiffness in the back, dull pain from exertion or a long stay in one position.
• At the second stage, dystrophic changes in the joint become more pronounced, which is manifested by pain after waking up, during movement, and impaired mobility.
• The third degree of spondylarthrosis is characterized by constant burning pain. At this stage, the growth of osteophytes occurs, which leads to the development of radicular syndrome (compression of the roots) and the appearance of neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, dizziness when the neck is affected, etc.).