CERVICAL / LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs).
Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 85% of people older than age 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis.
For most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, nonsurgical treatments often are effective.
Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the spine, specifically the lumbar (lower) region.
It is often referred to as a form of osteoarthritis of the spine. The term “spondylosis” describes the age-related changes in the spine’s vertebrae and discs, and “lumbar” indicates that these changes occur in the lower back.


SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL OR LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
Most people experience no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include pain and stiffness in the neck.
Sometimes, cervical spondylosis results in a narrowing of the spinal canal within the bones of the spine (the vertebrae). The spinal canal is the space inside the vertebrae that the spinal cord and the nerve roots pass through to reach the rest of the body. If the spinal cord or nerve roots become pinched, you might experience:
- Tingling, numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, legs or feet
- Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Lumbar Spondylosis
The condition can vary in severity, and some people may have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they typically include:
Lower Back Pain:
- Pain is often the result of disc degeneration, nerve compression, or bone spurs. The pain may be chronic and aggravated by movement, especially bending or twisting.
Stiffness:
- The lower back may feel stiff, especially after long periods of sitting or lying down, and mobility may be reduced.
Nerve Compression:
- If bone spurs or bulging discs press on nearby nerves, it can lead to symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. This is known as lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica.
Muscle Weakness:
- As the nerves are affected by the degenerative changes in the spine, muscle strength may decrease, and there may be difficulty walking or performing certain tasks.
Limited Range of Motion:
- The stiffness and pain can lead to a reduced ability to bend, twist, or perform physical activities comfortably.
CAUSES OF CERVICAL OR LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
Cervical Spondylosis
As people age, the structures that make up the backbone and neck gradually develop wear and tear. These changes can include:
- Dehydrated disks. Disks act like cushions between the vertebrae of the spine. By the age of 40, most people’s spinal disks begin drying out and shrinking. As the disks become smaller, there is more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.
- Herniated disks. Cracks also appear on the exterior of the spinal disks. The soft interior of a disk can squeeze through these cracks. Sometimes, it presses on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Bone spurs. As the disks break down, the body may produce extra amounts of bone in a misguided effort to strengthen the spine. These bone spurs can sometimes pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Stiff ligaments. Ligaments are cords of tissue that connect bone to bone. Spinal ligaments can stiffen with age, making the neck less flexible.
Lumbar Spondylosis
- Aging: As a person ages, the intervertebral discs lose their water content, which results in a loss of flexibility and cushioning ability. This can lead to wear and tear in the joints of the spine.
- Repetitive Strain or Injury: Over time, activities that put repeated stress on the spine (such as heavy lifting, poor posture, or sedentary behavior) can contribute to disc degeneration and the formation of bone spurs.
- Genetics: Some people may inherit a predisposition to develop degenerative spinal conditions, including lumbar spondylosis.
- Other Risk Factors: Obesity, smoking, and certain occupations that involve heavy lifting or frequent bending may increase the risk of lumbar spondylosis.
RISK FACTOR OF CERVICAL OR LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
The greatest risk factor for cervical spondylosis is aging. Cervical spondylosis often develops as a result of changes in your neck joints as you age. Disc herniation, dehydration, and bone spurs are all results of aging.
Factors other than aging can increase your risk of cervical spondylosis. These include:
- neck injuries
- work-related activities that put extra strain on your neck from heavy lifting
- holding your neck in an uncomfortable position for prolonged periods of time or repeating the same neck movements throughout the day (repetitive stress)
- genetic factors (family history of cervical spondylosis)
- smoking
- being overweight and inactive
The risk factors for lumbar spondylosis primarily relate to age, lifestyle, genetics, and other environmental or health conditions that can contribute to the wear and tear of the spine. Below are the key risk factors:
1. Age
- Aging is the most significant risk factor for lumbar spondylosis. As people age, the intervertebral discs in the spine naturally lose hydration, elasticity, and shock-absorbing capacity, making them more prone to degeneration. Over time, this can lead to the development of bone spurs and disc wear in the lumbar (lower back) region.
- Age 40 and beyond: Degenerative changes in the spine are common starting in middle age, though they may not always result in symptoms.
2. Genetics
- Family History: A genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing lumbar spondylosis. If you have a family history of degenerative spine conditions or osteoarthritis, you may be more likely to experience lumbar spondylosis yourself.
3. Occupation
- Physically Demanding Jobs: Occupations that involve heavy lifting, repetitive bending, twisting, or prolonged periods of sitting (such as construction, manual labor, or office work) can increase the risk of developing lumbar spondylosis due to strain on the lower back over time.
- Vibration Exposure: Jobs that expose workers to whole-body vibration (such as truck driving or operating heavy machinery) can contribute to spine degeneration.
4. Obesity
- Excess Body Weight: Carrying extra weight, especially around the abdomen, places additional stress on the spine, particularly the lower back. This extra strain can accelerate the wear and tear of the discs and joints in the lumbar spine, increasing the risk of lumbar spondylosis.
5. Poor Posture
- Prolonged Poor Posture: Sitting, standing, or sleeping in positions that place undue stress on the spine—such as slouching or hunching forward—can contribute to spinal degeneration over time. Poor posture can lead to uneven wear on spinal discs and joints, accelerating the development of spondylosis.
6. Previous Spinal Injuries
- Trauma or Injury: Prior injuries to the spine, such as fractures, sprains, or herniated discs, can increase the risk of developing lumbar spondylosis. The trauma may result in structural changes to the spine, increasing the likelihood of degeneration in the affected area.
7. Sedentary Lifestyle
- Lack of Physical Activity: Physical inactivity can lead to weakened muscles that support the spine, poor posture, and decreased flexibility, all of which increase the risk of developing lumbar spondylosis. Regular movement and exercise help maintain spinal health by strengthening the core muscles and promoting good posture.
8. Smoking
- Cigarette Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for spinal degeneration due to its negative effects on circulation. Smoking reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, which may impair the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for disc health, accelerating degeneration.
9. Comorbidities
- Osteoarthritis: People with osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) in other parts of the body are more likely to develop lumbar spondylosis. The mechanisms of joint degeneration are similar in both conditions, as they both involve the breakdown of cartilage and other tissues.
- Other Spinal Conditions: Conditions like scoliosis (curvature of the spine) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can put additional stress on the lumbar spine, contributing to the development of lumbar spondylosis.
10. Inactivity or Extended Bed Rest
- Prolonged Bed Rest: Extended periods of inactivity or bed rest, such as after surgery or injury, can weaken the muscles supporting the spine and lead to spinal degeneration. People who do not engage in regular physical activity are at higher risk.
11. Gender
- Male Gender: While both men and women can develop lumbar spondylosis, men may be at a slightly higher risk, particularly at a younger age. However, the risk in both genders increases with age.
Prevention and Lifestyle Adjustments
Although some degree of lumbar spondylosis is inevitable with aging, there are several lifestyle adjustments that can help reduce the risk of developing more severe symptoms:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity that strengthens the core muscles (which support the spine) and maintains flexibility can help prevent or reduce the severity of lumbar spondylosis.
- Good Posture: Practicing good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can reduce strain on the spine.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the load on the lower back and can help prevent degeneration of the spinal discs and joints.
- Ergonomic Modifications: Using ergonomic furniture and adjusting workspaces to avoid long periods of sitting or awkward postures can help protect the spine.
TREATMENT OF CERVICAL OR LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
Price of Cervical Spondylosis Treatment
750,000 for 20 sessions of Treatment
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