⸺Degenerative spine conditions⸺
Facet joint osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine
Age-related wear and tear affecting the intervertebral disks, vertebrae, facet joints, muscles, and ligaments can lead to degenerative changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Degeneration itself is not a disease, but it can cause pain. Advanced wear and tear of the small facet joints of the spine can result in facet joint osteoarthritis. Degeneration of the intervertebral disks and the spaces between the vertebrae can lead to disk herniation as well as degenerative change affecting the disk and the adjacent bones, a condition known as osteochondrosis. Persistent excessive loading compresses the disks, and over time they may lose their ability to recover.
Nonsurgical treatment
Most patients can be treated successfully without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment may include physical therapy, other physical treatments, manual therapy, and medication to help relieve symptoms. For many patients with back pain, weight loss and muscle strengthening alone can provide significant relief. When degeneration is more advanced, targeted injections into the small joints that connect adjacent vertebrae (the facet joints) or around the nerve roots (periradicular therapy, PRT) can help relieve symptoms.
Surgical treatment
If nonsurgical treatment does not provide relief, or if nerve compression causes neurological problems or is likely to do so if left untreated, the treating physician may recommend surgery. Modern surgical techniques can be tailored to the individual patient, and high standards of care now make surgery possible even for patients of advanced age.
⸺Degenerative conditions of the cervical spinee⸺
Cervical spinal stenosis and myelopathy
Age-related wear and tear affecting the joints, ligaments, muscles, and load-bearing structures can lead to degenerative conditions of the cervical spine. Advanced wear and tear of the small facet joints can lead to facet joint osteoarthritis.
Degeneration of the intervertebral disks and the spaces between the vertebrae can lead to disk herniation as well as degenerative change affecting the disk and the adjacent bones, a condition known as osteochondrosis. Persistent excessive loading compresses the disks, and over time they may lose their ability to recover. Degenerative changes in the cervical spine can narrow the spinal canal and compress the spinal cord and nerve roots. This narrowing is known as spinal stenosis.
Cervical myelopathy is usually caused by degenerative changes in the spine. It mainly affects older adults and is often linked to an underlying predisposition. Pressure on the spinal cord results in damage. Symptoms may include neck pain, numbness or altered sensation in the arms and hands, reduced strength, problems with fine motor control, and changes in sensation. Problems with walking and bladder or bowel function may occur at a more advanced stage.
Advanced degeneration often does more than compress the nerves and spinal cord. It can also cause the cervical spine to curve abnormally, placing additional stress on the vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, and intervertebral disks.
Nonsurgical treatment
Most patients can be treated successfully without surgery. This may include physical therapy, other physical treatments, manual therapy, and medication to help relieve symptoms. Targeted injections into the facet joints or around the nerve roots can also help relieve symptoms.
Surgical treatment
If nonsurgical treatment does not provide relief, or if nerve compression causes neurological problems or is likely to do so if left untreated, the treating physician may recommend surgery. Modern surgical techniques can be tailored to the individual patient, and high standards of care now make surgery possible even for patients of advanced age.