Treatment of spondylosis in a sanatorium

Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a degenerative spinal disease characterized by the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) around the edges of the vertebrae. One can say that spondylosis develops as a later-stage complication of osteochondrosis. Over time, fibrous tissues surrounding the intervertebral discs are pushed beyond the vertebral bodies, forming bony outgrowths known as osteophytes. As a result, the mobility of the disc becomes limited. Degeneration and weakening of the intervertebral disc may eventually lead to disc herniation.

Spondylosis can develop in the lumbar (lower back), cervical (neck), or thoracic (upper back) regions of the spine. The most common forms are cervical and lumbar spondylosis. Thoracic spondylosis often progresses unnoticed due to the lack of clear symptoms. Primary symptoms usually appear between the ages of 20–50, though in 80% of cases, it manifests after age 40. The progression rate of spondylosis is largely determined by genetic predisposition and previous injuries.

Causes and Symptoms of Spondylosis

The primary cause of spondylosis is metabolic disorders that lead to calcium salt deposition in the body. Therefore, spondylosis is predominantly considered a condition affecting older individuals.

In 27–37% of patients with tuberculosis, lumbar spondylosis develops without any accompanying symptoms. Some patients complain of pain in the back and neck. Pain occurs due to nerve compression caused by disc protrusion and the appearance of bone spurs on the joints. This results in narrowing of the space through which nerve roots exit the spinal canal. A herniated disc may develop, limiting spinal ligaments and causing severe pain. In some cases, excessive pressure stimulates the growth of new nerve endings and blood vessels, leading to chronic pain syndrome.

Typical symptoms of spondylosis include pain localized in the back and neck area (occipital region), shoulder girdle, and intensified during bending or twisting of the torso. Pain may radiate to the ears and eyes. Patients suffering from spondylosis experience discomfort at night due to difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position and persistent pain. Lumbar spondylosis is accompanied by dull, aching pain and restricted movement of the torso.

If an intervertebral disc hernia compresses a nerve root, pain may radiate into the limbs. With significant herniation, the compressed nerve causes pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg — a condition known as lumbosacral radiculitis. Pain in the back associated with disc protrusion worsens during prolonged standing, sitting in one position, and forward bending. Relief typically comes with changing positions or walking.

Pain related to facet joint arthritis, conversely, tends to intensify during walking and while standing. Characteristic symptoms caused by nerve compression include numbness and tingling sensations. Over time, nerve compression can lead to weakness in the affected limb. If the hernia affects the spinal cord itself, myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction) may develop. For example, a large herniated disc in the cervical spine can trigger cervical myelopathy. In such cases, the patient experiences numbness, weakness, and tingling.

When to Seek Medical Help

In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms, you should consult a specialist if you experience any of the following:

• If prescribed treatment does not relieve pain;
• If muscle weakness appears in one or more limbs;
• If you lose control over bladder or bowel function;
• If numbness develops in the groin area;
• If pain in the neck or back is accompanied by weight loss and fever.

Spondylosis is diagnosed using radiological tests (X-ray, CT, or MRI). X-rays allow visualization of bone spurs, thickened intervertebral joints, and narrowed disc spaces. CT scanning provides more detailed information about the degree of spinal canal narrowing (spinal stenosis). MRI offers the most comprehensive clinical picture, allowing visualization of intervertebral discs, assessment of the severity of disc herniation, and detailed imaging of nerves, joints, and spinal ligaments for accurate diagnosis of nerve compression and its extent.

Treatment of Spondylosis

Since spondylosis is a degenerative process, there is currently no treatment capable of completely reversing the pathological changes in the body. However, it is possible to significantly reduce or eliminate pain, relieve inflammation, stimulate blood circulation, and slow down dystrophic changes in the disc tissue.

Modern medical approaches to treating spondylosis include several stages:

• Medication to reduce inflammation and relieve pain;
• Therapeutic exercises and special physical therapy under the supervision of a qualified instructor;
• Physiotherapy;
• Supportive therapy (manual therapy, massage, etc.).

Berezoviy Gai Sanatorium offers all the conditions necessary for comprehensive treatment and prevention of spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, kyphosis, and other musculoskeletal diseases — all under the guidance of experienced, highly qualified specialists.

You will be provided with spacious and cozy accommodations, excellent cuisine with the possibility of building an individual menu, visits to local attractions, outdoor recreation, active leisure at entertainment complexes, and much more. Rest and recover simultaneously — and most importantly, do it with pleasure!

Berezoviy Gai Sanatorium – brilliant rest, effective treatment!