Spondylosis

Spondylosis is degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the spinal vertebra and related tissue. If severe, it may cause pressure on nerve roots with subsequent pain or paresthesia in the limbs.

When the space between two adjacent vertebrae narrows, compression of a nerve root emerging from the spinal cord may result in radiculopathy (sensory and motor system disturbances, such as severe pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, back, and/or leg, accompanied by muscle weakness). Less commonly, direct pressure on the spinal cord (typically in the cervical spine) may result in global weakness, gait dysfunction, loss of balance, and loss of bowel and/or bladder control. The patient may experience a phenomenon of shocks (paresthesia) in hands and legs because of nerve compression and lack of blood flow. If the vertebrae of the neck are involved, it is labelled cervical spondylosis. Lower back spondylosis is labelled lumbar spondylosis.

 

 

From a chiropractic perspective, the rate of degeneration within the spine increases with poor stability and poor integrity of the spinal curves borne by the imbalances of poor posture.  This diminishes the communication between the brain’s messages to the rest of the body, thus decreasing the nerve supply that the body simply demands for proper function.  As the postural imbalances of the spine are further diminishing over months, years, there is a substantial increase in abnormal forces causing more wear and tear within structure of the spine.  Chiropractic emphasizes on improving the integrity and posture of the spine which can help to slow down the degenerative process, increase nerve supply, and ultimately help to optimize health.