Degenerative disc (spondylosis) is caused by natural degeneration of the spine due to aging. By long-running backbone will result in bone and muscle deterioration and may be caused by sports, accident, osteoporosis, congenital malformations, or from infection.
The cause of degenerative disc (spondylosis) is divided into:
The cause of degenerative disc (spondylosis) is divided into:
- Natural aging divided into 2 age ranges;
- Working age range from 20 to 50 years old, resulting from working more than usual, playing sports, working hard, bending, weight or fat, the back and abdomen muscles are not strong.
- Old age over 50 years due to aging. This results in bony instability. In elderly people over 65 years old may have increased bone symptoms and there is deterioration of the tendons and muscles. This is a risk factor for degenerative disc.
- Infections, tumors, or cancers.
Symptomatic
Common symptoms of degenerative disc are:
- Back pain, or neck pain. Symptoms are often chronic and get worse when changing stance or while doing activities.
- Pain in the hip, leg, neck, shoulders, arms, when doing activities. This pain may be caused by the spinal nerves being pressed by osteoarthritis. This pain can be radiated depends on the location of the disease.
- There maybe a defect of the spine, such as post-flexion or scaphoid. Can be seen from the X-ray.
Treatment
- Take painkillers such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and should take with cautions or by physiotherapist suggestion.
- Physical therapy such as relaxing massage, strength training of the back muscles, and ultrasound wave therapy.
- The surgery must be properly considered by the physician.
- Alternative medicine such as acupuncture.
Self Care
- Doing activities in the proper posture.
- Do not continuous work for too long.
- Avoid sudden bending or heavy lifting.
- Physical therapy treatment regularly.
- Consult your physician and follow up regularly
