Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of spondylosis. Family history Does your family have frequent musculoskeletal disorders? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long has the back pain been present? Did they occur acutely? Was there a triggering event? Does … Spondylosis: Medical History
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Spinal malformations such as spondylolysis (synonym: spondylolysis) – disruption of the interarticular portion (the area between the superior and inferior articular processes) in the arch of the fifth (80% of cases) or fourth lumbar vertebrae Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Lyme disease – infectious disease transmitted by ticks. … Spondylosis: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by spondylosis: Cardiovascular system (I00-I99). Compression of blood vessels Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Chronic back pain Limited mobility Facet syndrome (synonym: facet joint syndrome); this shows a pseudoradicular pain symptomatology (pain in which the nerve itself is not impaired … Spondylosis: Consequential Diseases
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes. Gait (fluid, limping). Body or joint posture (upright, bent, relieved posture) [stiffness of the spine, restricted movement of … Spondylosis: Examination
The diagnosis of spondylosis is made on the basis of the medical history, physical examination, and medical device diagnostics. 2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation … Spondylosis: Lab Test
Therapy target Pain relief and thus improvement of mobility. Therapy recommendations Analgesia (pain relief) according to WHO staging scheme. Non-opioid analgesic (paracetamol, first-line agent). Low-potency opioid analgesic (e.g., tramadol) + non-opioid analgesic. High-potency opioid analgesic (eg, morphine) + non-opioid analgesic. If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs / drugs that inhibit inflammatory processes (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs), eg … Spondylosis: Drug Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. X-rays of the affected spinal segments (thoracic/spinal/ lumbar spine) – for basic diagnostics. Optional medical device diagnostics -depending on the results of the history, physicalexamination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification or to exclude complications. Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images from different … Spondylosis: Diagnostic Tests
Surgical therapy for spondylosis is performed in the presence of various complications, such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). These complications carry the risk of paralysis or other permanent damage, so prompt surgery is advised in these cases.
To prevent spondylosis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Tobacco (smoking) Physical activity Lack of exercise High weight load Overload Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity)
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate spondylosis: Back pain that increases with movement Stiffness of the spine Restriction of movement of the spine The restriction of movement of the spine leads to: Forced posture Neck pain Shoulder pain Cervicocephalgia – headaches caused by the cervical spine. Abnormal sensations Sensory disturbances Paralysis symptoms
Pathogenesis (development of disease) In spondylosis, changes from pre-damaged intervertebral discs spread to the surrounding bony portions of the spine, leading primarily to marginal attachments and spur formation on the vertebral bodies. These changes can lead to spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and painful stiffness of the spine. Etiology (causes) Biographic causes Age … Spondylosis: Causes
General measures Avoiding overloading! Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use). Aim for normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis. BMI ≥ 25 → participation in a medically supervised weight loss program. Conventional non-surgical therapy methods Facet joint infiltration (FGI) – interventional radiological … Spondylosis: Therapy
