Introduction
The clinical picture of arthrosis is one of degenerative changes in bone and cartilage. Spinal osteoarthritis can affect the entire spine or only parts of it. In most cases, the lower sections of the spine (lumbar spine) are more severely degenerated than the upper sections, as they have to carry a greater weight. For example, a herniated disc and the loss of joint cartilage means that the bone is no longer adequately protected. In the case of pronounced arthrosis, bone often rubs against bone, resulting in wear and tear of the bone substance.
What is the medical term?
There are various medical terms for spinal arthrosis. If the entire spinal column is affected, it is also known as facet joint arthrosis. The individual vertebrae meet at several points, and each individual joint between the bones also contributes to the overall mobility of the spine.
For this reason, spinal arthrosis is also referred to as arthrosis of the facet joints. Furthermore, the term spondylarthrosis is also used to describe arthrotic changes in the spine. In addition, a classification according to localization (cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine) is possible. Therefore, if it occurs solely in the lumbar spine, it is referred to as spondylarthrosis of the lumbar spine.
Spinal osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
Arthrosis in the cervical spine is usually degenerative and therefore occurs more frequently with age. In addition to back and neck pain, headaches and dizziness can also occur. It is also possible that the pain radiates into the arms and shoulders.
The disease is diagnosed by means of mobility tests in the cervical spine. Functional deficits such as loss of sensation and muscle weakness in the arms can also be indications of spinal osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. In order to be able to make a reliable diagnosis, an x-ray is usually taken, which shows typical bone damage of osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae.
In order to rule out damage to the intervertebral discs, spinal cord and nerves, an MRI or CT can also be performed. The treatment is usually done with painkillers. In addition, many movement exercises should be performed, especially in the cervical area.
A strengthening of the neck muscles is also aimed at. For everyday life, however, good mobility of the cervical spine is particularly important. Surgery is usually not performed because the benefit is rather small compared to the possible complications (damage to nerves and the spinal cord with the risk of severe paraplegia).
