Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treating a  Distal Radius Fracture

SPONDYLOSIS

 

Spondylosis is a condition caused by excessive wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck and lower back. Many times neck pain is attributed to this ailment.  

If your child needs surgery or casting, our Fracture Care Clinic opens every day and you do not need an appointment. Surgery rooms get scheduled every morning, so your child receives the care and attention they need right away.

Spondylosis Defined

SpondylosisSpondylosis, also known as spinal arthritis and spinal osteoarthritis, refers to a condition characterized by the degeneration of the spine’s intervertebral discs and the development of bony spurs or osteophytes. This condition can affect any portion of the spine; although, it is most usually found in the cervical and lumbar regions, which are the highest and lowest parts of the spine, respectively. However, the thoracic (middle section) spine has a lower prevalence of the disorder.  Presumably, because the rib cage stabilizes this region and protects it from the effects of aging and wear and tear.

What Distinguishes Spondylosis from Spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis?

Despite its similar name, spondylolisthesis refers to a condition in which one of the vertebrae (the bones that make up the spine) slips, usually forward. Although this is a definitive diagnosis, spondylolisthesis can occur as a result of spondylosis that causes other structures in the spine to shift from their normal positions. Also, other conditions resulting from spondylosis include Spondylolysis, which refers specifically to the loss of intervertebral disc space.

Spondylolysis often causes a pars interarticularis weakness, which causes a weakening in the vertebral body. Basically, this tiny bone strand joins the facet joints, which attach the vertebrae just above and below to form a functional unit that allows the spine to move. These tiny bone strands will fracture and are known as pars fractures. Although the actual cause of the disability is unknown, indications may point to your child’s genes. Nevertheless, your child might have narrow vertebrae from birth, which when weakened would make pars fractures more likely.

Spondylosis Symptoms

The symptoms of spondylosis may or may not appear noticeable. Additionally, those who have no symptoms may only become aware of the illness while they under go an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan in order to diagnose another medical condition. Pain and restricted range of motion indicate examples of symptoms that might appear. Accordingly, symptoms can vary based on the place where the illness develops and the components impacted.

One of the frequent symptoms of cervical and lumbar spondylosis is neck discomfort, while the other appears as low back pain. Furthermore, patients may also experience pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling that radiates to the arms or legs when changes in the spine put pressure on nearby nerves.

This type of neuralgia results from compression or inflammation of the nerves exiting the spine. For example, a person with knee pain thinks he has an injury, but later finds out that this pain is caused by spondylosis. Spondylosis compresses the nerves that run to the knee. People with spondylosis who otherwise feel no pain may experience spinal sprains, sensations, or sounds in the spine, along with a limited range of motion. When it comes to nerve or spinal cord injury, this is typically unimportant.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What Causes Spondylosis in Children, and Could It Have Been Prevented?

Spondylosis in children refers to factors such as genetics, aging, and sometimes repetitive stress or trauma to the spine. Because some cases relate to a genetic predisposition, doctors believe that preventing spondylosis cannot happen. However, promoting a healthy lifestyle, encouraging good posture, and minimizing activities that put excessive stress on the spine can contribute to overall good spinal health.

What Are the Treatment Options for My Child's Spondylosis, and Will Surgery Be Necessary?

Conservative techniques provide the first step in treating spondylosis in children and depend on the severity of symptoms. Conservative approaches may include physical therapy, exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, pain management, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery occurs only in more severe cases where conservative measures fail or if significant spinal instability appears. The decision on the course of treatment will focus on the specific needs of the child and the extent of the condition.

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for My Child with Spondylosis, and Will It Affect Their Daily Activities?

The long-term outlook for a child with spondylosis varies based on factors such as the severity of the condition, response to treatment, and overall health. Many children with spondylosis can manage their symptoms effectively with conservative measures and lead active lives. Regular follow-up appointments will help doctors monitor the child’s progress, make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and address emerging concerns. With proper care, children with spondylosis can often engage in normal daily activities, and the condition may not necessarily limit their lifestyle.

It’s crucial for parents to maintain open communication with healthcare professionals to address their specific concerns about their child’s spondylosis. The doctor will provide detailed information about the condition, discuss treatment options, and offer guidance on managing the child’s health and well-being throughout the process.

Call for an Appointment

Schedule an Appointment for your child to be seen by one of the doctors at the Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists for Spinal Dislocation problems.

Several Factors can Contribute to the Development of Spondylosis:

Aging:

Aging is a primary factor in the development of spondylosis. As people age, the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, tend to lose water content and degenerate. Overall, this can lead to a reduction in disc height and an increased likelihood of bone-on-bone contact. This will contribute to the formation of osteophytes.

Genetic Factors:

Genetic predisposition can play a role in the development of spondylosis. If there’s a family history of spinal degeneration or arthritis, a child can have a greater chance of getting spondylosis.

Repetitive Stress and Overuse:

Repetitive stress and overuse of the spine over time can contribute to the degeneration of intervertebral discs and the development of spondylosis. So, activities that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can increase the risk.

Poor Posture:

Maintaining poor posture over an extended period can place additional stress on the spine, accelerating the wear and tear on the intervertebral discs. Meanwhile, this stress can contribute to the degeneration associated with spondylosis.

Obesity:

Excess body weight can contribute to the development and progression of spondylosis. Thus, the additional weight places increased stress on the spine and can accelerate the degeneration of intervertebral discs.

Spinal Injuries or Trauma: 

Previous spinal injuries or trauma, such as fractures or dislocations, can disrupt the normal structure of the spine and contribute to the development of spondylosis. Also, injuries may accelerate the degenerative processes within the spine.

Smoking:

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of spondylosis. As a result, the chemicals in tobacco can affect blood flow to the spine, potentially accelerating disc degeneration and contributing to the development of osteophytes.

Lack of Exercise:

Physical inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to muscle weakness and reduced flexibility, leading to an increased risk of spondylosis. Specifically, regular exercise helps maintain the health of the spine by promoting proper alignment and strengthening supporting muscles.

Do Doctors Consider Spondylosis as a Serious Condition?

A specific cure does not exist since spondylosis can have a variety of effects on individuals. Physical therapy and painkillers are helpful treatments for many spondylosis instances. However, if the following signs of strain on the nerves are evident, orthopedists suggest getting more urgent care right away:

  • Vulnerability, such as foot drop (difficulty lifting the toes and forefoot off the floor)
  • Malfunction of the bladder or bowels, particularly incontinence
  • Unable to control balance when standing
  • Numbness that affects the fingers
  • The excruciating pain that seems electrical or shock-like 

Treating Spondylosis

Spondylosis refers to a multifaceted spinal disorder that often requires a diverse treatment approach. A doctor’s primary goal in managing this condition focuses on alleviating symptoms, enhancing functionality, and improving the patient’s overall quality of life. The following explores the various treatment modalities available for spondylosis, ranging from conservative measures to surgical interventions.

Conservative Treatments:

  • Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are commonly prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with spondylosis. In some cases, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants to alleviate muscle spasms.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the conservative management of spondylosis. Therapeutic exercises focus on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting proper spinal alignment. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and spinal mobilization, may help enhance mobility.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Doctors advise patients to make lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, adopting ergonomic practices, and incorporating low-impact exercises into their routine. Doctors recommend that adolescents stop smoking as smoking can contribute to accelerated disc degeneration.

Physical Therapy:

Most doctors agree that Physical therapy provides a cornerstone of spondylosis management and is often recommended as a first-line treatment. Therapists design individualized exercise programs to address specific weaknesses and imbalances. Core stabilization exercises, flexibility training, and postural correction are integral components of physical therapy. Additionally, patients are educated on proper body mechanics to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.

Surgical Interventions:

  • Decompression Surgery: In cases where nerve compression appears severe and refractory to conservative treatments, doctors may recommend decompression surgery. This procedure involves removing portions of bone or disc material that are impinging on neural structures.
  • Spinal Fusion: Doctors may recommend spinal fusion to stabilize the spine and reduce motion between vertebrae. This procedure involves joining two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts or implants, promoting the fusion of adjacent bones.
  • Artificial Disc Replacement: In select cases, especially when spondylosis affects a single disc, surgeons may use artificial disc replacement as an alternative to fusion. This procedure aims to maintain spinal mobility while addressing the degenerated disc.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

The recovery time depends on the kind of surgery, with minimally invasive techniques allowing a quicker return to normal activity. The majority of patients will finish a physical therapy regimen six weeks after surgery. The best method to stop spinal issues is to maintain a healthy weight and keep the supporting muscles strong. Additionally, doctors suggest that patients evaluate and correct any ergonomic issues that may have made their pain worse. For instance, elevating a computer display to eye level might prevent the propensity to lean forward when working at a desk. Depending on what caused the spinal cord compression, doctors may consider a different type of surgery.

Conclusion:

The management of spondylosis requires a comprehensive and individualized approach. Conservative treatments, physical therapy, and surgical interventions play crucial roles in addressing the diverse symptoms of this degenerative spinal condition. An integrated treatment plan, guided by the specific needs of each patient, offers the best chance for successful outcomes.

Choosing the Very Best for Your Child

The pediatric orthopedists at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are adept at deciding which procedure is most appropriate for each child and his or her condition. With cutting-edge technology and skilled specialists ready to help your child, we are experts in the treatment of “spondylosis.”

Selecting a pediatric orthopedic doctor for your child is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. By seeking recommendations, researching credentials, assessing hospital affiliations, reviewing patient testimonials, evaluating communication and bedside manner, considering the supportive team, discussing treatment options, seeking second opinions, prioritizing accessibility, and trusting your instincts, you can make an informed choice.

Remember, finding the right pediatric orthopedic doctor will ensure that your child receives the best possible care.  Finally, great doctors and great care lead to optimal outcomes and a healthier, happier future. The Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists doctors only treat children.  With offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX, doctors Shyam KishanRichard Hostin, and Kathryn Wiesman have spent years studying children’s health and have devoted their lives to treating them. We invite you to call today for an appointment.

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Footnote:

Medical News Today: Spondylosis (All you need to know)

 

 

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