3 “Spondy” conditions which causes Back or Neck Pain

Are you suffering from back pain or neck pain? 

Have you ever hear word name start with “Spondy” in your life?

What is Spondylosis, Spondylolysis, & Spondylolisthesis? Do you know that?

These terminology is bit confusing but this guide will help you to understand the differences among these conditions. 

Let’s take a look at the 3 “Spondy” conditions which causes back pain.

Spondylo-sis (spon-dee-low-sis)

Spondylo-lysis (spon-dee-low-lye-sis)

Spondylo-listhesis (spon-dee-low-lis-thee-sis )

“Spondylos ” means Spine. So it is relate with vertebral or spinal column

Let's we will make it more easier to understand.

SPONDYLOSIS (SPON-DEE-LOW-SIS)

Spondylosis form of spinal degeneration or normal wear and tear. As a result, the soft tissues supporting the spine–discs, muscles, tendons, etc.–slowly begin to deteriorate and cause cervical (neck) or lumbar(lower back) pain. 

It is most common in the neck and lower back. Gradually, the discs protecting the spine tend to dry out and lose shape as we age. This condition, known as degenerative disc disease, puts pressure on the discs and may cause a bulging or herniated disc & can compress nerves and lead to limb paralysis in future. In addition, cartilage can wear away from the joints leading to facet joint osteoarthritis.

 

SPONDYLO-LYSIS (SPON-DEE-LOW-LYE-SIS)

Spondylolysis (spon-dee-low-lye-sis) is defined as a defect or stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch

Mostly seen in low back area –Lumbar area than Cervical area.

If its untreated may lead to further complications called as Spondylolisthesis.

 

 

SPONDYLO-LISTHESIS (SPON-DEE-LOW-LIS-THEE-SIS)

It derives from two parts: spondylo which means spine, and listhesis which means slippage. So, a spondylolisthesis is a forward slip of one vertebra (ie, one of the 33 bones of the spinal column) relative to another. Spondylolisthesis usually occurs towards the base of your spine in the lumbar area.

 

Xray shows fifth lumbar vertrebra slipped forward over sacrum.

How is spondylolisthesis graded?

A radiologist determines the degree of slippage upon reviewing spinal X-rays. Slippage is graded I through IV:

·         Grade I: 1% to 25% slip

·         Grade II: 26% to 50% slip

·         Grade III: 51% to 75% slip

·         Grade IV: 76% to 100% slip

Common Symptoms include

•  Neck or back pain
•  Muscle tightness and stiffness
•  Pain in the buttocks
• Tight hamstring musculature
• Pain radiating down the legs (due to pressure on nerve roots) or upper limb
• Increased lordosis (ie, swayback).  

Younger people may not have many symptoms, so the condition may not get diagnosed. 

Young athletes and older adults are sufferer.

Sports person involving repeated hyperextension of the lower back are at risk. This includes gymnastics, rowing, wrestling, and track & field sports. 

What complications are associated with spondylolisthesis?

Persistent pain associated with spondylolisthesis can lead to reduced mobility and inactivity. Inactivity can, in turn, result in weight gain, loss of bone density, and loss of muscle strength and flexibility in other areas of the body. There is also a risk of permanent nerve damage if a slipped vertebra is pressing on a spinal nerve root.

Diagnosing : X-rays, a bone scan, CT Scan or MRI can help with diagnosis. 

Conservative treatments : back braces, pain medications, and stretching exercises. 

If not treated effective then surgery may be an option & can result in more serious problems.

Physiotherapy helps to prevent and treat back pain. 

There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of slips:

• Keep your back and abdominal muscles strong to help support and stabilize the lower back.
• Choose activities and sports that do not place your lower back at risk for injury. Swimming and biking are possible options.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts added stress on your lower back.
• Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your bones well-nourished and strong.
• Stabilization exercises are the mainstay of treatment. These exercises strengthen the abdominal and/or back muscles, minimizing bony movement of the spine.
• Continues or Intermittent Spinal Traction can be given in earlier stages in case of reduction of spaces between two vertebrae not in fracture cases.
• Generally, 8 to 12 weeks of aggressive daily treatment with stabilization exercises are needed to achieve clinical improvement.