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Spondyloarthrosis is a type of arthrosis that causes a series of changes in the lumbar, cervical or dorsal spine, affecting the bones, ligaments, intervertebral disc and nerves, which causes pain and is often disabling.
In spondyloarthrosis, the intervertebral disc can become deformed causing a herniated disc and, in addition, the ligaments of the spine become loose, generating typical symptoms of the disease that include pain that worsens with movement.
The treatment of spondyloarthrosis should be guided by the orthopedist, who may indicate the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of a pill, injection or ointment. In addition, physical therapy is usually indicated to relieve symptoms and improve the person's quality of life.
Symptoms of spondyloarthrosis
The symptoms of spondyloarthrosis are related to where it is located, in the cervical, dorsal or lumbar region. Some of these symptoms are:
- Back pain, which worsens with movement and tends to improve with rest;
- Back pain that radiates to the legs or arms, if the peripheral nervous system is involved;
- Decreased muscle strength;
- Lack of flexibility.
The diagnosis is made with exams such as x-rays, magnetic resonance or computed tomography.
How is the treatment
Treatment for spondyloarthrosis can be done with medications to relieve pain and discomfort, but physical therapy is essential. If the pain is disabling or does not subside with physical therapy, surgery may be used.
Other treatments such as acupuncture, relaxing massages and osteopathy are also excellent options to complement the treatment, but it is best to adopt several treatments at the same time because they complement each other.
Physiotherapy
In physiotherapy for spondyloarthrosis, you can do exercises to improve posture, use devices to relieve pain and discomfort, and do stretches, which will improve blood supply and improve range of motion.
To complement the treatment, one must lose weight, avoid lifting weights and make great efforts, so as not to further damage the spine. Therapeutic and relaxing massages can also be useful, as well as taking painkillers and anti-inflammatories on days of greatest pain.
The physiotherapy work is capable of relieving the symptoms of spondyloarthrosis, but it is a progressive and degenerative disease and, probably, the person will probably have several physiotherapy sessions during his life.
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How to live with spondyloarthrosis
In order to live better with spondyloarthrosis, well-guided physical activity is the best way to accept and learn to live with spondyloarthrosis, which is an orthopedic disease that, despite having no cure, has treatment to control its symptoms.
It is important to find the best way to get around the pain and the limitations that this disease causes and some useful tips are relaxation massages, muscle stretching exercises and walking, although sometimes surgery can be indicated to reduce discomfort and stop your speed of disease progression.
Spondyloarthrosis can be controlled and it is possible to spend days without feeling pain, but for this it is necessary to follow the instructions of the doctor and the physical therapist. Making no effort, losing weight and avoiding bad posture are guidelines that must be followed daily.
Exercises such as Pilates on the ground or in the pool, help to reduce pain and improve range of motion. But it is important that these exercises are performed under the guidance of a specialized physiotherapist to avoid further damage to the spine. Hydrotherapy is also a great ally because it associates stretching with breathing movements, and warm water facilitates movement and promotes muscle relaxation.