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Spinal degeneration, also known as degenerative spine disease, is a common health problem that affects an increasing number of people around the world.In this article, we will discuss what exactly spinal degeneration is, its causes, symptoms and treatment methods, including the importance of physiotherapy and appropriate exercises.
Spinal degeneration – what is it?what is spinal degeneration?
Spinal degeneration, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, is a progressive damage to the structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral joints.The main feature of this disease is the degeneration of articular cartilage, which leads to pain, stiffness and limited mobility of the spine.
Spinal degeneration – causes
The causes of spinal degeneration are varied and may include many factors.The main causes include:
- Aging of the body – the natural aging process reduces the amount of joint cartilage, which promotes degeneration.
- Genetics – genetic predispositions may increase the risk of developing the disease.
- Chronic injuries and overloads – repeated injuries or long-term overloads of the spine may contribute to degeneration.
- Improper diet – lack of appropriate nutrients can weaken joint cartilage.
- Obesity – excess body weight increases the load on the spine.
Spinal degeneration – symptoms
Symptoms of spinal degeneration may be diverse and worsen gradually.Common symptoms include:
- Spinal pain which may be felt as lumbar, cervical or sacral pain.
- Stiff spine, especially in the morning or after sitting or lying for a long time.
- Limited range of motion in the spine.
- Difficulty performing everyday activities such as bending, lifting objects or turning around.
Spinal degeneration – diagnosis
Diagnosing spinal degeneration involves various tests, including:
- Physical examination – the doctor assesses the range of motion and checks for the presence of pain and stiffness.
- X-ray of the spine – allows you to assess the condition of the vertebrae and intervertebral joints.
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – more detailed imaging tests.
- Blood tests – may help rule out other causes of pain.
Spinal degeneration – treatment
Treatment of spinal degeneration can be comprehensive and depends on the stage of the disease.Treatment methods include:
- Pharmacological treatment – the use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements.
- Physiotherapy – exercises and manual therapy aimed at improving mobility and reducing pain.
- Steroid injections – may help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery – in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Spinal degeneration – physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of spinal degeneration.A physiotherapy specialist can adapt an exercise and manual therapy program to the patient’s individual needs.The exercises are designed to strengthen muscles, improve posture and reduce pain.
Spinal degeneration – exercises
Regularly performing appropriate exercises can significantly contribute to improving the condition of the spine with degeneration.Example exercises include:
- Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdomen and pelvis.
- Exercises to stretch and improve spine flexibility.
- Exercises to strengthen body posture.
Before starting any exercise program, it is recommended to consult a doctor or physiotherapist to select appropriate exercises adapted to the patient’s health condition.
Your suggestions
If you have your own experiences or suggestions for treating spinal degeneration, we would like to hear your opinions.Share them in the comments section below.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about spinal degeneration and how to treat and prevent it, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “Preventing spine degeneration – effective methods of protecting spine health.”
- “Physiotherapy in the treatment of spine pain – how does it work and why is it effective?”
- “Exercises to strengthen the back muscles – the key to a healthy spine.”
We encourage you to delve deeper into the topic and take care of the health of your spine, because it is a key part of our body that affects our quality of life.