My aunt was diagnosed with spondylosis after x-ray of the spine,the doctor has recommended surgery of the back

Question

as immediate family members we're hesistant to endorse the doctors move since spine is a sensitive area to operate (L1-L5 invertebrates discs) and though the patient is xpiriencing sharp pain at lower back the doctor hadn'nt weighed other options like drugs etc. My questions, what causes spondlylosis? what is tthe standard recommende treatment procedure for spondylosis? and finally from my lil knowledge surgical operation in spondylosis case are rare unless the same affecting functionaty of other organs like limbs. I WILL APPRECIATE GOOD ANSWERS FROM SPINE SPECIALISTS OR OTHORPAEDICS.

Answer 1

Just want to be sure that it really is Spondylosis and not Spondylolysis which are two different terms. Spondylosis is just another term for arthritic changes in the spine. Spondylolysis is more serious as this means there is something mechanically wrong with the spine and this could be the prequel to a more serious condition called spondylolisthesis which means slipping of the vertebrae on one another. I was wondering why your doctor has not mentioned MRI for the back. Nowadays, no one will operate on the spine based on Xrays alone. And you are right, surgery is rarely necessary for Spondylosis alone. But the other two conditions I mentioned may need surgery. Why not see another specialist? Maybe your doctor has a lot of bills to pay.

Answer 2

This kind of surgery isn't as bad as it used to be. When I was a kid my grandad had back surgery and had back pain all of his life. by the time I grew up and was a veterinary technician we were doing the same surgery on dogs in the office on a routine basis.

Of course I am not a specialist, nor am I even a DR. but I do have a pretty good general working understanding of medicine and I doubt that I would have any problems undergoing the sx if it were me, provided that my general physical constitution would allow for it.

Spondylosis actually quite common in the geriatric (dogs at least). The boney calcification's that develop can poke and pinch nerves, can be quite painful and aren't going away on their own. They will need to be treated somehow and drugs are not the answer I would go with.

Just my two cents.

Answer 3

I have spondylosis and they wanted to do surgery 4 years ago.I was 50.I also have disc problems.I did everything I could to avoid surgery.Physical therapy,swimming,walking on a flat surface,exercises from the therapist to strengthen the lower back and abs.When the pain was really bad I used motrin and iced the area to relieve the swelling.that was 4 years ago and I sometimes forget I have a bad back.
Just avoid things that might injure it more.Lifting heavy objects,pulling and pushing heavy things.
I would have surgery at the very very last resort.
If you do have surgery don't go to a ortho Dr.I have worked in surgery and they are brutal.A lot of times the surgery makes things worse.

Answer 4

Osteoarthritis of the Spine= Spondylosis
I also have this and Osteoarthritis in both knees I have to wear knee braces.. I think drugs are just a cover up to cover up the pain.. There is no known cure for this degeneration of the cartilage.. I havent discussed surgery with my doctor
Strengthening Exercises to strengthen the back and abs are helpful. Strong muscles help support the spine, absorbing shock before it reaches the joints of the spine. Stretching exercises can decrease stiffness and ease back pain. Consult your physician before starting an exercise program. See Back Exercises for more information.
Low-impact aerobics such as walking, swimming, or using an exercise bike or elliptical trainer increase circulation and decrease stiffness without placing undue stress on the spinal joints. Aerobics also help in keeping one’s weight down. Keeping weight under control helps as excess weight causes extra stress on the joints.
Warm Water Exercises: Water supports the majority of body weight, taking stress off the joints. Exercising in warm water has extra benefits - warm water increases circulation, eases pain and loosens up stiff muscles and joints, which make exercises easier to perform. Many public swimming pools offer exercise classes for those with osteoarthritis
I have also heard that using heat will increase inflamation
Ice wrapped in a cloth can be applied after exercise if back pain flares up. (Don’t leave ice on for over 20 minutes to avoid frostbite). Ice may be reapplied every one to four hours. Applying a wet towel between the skin and the ice pack will allow the cold to penetrate more deeply. If back pain continues over a couple of days, take a break from exercising. Resume exercising once the pain has subsided.
I also have a diet program that seems to help some for osteoarthritis sufferers.. hope this helps, let me know if you want me to forward the diet program..it is of certain foods to avoid..

Answer 5

I would get a second opinion. Even for something as minor as that, the way I look at it, any time you have to cut into something should be a last resort. I don't know much about carpal tunnel, but depending on what you do that caused it, maybe see if there's physical therapy or something you can do to strengthen those muscles or something.

Answer 6

I also have spondylosis of the spine and have had the surgery, dont do it!!!!!! It made it worse, I am now going on disability due to the severe pain, the medications I must take to eleviate the pain. I would get her to seek any alternative treatments before trying the surgery. The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is also referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). As people age, the composition of the cartilage of the body changes, resulting in thinner and more fragile cartilage. These changes cause the intervertebral discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (also known as facet joints) to wear over time. This degeneration of the disc is also referred to as spondylosis. Spondylosis can be seen on MRI scans of the spine as a narrowing of the normal disc space between adjacent vertebrae

Any level of the spine can be affected. Degeneration of the disc can cause local pain in the affected area. When Degenerative Disc Disease specifically affects the spine of the neck, it is more specifically referred to as cervical spondylosis. When the mid-back is affected, the condition is known as thoracic spondylosis. Degenerative Disc Disease affecting the lumbar spine is referred to as lumbar spondylosis.

Spondylosis is a chronic degenerative condition of the spine that affects the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs as well as the contents of the spinal canal. Spondylosis progresses with age and often develops at multiple interspaces. Chronic degeneration is the most common cause of progressive spinal cord and nerve root compression.

Spondylotic changes can result in spinal canal, lateral recess, and foraminal stenoses. Intervertebral disks lose hydration and elasticity with age, and these losses lead to cracks and fissures. The surrounding ligaments also lose their elastic properties and develop traction spurs. The disk subsequently collapses, causing the annulus to bulge outward. As the disk space narrows, the annulus bulges, and the facets override one another.

Spondylosis is a common condition that is estimated to account for 2% of all hospital admissions. It is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in patients older than 55 years. Approximately 90% of men older than 50 years and 90% of women older than 60 years have evidence of degenerative changes in the spine. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis may appear in those as young as 30 years, and spondylosis usually starts earlier in men than in women.

Posterior Approach is done from the back of the patient's neck to remove bone spurs and enlarged ligaments that are compressing the spinal cord and nerves leading to the arms. This procedure is usually employed to treat Degenerative Disc Disease and/or facet joint arthritis. However, patients who have had previous cervical fusions with residual pain can also benefit from an Arthroscopic Laser Cervical Decompression-Posterior Approach.