Spinal conditions like spondylosis and spondylitis often cause confusion due to similar-sounding names. They are, nevertheless, separate illnesses with their own causes, signs, and therapies. For precise diagnosis and efficient treatment, one must understand these distinctions clearly.
Nature of the Conditions
Spondylosis is a degenerative condition primarily caused by ageing. It involves wear-and-tear changes in the spine, including disc degeneration, bone spurs, and joint issues. Commonly referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine, spondylosis is non-inflammatory and progresses slowly over time.
Spondylitis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition. It results from autoimmune processes where the body attacks its own tissues, particularly in the spine and sacroiliac joints. Ankylosing spondylitis, the most common type, is a progressive disease that can lead to spinal fusion and severe mobility issues.
Symptoms and Onset
Here is how symptoms of these diseases differ from each other.
- Spondylosis Symptoms: Patients experience chronic back or neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes tingling or numbness if nerve compression occurs. Symptoms worsen with age but are often manageable with lifestyle changes and treatments.
- Spondylitis Symptoms: Inflammation leads to persistent pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest. Over time, symptoms may get worse, causing deformities in posture or spinal immobility. Fatigue and systemic inflammation are common.
Diagnostic Clues
Spondylosis is typically identified through imaging scans that reveal degenerative changes like disc thinning or bone spurs. Spondylitis diagnosis often involves checking imaging scans for inflammation, blood tests for markers like HLA-B27, and patient history for any autoimmune conditions.
Treatment Approaches
While both spondylosis and spondylitis can severely impact the quality of life, understanding their differences helps in seeking timely and appropriate care. If you’re experiencing persistent back or neck pain, consult the experts for accurate diagnosis and necessary treatment.
For spondylosis, treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving mobility. Physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, medications, and spinal decompression treatment are commonly used. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, play a crucial role in management.
For spondylitis, the goal is to reduce inflammation and prevent disease progression. Medications, including NSAIDs and biologics, are central to treatment. Physical therapy and postural exercises are crucial, and early intervention is key to preventing severe complications.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Treatment
At non-surgical treatment centres like ANSSI Wellness, patients benefit from advanced care tailored to their spinal conditions. Whether dealing with the degenerative effects of spondylosis or the inflammatory challenges of spondylitis, state-of-the-art spinal decompression treatment provides a non-invasive, effective solution. Expert teams work with patients to develop personalised treatment plans, ensuring optimal relief and recovery.
About ANSSI:
ANSSI Wellness focuses on improving the quality of life for patients suffering from spinal issues, aiming to provide relief where other conventional treatments have failed. Through advanced non-surgical spinal decompression treatment, ANSSI is committed to helping patients avoid surgery and recover in a safe, effective, and compassionate environment.
