As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes, and the spine is no exception. Spondylosis, a degenerative condition of the spine, becomes more common with age, affecting the spinal discs, joints, and vertebrae.
Ageing and Its Impact on the Spine
Understanding how ageing impacts spinal health is essential for preventing and managing spondylosis effectively.
1. Degeneration of Spinal Discs
Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and allowing flexibility. With age, these discs lose hydration and elasticity, becoming thinner and less effective at cushioning. This leads to increased friction between vertebrae, contributing to pain and stiffness.
2. Joint Wear and Tear
The facet joints in the spine enable your movement and flexibility. Over time, cartilage in these joints wears down, leading to inflammation and stiffness. This condition, often called osteoarthritis of the spine, is a major indicator of spondylosis.
3. Bone Spurs
As the spine tries to adapt to the stress of ageing and degenerative changes, bone spurs (osteophytes) may form. These growths can press on nerves, causing symptoms like pain, numbness, or tingling.
4. Ligament Stiffness
Ligaments that hold the vertebrae together can thicken and lose flexibility with age. This can further restrict movement and contribute to discomfort.
Common Symptoms of Spondylosis
There are a few symptoms that you need to watch out for:
- Persistent neck or back pain
- Stiffness, particularly after inactivity
- Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness, especially in advanced cases
Managing and Preventing Spondylosis
While ageing is inevitable, there are ways to manage and even prevent the progression of spondylosis:
1. Stay Active
Regular exercise strengthens the muscles supporting the spine, improving posture and reducing strain. Low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, and walking are ideal.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight adds pressure on the spine, accelerating degeneration. A balanced diet and active lifestyle help reduce this burden.
3. Practice Good Posture
Proper posture minimises stress on the spine. When sitting, ensure your back is straight, feet are flat on the floor, and the chair supports your lower back.
4. Consider Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical options like physical therapy and spinal decompression can provide significant relief. Spinal decompression, in particular, helps by relieving pressure on the discs and promoting their natural healing.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the spine, impairing disc health and accelerating degeneration.
Treatment of Spondylosis
Ageing doesn’t have to mean living with chronic pain. By taking proactive steps and exploring innovative treatments like spinal decompression, you can maintain a healthy, pain-free spine well into your later years.
For those struggling with spondylosis, ANSSI Wellness offers advanced, non-surgical spinal decompression treatment. This treatment gently relieves pressure on the spine, promoting disc rehydration and reducing symptoms. Combined with physiotherapy, it provides a holistic approach to managing spine health.
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 nonsurgical spinal decompression treatment, ANSSI is committed to helping patients avoid surgery and recover in a safe, effective, and compassionate environment.
