Spondyloarthrosis or wear of the spine is a phenomenon of aging of the discs that occurs gradually throughout all the years of life and appears since it stops growing, approximately from 19 to 20 years of age. This physiological phenomenon should not cause discomfort in people; however, they are a common cause of spinal problems. On this occasion, Dr. Einer Concha, a neurosurgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma will give us more information.

Causes

There are multiple factors involved in this process. These can be divided into two: intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors.

• Intrinsic factors: They are those related to family transmission or inheritance, of morphology and incorrect formation of the column and its vertebrae; that is, factors that cannot be modified
• Extrinsic factors: These are those that can be corrected, such as a sedentary lifestyle (main factor), smoking, falls, inadequate way of carrying weight, inadequate exercise, lack or inadequate night sleep.

Symptoms

Usually, at first, there are no symptoms; however, these begin to occur sporadically and gradually, being mildly intense at first and later increasing until they become continuous and permanent pain (cervical pain, low back pain or lower back pain) that can be accompanied by radiation to the extremities (sciatica, cruralgia, brachialgia) or neurological deficit symptoms (loss of strength or sensation).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made through the following studies:

• X-rays
• CT-scan
• spine echo

The latter is the preferred test, since it provides us with information on tissues, such as cartilage, ligaments, muscles and, above all, nerves.

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the severity of the degeneration of the spine and the presence or absence of symptoms. In the first place, the extrinsic factors will be modified, carrying out exercises in an adequate way, as well as the different daily activities. If after that there is no improvement and disabling symptoms occur, surgical management will be required, applying the appropriate technique based on the severity of the wear, all with the aim of improving the patient’s quality of life.

Dr. Einer Concha
Neurosurgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma