Spondylosis Treatment Brisbane Northside
There are many types of spondylosis treatment that concentrate on relieving the symptoms since the degenerative disease cannot be reversed. Fortunately, most of these treatments do not require surgery and are readily available in trusted health providers especially in Brisbane Northside.
Spondylosis, also known as osteoarthritis of the spine, affects the spine’s joints, neck, middle back, and lower back areas of the body. People with spondylosis experience pain in these areas as their bones and ligaments undergo wear and tear as they get older. However, they can get it at any age due to genetics, family history, lifestyle choices, and daily activities. Doing heavy labour, high impact athletics, injuries, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking are some of the factors that could exacerbate spinal degeneration.
It is important to work with a GP about medical treatments for spondylosis. While there is no known cure, the symptoms are manageable and it is still possible to live a full life.
Symptoms of Spondylosis
- Localised pain in the spine, neck down to the arms, or lower back legs down to both feet
- Pain when bending backward
- Limited neck motion
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Problems with swallowing
- Muscle spasm
- Spinal deformity or a humpback
- Loss of bowel and/or bowel function
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Medication. Doctors usually recommend muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine that alleviate muscles spasms and extreme discomfort. NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are used to address swelling, which are available either over-the-counter and by prescription only. If these medicines are not effective, narcotics or opioids are prescribed as temporary relief for acute pain.
- Spinal injections. Anti-inflammatory medicine, or a combined local anaesthetic and steroid medication, is injected in the lower back that should help reduce swelling of the nerve roots. The common injections include epidural steroid injection, facet joint injections, and sacroiliac (SI) joint injections.
- Acupuncture. This method has been around for so many years and is practised by many people around the world. It involves inserting tiny needles into the specific areas of the body, twirled, stimulated electrically, or warmed to prompt the body to release certain neurochemicals, such as endorphins or serotonin, to help lessen pain.
- Acupressure. It follows the same principle as acupuncture, but the specialist uses their thumbs, fingers, and elbows instead of needles.
- Chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors are known to perform manual adjustments to the painful area of the body using a hands-on technique, or spinal manipulation. It often involves a “cracking” sound or an audible release of gas that frees up the pressure in the joint. They do not prescribe drugs or surgery but treat pain with passive treatments like using heat or ice, ultrasound, and massage.
- Physical therapy. Therapeutic and isometric exercises are helpful in treating persistent body pain, plus improving flexibility and building muscle strength. Yoga and Pilates are forms of exercise that help relax the body while strengthening the core and spinal muscles.
- Brief Bed Rest. Doctors recommend bed rest for only about 1-3 days for severe cases of spondylosis.
- Herbal Supplements. Some herbal medicines taken as anti-inflammatory include devil’s claw, ginger, glycosaminoglycans, and white willow bark.
- Healthier Lifestyle. Cutting back on alcohol intake and discontinuing smoking can help improve spine function, along with eating nutritious foods, managing a healthy weight, and regular exercise.
Need Spondylosis Treatment Brisbane northside? The professionals at Ubuntu Medical Stafford can help you! Call us now on (07) 3857 3777.
At Ubuntu Medical, we also offer Acupuncture. We also offer other services. For a full list, click HERE.