Spinal thought 139. Spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis) is a degenerative disorder of the spine (not to be confused with ankylosing spondylitis). It is common to find some wear and tear in the joints and bones of the spine as people get older. Aging is thought to be the primary cause and the location and rate of change in the spine vary from person to person. It may affect the neck (cervical spondylosis), chest (thoracic spondylosis) or lower back (lumbar spondylosis). Due to gradual compression of the spine the intervertebral discs dehydrate and become thinner and harder, providing less support and flexibility. The body compensates by producing small osteophytes – small bony lumps or spurs – to help support and hold together the spine. These osteophytes can then make the spine rigid and lead to pain and stiffness. In addition that can also compress nerves and blood vessels causing more widespread symptoms. It is estimated that by the age of 70 nearly all men and women would show signs of cervical spondylosis on an x-ray. Not all display symptoms and some who show clear signs on an x-ray have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of pain and stiffness can be intermittent. Alexander Technique teachers people to use their bodies in a way that lessons compression in the spine and body in general and may contribute towards preventing degeneration. Even when someone only starts taking AT lessons later in life, it can help to alleviate stiffness and pain by encouraging a freer and more balanced use in the whole body.
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 07:15:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015