Spinal Degeneration

Spinal degeneration is a common chronic musculoskeletal condition typically seen in middle-aged individuals and is increasingly affecting those between the ages of 20 and 35. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), spinal degeneration is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 60-70% of the population over the age of 50. This condition can impact the discs, cartilage, ligaments, and bones, causing pain, limiting mobility, and leading to severe complications if not treated properly.

Overview of Spinal Degeneration

Spinal degeneration is a condition where the cartilage between the vertebrae wears away, leading to the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs and spinal joints. When this cartilage deteriorates, friction between the ends of the bones in the vertebrae increases during movement, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and restricted mobility. This also results in swelling of the synovial membrane and joint stiffness due to the limited ability to secrete joint fluid, reducing the natural lubrication of the joints.

Additionally, the direct contact between the bone ends contributes to the formation of bone spurs. The excessive growth of bone spurs increases the level of friction, affecting the vertebrae, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. Spinal degeneration can occur in various areas of the spine, but some vertebrae are at a higher risk of degeneration, including:

• Lumbar Spinal Degeneration: The lumbar region, comprising the vertebrae from L1 to L5, is the most susceptible area for degeneration due to bearing the majority of the body’s weight and pressure, which can easily lead to damage and wear.
• Cervical Spinal Degeneration: The vertebrae from C5 to C7 in the cervical region are also highly prone to degeneration. This area experiences continuous daily movement, including rotation, bending, and extension of the neck. As a result, it is susceptible to wear and degeneration.
• Thoracic Spinal Degeneration: Although the thoracic region from T1 to T12 is less prone to degeneration compared to the cervical and lumbar regions due to its limited movement and protection by the rib structure, degeneration can still occur in the thoracic vertebrae.

Who Is at High Risk for Spinal Degeneration?

Research from the American Orthopedic Surgery Institute indicates that spinal degeneration is commonly observed in the following groups:

• Approximately 85% of individuals over the age of 60 experience spinal degeneration. This underscores the impact of age on the structures of the spine.
• In the group under 45 years old, the prevalence of spinal degeneration is higher in men. Conversely, in the group over 45, women represent a higher percentage.
• Individuals who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing spinal degeneration. Excess body weight exerts pressure on the spine, leading to damage to the cartilage, intervertebral discs, and vertebrae.
• Those who have previously suffered spinal injuries or have conditions such as arthritis are also at a higher risk for spinal degeneration.
• Individuals engaged in high-intensity physical activities, lifting heavy objects, or office workers who sit for prolonged periods are also at increased risk for spinal degeneration due to the elevated pressure on the spine.

Stages of Spinal Degeneration

Stage 1

In this stage, the signs of degeneration are mild, including insignificant changes in the cartilage and vertebrae. Patients may not experience pain or may only have mild and infrequent discomfort.

Stage 2

The surfaces of the joints and vertebrae become more irregular due to wear, and the normal curvature of the spine gradually disappears. Some complications may occur, such as bone spurs, disc narrowing, and spinal stenosis. Patients begin to experience more frequent, dull pain that can cause discomfort and affect daily activities. Movements, such as walking or grasping objects, become more difficult due to the onset of numbness

Stage 3

In stage 3 of spinal degeneration, significant changes occur in the structure and shape of the spine. The normal curvature disappears, causing the spine to deform into a nearly straight line or even curve backward (hunchback or swayback), resulting in the loss of its natural structure and load-bearing ability.

Stage 4

The spine is completely deformed, and the discs lose nearly all function, resulting in permanently limited mobility. The space between the vertebrae is severely narrowed, and spinal movement is significantly restricted, with bone spurs developing extensively. Patients may lose partial or complete mobility in the affected area, experiencing frequent and uncontrolled pain even at rest.

At this stage, patients face many dangerous complications, such as muscle atrophy, joint fusion, spinal inflammation, and severe compression of nerve roots and the spinal cord. More seriously, this can lead to paralysis.

Causes of Spinal Degeneration

Primary Causes

The natural aging process of the body is one of the main causes of spinal degeneration. As people age, the structure of the spine gradually weakens, manifested by symptoms such as dehydration of the discs, a greater tendency for the annulus fibrosus to tear, ligament fibrosis, or erosion of cartilage tissue. The speed at which spinal degeneration occurs depends on the patient’s lifestyle and diet, specifically:

• Lifestyle Habits: Factors such as slouching, bending the neck, improper sports movements, and using excessively high pillows can accelerate the degeneration of the spine.
• Inadequate Diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients for bones and cartilage, such as calcium, magnesium, glucosamine, and type II collagen, can lead to cartilage erosion, resulting in inflammation and degeneration. Additionally, habits of consuming fast food, high-fat foods, or abusing alcohol and tobacco can lead to inflammation, causing damage and weakening the bone and cartilage structures, which leads to spinal degeneration. This is why the incidence of spinal degeneration is increasingly rising among younger individuals aged 20 to 35.

Secondary Causes

Several secondary causes that lead to spinal degeneration include:

Job Characteristics: Individuals who work in offices, are less active, and maintain poor posture or those who frequently engage in heavy labor and carry heavy objects are often at a higher risk of developing spinal degeneration.

Injuries: Injuries sustained during daily activities, exercise, or falls due to accidents can result in damage to the spine, potentially leading to spinal degeneration if not treated promptly and thoroughly.

Early Signs of Spinal Degeneration

Lumbar Spine Degeneration

Common symptoms of lumbar spinal degeneration include a dull ache in the lower back, buttocks, groin, and back of the thighs. The pain may radiate down to the calves, ankles, and feet if left unmanaged. The intensity of pain may decrease with rest and increase during movement, especially during bending, twisting, or lifting activities.

As lumbar spinal degeneration progresses to a severe stage, the intervertebral discs may become damaged. Bone spurs developing along with herniated discs can compress the nerve roots, leading to pain and numbness that radiates down to the legs and arms.

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Patients with cervical spine degeneration often experience pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and even the mid-back. In the early stages, the pain typically occurs during movements such as neck rotation, bending, or lifting the head. The pain may gradually radiate down to the arms, hands, or fingers in more severe cases, leading to numbness, tingling, or a feeling of weakness in the arms. Additionally, patients may experience headaches and dizziness due to the compression of the arteries near the vertebrae.

Thoracic Spine Degeneration

Thoracic spine degeneration can cause dull or sharp pain from the mid-back (the area from the center of the shoulder blades to the lower part of the ribcage), which may radiate to the neck, shoulders, sides, and arms, especially when there is compression on the thoracic nerves. Patients tend to have a hunchback or spinal curvature. Performing movements such as bending, twisting, or turning can increase the pain, causing discomfort for the patient. Because the thoracic spine is closely related to the respiratory mechanism, degeneration of the thoracic vertebrae may lead to difficulty taking deep breaths or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Dangerous Consequences of Spinal Degeneration

If spinal degeneration is not detected and treated early, it can lead to many serious complications for health, including permanent disability and loss of mobility. Some of the unforeseen complications of this condition include:

Consequences of Cervical Spine Degeneration

• Insomnia: Cervical spine degeneration not only causes pain but also leads to fatigue, insomnia, or shallow sleep for patients. Over time, this can result in exhaustion, decreased mental health, and an increased risk of stroke.
• Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Patients may experience unstable blood pressure, with sudden increases and decreases that severely affect their health.
• Vestibular Disorders: Cervical spine degeneration can lead to chronic headaches, particularly pain in the back of the neck that radiates to the crown of the head or forehead. Degenerated cervical vertebrae may compress the arteries supplying blood to the brain, causing circulation disorders. This can result in vestibular symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory impairment, or loss of appetite.
• Cervical-Cardiac Syndrome: Degeneration of the cervical spine can cause misalignment, affecting the structure of the cervical spine and compressing the nerves that control heart function. As a consequence, patients may experience sudden chest pain or arrhythmias.
• Herniated Discs: Degenerated vertebrae can form herniated discs that compress nerve roots, leading to paralysis in one or both arms. Over time, patients may lose control over their movements and experience reduced grip strength or difficulty performing precise tasks.
• Spinal Cord Compression: Patients may experience a loss of balance and difficulty controlling their limbs, resulting in trouble walking or standing steadily. In severe cases, spinal cord compression can affect functions related to urination and defecation, leading to incontinence or urinary retention.

Consequences of Lumbar Spine Degeneration

• Spinal Deformities: Patients may be unable to work or engage in normal activities due to severe pain in the lower back. To alleviate the pain, they may adopt a leaning or bending posture while moving. Over time, this can lead to spinal deformities (such as kyphosis, scoliosis, or lordosis), adversely affecting their daily lives.
• Chest Pain: The nerve roots of cervical vertebrae C6 and C7 can be compressed by bone spurs, resulting in persistent and severe pain in the chest area.
• Nerve Compression: Degeneration of the lumbar spine can compress the nerve roots, causing pain in the buttocks and limbs. If not treated promptly, the pain can intensify, leading to muscle spasms, weakness, and an increased risk of paralysis.
• Muscle Atrophy and Weakness: When nerves are compressed for an extended period, the muscle groups in the legs and buttocks can weaken and atrophy, making it difficult to move, stand up, or sit down, which may ultimately lead to a loss of mobility if not treated promptly.
• Spinal Stenosis: When bone spurs and deformed vertebrae compress the spinal cord and nerves, it leads to spinal stenosis. As a result, patients may experience difficulty moving, along with sensations of numbness or sharp pain when standing or walking for extended periods. In severe cases, spinal stenosis can cause significant neurological dysfunction.

Treatment for Spinal Degeneration:

Regularly practice exercises to improve spine health

Regularly engaging in exercises to strengthen spinal health is an effective treatment for degeneration of the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic spine. These exercises help to stretch the spine, enhance the strength and flexibility of the musculoskeletal system, and promote recovery from damage to the vertebrae. Additionally, regular exercise helps patients maintain a more relaxed and clear mind.

It is important to note that not all exercises are suitable for patients with spinal degeneration. Incorrect exercises can add pressure to the spine and joints, worsening the condition and causing prolonged pain. Therefore, patients should consult a doctor for an examination and advice on the most appropriate exercises for their condition.

Using Prescription Medications to Treat Spinal Degeneration

Doctors may prescribe various medications for patients with spinal degeneration, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, IL-1 inhibitors, symptom-relief medications with slow action, or local corticosteroid injections, depending on the clinical symptoms.

However, fundamentally, medications can only provide temporary pain relief and do not restore the structure of the degenerated spine. Therefore, when the medication is stopped, the pain will return and may be more severe than before. Additionally, there are cases where patients may self-adjust their dosage or misuse medications, leading to serious side effects for the liver, kidneys, stomach, etc.

Surgery for Degenerative Spine

Surgery for a degenerative spine is considered a last resort when conservative measures such as medications, physical therapy, and spinal manipulation are no longer effective, or when spinal degeneration causes severe complications such as spinal cord compression, nerve root compression, spinal deformity, or spinal canal narrowing. The doctor will remove a small portion of bone (bone spurs) or the damaged disc to relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. There are some risks associated with general anesthesia, including heart attack, head injury, sore throat, nausea, dry mouth, or chills.

Additionally, after surgery for spinal degeneration, patients may experience pain and circulatory issues and will require a lengthy recovery period, including physical therapy to restore function. Therefore, patients and their families need to carefully consider the decision to undergo surgery.

Acupuncture to Help Relieve Pain from Spinal Degeneration

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture can help to regulate the flow of qi and blood, stabilizing and balancing qi while also stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanisms. From a scientific perspective, acupuncture applied to degenerated spinal areas stimulates the body to produce natural pain-relieving endorphins and anti-inflammatory substances, thereby alleviating pain caused by spinal degeneration.

However, this is only a short-term solution, as the pain may return because the underlying cause of the condition has not been fully addressed. Additionally, acupuncture may carry certain risks (such as infections, muscle atrophy, etc.), so patients should seek treatment at reputable licensed clinics.

Spinal Manipulation Therapy Combined with Physical Therapy

Many experts recommend a combination of chiropractic treatment and physical therapy as an effective approach for patients with spinal degeneration. This method involves realigning the spinal structure to its proper position, relieving pressure on the nerves, and stimulating the self-healing process to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

Spinal Degeneration Treatment at Optimal365 Chiropractic Center

In the United States and other developed countries, chiropractic is a safe and effective method for treating spinal degeneration that many patients choose. The mechanism of this method involves restructuring the spine through the gentle manipulation of misaligned vertebrae by the chiropractor, helping to enhance flexibility, improve the range of motion, and reduce pain. Chiropractic adjustments help relieve compression and improve nerve circulation, resulting in natural pain relief without the need for medication or surgery.

At Optimal365 Chiropractic, our guiding principle is to treat the root causes of the condition to prevent the recurrence of pain while also shortening the recovery time, allowing patients to return to their daily activities and improve their quality of life. When coming to Optimal365 Chiropractic, patients with spinal degeneration will receive treatment through a customized protocol designed by our team of doctors with over 20 years of experience. Our state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, imported from the United States, enable accurate and optimal diagnosis and assessment of the medical condition.

Chiropractic Adjustments: Addressing the Root Causes of The Condition

At Optimal365 Chiropractic, our highly skilled doctors use advanced techniques to realign the vertebrae, ensuring the proper positioning of the spine while precisely preserving the nerves that run through it. This approach helps to relieve pressure on the nervous system and creates space within the spine, allowing discs to return to their natural positions.

Additionally, our doctors perform precise joint adjustments, providing patients with safe and effective pain relief. These adjustments activate the body’s natural self-healing and recovery processes, boosting blood circulation and strengthening the immune system.

Intensive Physical Therapy: Enhancing Flexibility and Mobility

The team of physiotherapists at Optimal365 Chiropractic utilizes advanced physical therapy techniques to enhance flexibility, reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, and release knots around affected areas. These deep muscle therapy methods help to relax and stretch the muscles, effectively targeting soreness in tight, contracted areas. This approach enables patients to improve their strength and flexibility, restore damaged musculoskeletal structures, and eliminate chronic muscle pain.

Moreover, intensive muscle therapy also boosts blood circulation, increasing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles while enhancing lymphatic flow, subcutaneous blood vessels, and cellular tissue. This therapy effectively targets trigger points, which are the root causes of muscle pain and tightness, providing relief from mobility limitations caused by both acute and chronic conditions. As a result, patients experience faster recovery and can maintain optimal musculoskeletal function.

Using High-Tech Equipment for Spinal Degeneration Treatment

Treating spinal degeneration with high-tech equipment, including Shockwave therapy, laser machines, electrotherapy, and therapeutic ultrasound, helps to break down abnormal bone structures and reduce nerve compression. This advanced therapeutic equipment also supports pain relief, stimulates tissue healing, and quickly reduces swelling and inflammation. Additionally, it helps inhibit muscle spasms and improves circulation in the affected areas, promoting a more effective recovery.

Rehabilitation Exercises:

The team of physiotherapists at Optimal365 Chiropractic will guide patients in performing specialized therapeutic exercises tailored to their physical condition and medical issues. These exercises aim to alleviate pain, enhance strength, and improve flexibility in the muscles supporting the spine, particularly the back, abdominal, and hip muscles, thus increasing the mobility of the spine.

Preventive Measures for Spinal Degeneration

Spinal degeneration is a natural process associated with aging and cannot be completely prevented. However, we can slow down this process by making lifestyle changes, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet.

Establishing an Appropriate Nutrition Plan to Prevent Spinal Degeneration

You should maintain a diet that includes all essential nutrient groups and incorporate foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C, D, and E, which are beneficial for bone health, into your daily meals. Additionally, ensure adequate hydration by drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, supplementing with natural sugars from vegetables and fresh fruits, and avoiding stimulants such as alcohol and tobacco.

Developing Healthy Habits in Daily Life

In daily activities, you should limit heavy work that puts pressure on the lower back and pay attention to adjusting your posture to reduce stress on the spine. If you sit for long periods, change your position frequently and engage in light movement every 60 minutes to allow your spine to relax.

To maintain a relaxed mindset, it’s essential to reduce stress and fatigue through activities like listening to music, reading, taking leisurely walks, or traveling. Incorporating regular light exercises, such as workouts, walking, or swimming, can help boost your energy levels, build strength, and improve the flexibility of your musculoskeletal system. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to prevent obesity and avoid issues related to being overweight.

While spinal degeneration may not be life-threatening, it can lead to chronic pain that significantly impacts mobility and daily life. Recognizing the early signs and seeking prompt evaluation at specialized medical facilities is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. This approach helps prevent complications and ensures better management of spinal degeneration, enhancing overall quality of life.