Spondylosis, Spondylitis, Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis are the four conditions that affect the spine. These are maybe confusing but you all need to know the difference between them.
Spondylolysis:-
Spondylolysis is a term used to describe the anatomic defect or break of the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch. A Spondylolysis is a low back stress fracture commonly seen in sports like gymnastics, football, cheerleading, wrestling and also in soccer. Usually occur in the lower lumbar spine, especially in the L5 vertebrae in about 5% of the population. Hyperextension of the spine makes this condition worse. We can easily identify the fracture of pars interarticularis by looking at the X-ray.
Spondylolisthesis:-
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebrae slide forward over the vertebrae below it. If the stress fractures weaker the vertebrae so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position, the vertebrae can start to shift out of space. This condition of vertebral slippage is called Spondylolisthesis. This is not a disc slipping, it is a slipping of the vertebral body from its original position. L5-S1 slippage occurs in 90% of pediatrics cases. L4-L5 slippage is usually degenerative and mostly occurs in adult females.
Spondylitis:-
Spondylitis means inflammation of the vertebral column. Commonly called Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the spine that causes progressive stiffness and pain. It is classically a disease that begins insidiously, which means quietly and slowly. Typically it is starting in young adult age. The key joints which get affected are the Sacroiliac joint and vertebral column joints. The inflammation causes pain and stiffness in these joints and progressed to a fusion of the spinal column and SI joint. Fusion of the spine leads to the classical finding on the X-ray as a bamboo spine.
Spondylosis:-
Spondylosis is a type of degenerative osteoarthritis of the joint between the vertebrae. It is an age-related condition but sometimes occurs in adults due to overuse. It is mostly present in cervical vertebrae that’s why we commonly call it Cervical Spondylosis. The space between two adjacent vertebrae gets narrow which leads to compression of the nerve roots (Compression of the nerve root is called radiculopathy which leads to Pain, Sensory or Motor changes. Cervical Spondylosis is due to the wear and tear that affects the spinal discs in neck. Spinal discs are the shoch absorbers between the vertebrae. They aid movement to help neck get flexible and can bend and turn. The spinal discs are primarily composed of 80% water. As we get old, water gradually leaves the discs and they start to dry out which causes the spinal discs to have less shock absorbing abilities and leads to less cushion between the joints.
Treatment:-
All these conditions are best treated with the help of Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy help to cure Spondylosis, Spondylitis , Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis conditions. If you are facing any of these conditions, then contact to the nearby Physiotherapists.
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