Spinal Degeneration

Spinal degeneration is a chronic musculoskeletal condition typically seen in middle age. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing prevalence of spinal degeneration among younger individuals, leading to unpredictable complications. Early detection and proper treatment are essential to prevent serious health risks.

What is Spinal Degeneration?

Spinal degeneration refers to osteoarthritis of the spine, a chronic condition that can affect the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and middle back), or lumbar spine (lower back). Among these, cervical spondylosis and lumbar spondylosis are the most common.

Who is at High Risk for Spinal Degeneration?

Certain groups are more prone to developing spinal degeneration:

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 85% of people over 60 experience spinal degeneration.
• Before age 45, men are more commonly affected, while after age 45, the condition is more prevalent in women.
• Individuals who are overweight or obese are at higher risk due to the increased strain on joint cartilage, intervertebral discs, and subchondral bone.
• Those with a history of injury or osteoarthritis are more susceptible.
• People with sedentary office jobs or those engaged in repetitive physical labor are also at increased risk.

Causes of Spinal Degeneration

Spinal degeneration arises from two main categories of causes: primary and secondary.

Primary Causes

The natural aging process is a leading factor in spinal degeneration. As we age, the spine weakens due to:

• Disc dehydration, making it less flexible.
• Annulus fibrosus rupture, increasing the risk of herniation.
• Ligament hardening, reducing mobility.
• Cartilage wear and tear, leading to joint pain and stiffness.

The rate of degeneration varies based on lifestyle and diet:

• Poor posture: Slouching, excessive neck bending, using an overly high pillow, or improper sports activities can accelerate spinal wear.
• Unbalanced diet: A lack of calcium, magnesium, glucosamine, and type II collagen weakens the spine, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Diets high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, alcohol, and tobacco further contribute to degeneration. This explains why some people in their 30s develop spinal degeneration, while others in their 50s or 60s maintain strong, healthy bones.

Secondary Causes

Beyond aging, several external factors can trigger or worsen spinal degeneration:

• Work-related strain: Sedentary office jobs, prolonged sitting, or physically demanding labor with improper posture can alter the spine’s natural curvature, causing excessive strain.
• Previous injuries: Untreated injuries from daily activities, exercise, or accidents can lead to long-term spinal degeneration if not properly managed.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Degeneration

General Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness in the back, neck, and shoulders, especially in the morning.
• Fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, and occasional stomach cramps.
• Persistent, dull spinal pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
• Weakness or numbness in the limbs, which may indicate nerve or spinal cord involvement in severe cases.
• Headaches, dizziness, or pain radiating to the shoulders.

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

• Neck pain, stiffness, and restricted movement, often appearing suddenly with intense discomfort that lasts for hours or days. Pain may radiate to one shoulder or arm.
• Numbness, weakness, or even paralysis affecting the shoulder blade, arm, or fingers.
• Hiccups, yawning, headaches, and dizziness if degeneration occurs in the C1–C2 cervical vertebrae.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis

• Persistent, dull lower back pain lasting for weeks.
• Increased pain with movement, particularly when bending, twisting, or lifting objects.
• In severe cases, pain may radiate down the legs, causing numbness and difficulty maintaining balance.
• Advanced degeneration of the lumbar spine may lead to bladder or bowel dysfunction, accompanied by muscle spasms.

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Delaying care can lead to serious complications.

Complications of Spinal Degeneration

If degenerative spine conditions are not detected early and treated promptly, they can pose significant health risks. The most severe complication is disability or loss of mobility, which can greatly impact the quality of life.

Complications of Cervical Spondylosis

• Insomnia: Cervical spondylosis can cause chronic fatigue and prolonged insomnia, increasing the risk of stroke in severe cases.
• Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Abnormal fluctuations in blood pressure, with sudden spikes or drops, can negatively affect overall health.
• Vestibular Disorders: Degeneration of the cervical spine may impede blood flow to the brain, leading to vestibular disorders characterized by headaches, dizziness, and loss of appetite.
• Herniated Disc: Compression of nerve roots can result in partial or complete paralysis of one or both arms. Over time, the degenerated areas may develop into herniated discs, causing loss of motor control and restricted mobility.
• Cervical-Cardiac Syndrome: Degeneration and misalignment of cervical vertebrae can alter spinal structure, compressing nerves that regulate heart function. This can trigger sudden heart attacks or persistent arrhythmias.
• Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Damage to the autonomic nervous system may lead to loss of bowel and bladder control.

Complications of Lumbar Spondylosis

• Spinal Deformity: Severe lower back pain can limit mobility, forcing patients to adopt abnormal postures such as tilting or stooping. Over time, this may lead to spinal deformities like kyphosis, scoliosis, or curvature abnormalities, significantly affecting daily activities.
• Nerve Compression: Degeneration of the lumbar spine can compress surrounding nerves, causing radiating pain to the buttocks and limbs. If left untreated, this can result in chronic pain, muscle spasms, and even paralysis.
• Visual Impairments: In rare cases, lumbar spondylosis may indirectly affect vision, causing symptoms such as eye pain, swelling, light sensitivity, narrowed visual fields, or even blindness.
• Chest Pain: Persistent chest pain can occur due to compression of nerve roots, particularly those from the C6 and C7 cervical vertebrae, often caused by bone spurs.

How Is Spinal Degeneration Diagnosed?

In addition to evaluating clinical symptoms, doctors diagnose spinal degeneration using various imaging tests and diagnostic procedures, including:

• X-ray: X-rays help detect bone damage, bone spurs, and loss of disc or cartilage height, providing an overview of spinal alignment and structural changes.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans identify damage to intervertebral discs, nerve compression, and other soft tissue abnormalities that may not appear on X-rays.
• Additional Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions that cause back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis or spinal tuberculosis.

Methods for Treating Spinal Degeneration

Treatment for spinal degeneration typically focuses on relieving symptoms, improving function, and slowing disease progression. Approaches may include lifestyle changes, medication, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

Therapeutic Exercises to Strengthen the Spine

Regular exercise can support the management of spinal degeneration by: promoting natural spinal alignment and flexibility, enhancing joint mobility and muscular strength, aiding in the recovery of damaged vertebrae, improving mental well-being and reducing stress.

However, inappropriate exercises may place excessive stress on the spine, worsening symptoms. It’s crucial for patients to consult healthcare professionals to develop personalized exercise programs that are safe and effective.

Medication for Spinal Degeneration

Medications are prescribed based on the severity of symptoms and may include: pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, slow-acting symptomatic drugs, interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors, localized corticosteroid injections.

It’s important to note that medications primarily provide temporary symptom relief and do not reverse degenerative changes in the spine. Discontinuing medication may result in symptom recurrence or increased pain. Additionally, misuse or overuse of medication—such as increasing doses without medical supervision—can lead to serious side effects, including liver and kidney damage or gastrointestinal ulcers.

Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery may be recommended for conditions such as herniated discs, vertebral slippage, or severe spinal stenosis that significantly impairs quality of life.

While surgery can provide relief in certain cases, it carries inherent risks, including:

• Complications from anesthesia (e.g., heart attack, head injury, nausea, sore throat, dry mouth, chills)
• Postoperative issues, such as circulatory disorders, chronic pain, or infection

Given these risks, surgery should be considered only after conservative treatments have failed. Patients and their families should carefully weigh the benefits and risks before proceeding.

Acupuncture for Pain Relief

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is believed to improve blood circulation, restore the balance of “qi” (vital energy), and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Scientifically, acupuncture may: stimulate nerve endings and soft tissues around the spine, trigger the release of natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body.

While acupuncture can provide temporary pain relief, it does not address the root cause of spinal degeneration. Additionally, there are potential risks, including infection, nerve damage, or muscle atrophy, particularly if performed by unqualified practitioners. Therefore, it’s essential to seek treatment from certified professionals.

Spinal Nerve Therapy Combined with Physical Therapy

In many developed countries, Chiropractic care is a preferred non-invasive treatment for spinal degeneration. This technique focuses on: realigning misaligned spinal structures, relieving nerve pressure, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, preventing chronic spinal pain and reducing the risk of recurrence. In Vietnam, ACC Chiropractic Clinic has been a pioneer in applying Chiropractic techniques effectively, offering treatment without the need for medication or surgery.

ACC’s treatment approach combines Chiropractic care with comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, utilizing advanced equipment such as: Shockwave therapy, Class IV laser therapy, DTS spinal decompression devices.

This integrated approach aims to accelerate spinal recovery, restore function, and enhance long-term outcomes for patients.

Important Notes When Treating Spinal Degeneration

In the pursuit of quick recovery, many patients resort to trying multiple treatment methods simultaneously at different clinics. This approach can lead to ineffective outcomes, even when treatment is initiated in the early stages of the disease.

According to Dr. Timothy Gallivan from ACC Chiropractic Clinic, recovery from musculoskeletal conditions like spinal degeneration is a gradual process. It cannot be achieved within just a few days. To ensure effective results, patients must: strictly follow the treatment plan prescribed by their doctor, avoid discontinuing treatment prematurely without medical advice, refrain from undergoing treatment at multiple facilities simultaneously, as this can interfere with the healing process and may lead to complications.

Ms. Tran Thi Le (64 years old) shared:

“After completing two treatment courses for spinal degeneration at ACC, combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, my back pain has significantly improved. The aches and stiffness I used to feel during weather changes are now gone. I’m incredibly grateful to ACC for guiding me through this remarkable recovery journey.”

How to Prevent Spinal Degeneration

Spinal degeneration is a natural process that occurs with aging and cannot be completely prevented. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining proper nutrition, and engaging in regular physical activity can slow its progression and reduce the risk of complications.

Nutritional Guidelines to Prevent Spinal Degeneration

• Consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals that support bone and joint health, particularly Vitamin C, Vitamin D, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg).
• Incorporate natural sugars from healthy sources or functional foods to support overall health.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.
• Avoid stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, beer, and excessive caffeine, as these can negatively impact bone health.

Healthy Lifestyle and Exercise Habits

• Avoid heavy lifting or activities that place excessive strain on the spine. Practice proper posture to reduce spinal stress.
• Change positions regularly if you sit for long periods. Aim to stand up, stretch, or walk around every 60 minutes to relieve pressure on the spine and joints.
• Manage stress effectively through activities like reading, listening to music, walking, or traveling to maintain mental well-being.
• Engage in regular, low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, or aerobics to boost energy, strengthen muscles, and improve joint flexibility.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine and lower the risk of degeneration.
• Incorporate targeted exercises designed to enhance spinal flexibility and support the treatment of early-stage spinal degeneration.

Spinal degeneration is a common chronic musculoskeletal condition. While it may not be life-threatening, it can significantly impact daily activities and mobility due to damaged vertebrae. If you experience symptoms of spinal degeneration, consult a healthcare professional promptly for early diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications and maintain quality of life.

Watch this video to gain a deeper understanding of spinal degeneration and explore modern, drug-free, and non-surgical treatment methods.