Spinal Spondylosis
Northampton & Corby
Your Local Experts in Back Pain Relief
=============== re write to make differentAre you struggling with Spinal Stensois and looking for effective, professional treatment? At Team Rehab UK Ltd, our dedicated clinics in Brixworth and Corby offer top-tier physiotherapy services to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free. With a minimum of 24 years of experience each, our highly skilled chartered physiotherapists are committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
Spondylosis is a condition where the bones that make up the spine (vertebrae) degenerate. Typically, this degeneration forms bony projections (bone spurs) and reduces the height of the spongy discs between the vertebrae.
Spondylosis is often called spinal osteoarthritis. It can affect the neck (cervical spine), upper, mid and lower back (thoracic spine and lumbar spine). The most common area affected is that of the lumbar spine and cervical spine.
Causes.
The causes of spondylosis are:
Age, which leads to wear and tear of spinal ligaments and bones
Weakened and degenerated intervertebral discs
Spinal cord injury
Genetic predisposition
Signs and Symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of spondylosis include:
Back and neck pain due to nerve compression
Inflammation
Numbness and tingling of arms and legs
Muscle spasms
Sciatica (low back pain extending down the leg)
Sometimes, you may have spondylosis, but not show any symptoms.
Diagnosis.
Your doctor will diagnose spondylosis after reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination.
Additional diagnostic tests for spondylosis may be ordered, including Radiology tests such as:
X-rays
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Computerized tomography (CT) scans
Myelogram
Electromyogram and nerve conduction study to measure electrical activity of the nerve
Treatment.
Treatment of spondylosis depends on the severity of symptoms.
Conservative therapy may include:
Medications.
Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, and analgesics (pain medications), muscle relaxants, anti-depressants and topical applications for relieving your neck and back pain.
Self-care.
You can use heat and/or ice therapy to lessen the pain. You can also use special cervical pillows to relieve neck pain while sleeping.
Exercises.
Your therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your back and stomach muscles. Regular walking and yoga will also help in relieving chronic back pain.
Adjunctive therapies.
Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of very thin needles into the body, may be beneficial for back pain.
Chiropractic spinal manipulations can also be suggested to correct the spinal alignment and improve your body’s function.
Your doctor may suggest minimally invasive procedures such as steroid injection and radiofrequency denervation.
Steroids may be injected into facet joints (joints between adjacent vertebrae), epidural space (space around the spinal cord), or intervertebral disc spaces, to reduce acute pain and pain radiating into a limb.
Your doctor may also perform radiofrequency denervation technique, in which the nerves causing pain are detected and treated, to stop the transfer of pain messages.
Surgery.
Your doctor will suggest surgery if conservative treatment does not relieve pain from spondylosis. Spinal decompression surgery is a general term used for various procedures that are performed to relieve pressure on your nerves caused by compression. These include the following procedures:
Laminectomy removes the bony arches over the spinal cord to decrease the pressure on the spinal nerves.
Discectomy removes part of the intervertebral disc that is applying pressure on the nerve.
Foraminotomy enlarges the openings from which nerve roots emerge.
Osteophyte removal removes bony projections such as bone spurs which cause pinched nerves.
Corpectomy removes a vertebral body and its disc
Your surgeon may combine vertebral fusion with any of these surgical procedures in order to stabilize the spine.
Spondylosis is a degenerative process and as such, there is no available treatment for the complete reversal of the condition. Treatment is aimed at providing relief from the symptoms, preventing permanent nerve injury and to enable the patient to perform routine daily activities.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and extends through the buttocks, down the back of each leg to the thighs and feet. Sciatica refers to the pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. In most cases we are actually more interested clinically in what is behind the irritation of the nerve because this is what actually needs to be targeted by the treatment approach given to get you better.
Sciatica typically occurs on one side of the body due to the anatomy involved and can be acute, lasting for a few weeks or chronic, persisting for more than 3 months. In most cases, sciatica resolves within a few weeks or months and rarely causes permanent nerve damage.
Causes
Some medical conditions that can cause sciatica include:
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Herniated disc
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Lumbar spinal stenosis
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Piriformis syndrome
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Spondylolisthesis
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Degenerative disc disease
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Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
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Diabetes
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Tumour
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Trauma
If you think you know why you have sciatica we've added a convenient slider to help you find direct access to some articles more specific to certain conditions.
Signs and Symptoms
Sciatica is the pain felt from a compressed sciatic nerve and typically occurs on one side of the body. The pain can vary from mild to debilitating depending on the degree of pressure exerted on the sciatic nerve.
Patients with a compressed sciatic nerve often experience symptoms such as:
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Pain in the lower back, buttock area, and leg
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Sharp, intense, shooting pain down the leg
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Numbness, burning, or tingling sensations in the leg or foot
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Weakness of the leg or foot
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Pain that increases with coughing, sneezing, or straining
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Pain that increases with bending backward and with prolonged sitting or standing
If you experience tingling or numbness in both legs simultaneously, changes in bowel or bladder control, or altered sensation around your anus or genitals, this may indicate Cauda Equina Syndrome. This condition requires urgent attention at a hospital.
For more specific information about these symptoms, please visit our dedicated article. If you suspect you have these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosis
Your Team Rehab uk physiotherapist will thoroughly review your symptoms and medical history, followed by a detailed physical examination. This examination will assess your range of motion, muscle strength, neurological functions (such as reflexes), and some special testing specific to neurological symptoms. This enables us to determine the source of your sciatica symptoms so that we can then make informed decisions on how best to formulate a plan with you moving forwards, during your recovery process.
Whilst some practitioners may request X-rays for sciatica pain, we generally discourage this except in very specific circumstances. If our specialists suspect structural abnormalities such as fractures, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or in some cases, organic causes like tumours, an X-ray may be appropriate in the first instance for speed.
In most other cases, if our specialists are concerned about your symptoms, their findings, or if you are not responding as expected to treatment, an MRI of the affected region may be ordered. An MRI provides a detailed image of almost all local structures, including discs, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Additionally, blood tests may be ordered to diagnose conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Treatment at Team Rehab uk
Treatment for sciatica is often conservative in nature, meaning that surgery is typically not required. There are various effective methods we use for treating the symptoms of sciatica, including:
Physiotherapy
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Soft Tissue/Myofascial Release
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Bony Mobilizations
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Exercises
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Kinesio Taping
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Electrotherapy
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Acupuncture
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Comprehensive Advice and Education
Medications
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Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Other Treatments
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Cold and Heat Packs: Application of cold or heat packs, or both, can help ease pain, discomfort, and stiffness.
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Activity Modification: Simply adjusting or avoiding irritating activities can lead to significant pain relief.
These conservative treatments can effectively manage and alleviate your sciatica symptoms, helping you return to your daily activities with minimal discomfort. In cases where our specialists are concerned regarding your presentations or progress, further investigations and onwards referrals may be recommended and we can help you to facilitate this via our extensive networking connections.
Summary
Sciatica is a painful condition caused due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. Other symptoms include numbness or weakness in the lower back or leg. Sciatica pain may worsen with prolonged sitting, bending, or coughing. Treatment includes physiotherapy, medications, hot or cold packs, and in severe cases, injections & surgery.
We have included this video animation to help you visualise the anatomy that we, as professionals, often take for granted. At Team Rehab UK, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand the causes of their symptoms, empowering them to effectively manage their condition both during and after their treatment.
Please note that some of our videos may be of American origin and might contain slightly different professional terms or approaches compared to those used in the UK. However, the content remains highly informative and beneficial. You should seek advice form your UK based specialist before trying any advice contained, or inferred, in the video you ensure it complies with UK best practice standards.
Why Choose Team Rehab UK Ltd When You Need Help?
Extensive Experience and Expertise
Our team of physiotherapists boast more than 24 years of hands-on experience each, in treating a wide range of back pain conditions. This extensive experience ensures that you receive the highest standard of care, utilising proven techniques and the latest advancements in physiotherapy.
Tailored Treatment Plans
At Team Rehab UK Ltd, we understand that every patient is unique. Our physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to develop personalised treatment plans that address the root cause of your back pain. Whether you're suffering from acute discomfort or chronic pain, we have the expertise to help.
Our Commitment to Your Well-Being with Patient-Centered Care
Your health and well-being are our top priorities. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and work collaboratively with you to achieve lasting relief from back pain. Our friendly and supportive team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ongoing Support and Education
We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain a healthy spine. Our physiotherapists provide ongoing support and education, helping you prevent future injuries and manage your condition effectively.
Convenient Locations in Brixworth and Corby
Brixworth Clinic
Our main rehabilitation centre in Northampton (Brixworth) was purpose built with the sole aim of providing the best opportunities for our expert team to provide you with the best recovery potential. Open in April 2024, the clinic is conveniently located and easily accessible, offering a welcoming environment where you can receive the highest standard of care. We are committed to making your visit as comfortable and effective as possible.
Corby Clinic
The Corby clinic is a much smaller set up within the Lakeside medical centre but we strive to deliver the same exceptional physiotherapy services, within the confines of the setting, ensuring that high-quality physiotherapy is available to the wider community. Our dedicated team is ready to help you overcome back pain and improve your quality of life.
WHY WE STAND OUT
At our physiotherapy company, we pride ourselves on standing out in the community through a combination of significant expertise, outstanding patient satisfaction, and a brand new purpose built rehabilitation centre in Brixworth. Our team of four highly experienced physiotherapists collectively bring over 120 years of clinical experience, ensuring that each patient receives the highest level of skills, knowledge and continuity of care.
We have successfully completed over 16,500 sessions, earning a stellar reputation with five-star reviews from our satisfied clients and are highly regarded by local consultants and GP's.
We reinvest our profits into continually enhancing our facilities, including our newly built MSK-focused rehab centre. This centre, which is now our main hub, alongside our satellite clinic in Corby, offers patients the opportunity to rehabilitate to their fullest potential, with access to a specialised gym for their individualized plans between sessions. Our commitment to excellence and comprehensive care ensures that our patients achieve optimal recovery and health outcomes.
