When it’s time to see a specialist for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), you’ll make an appointment with
a rheumatologist
. A rheumatologist is a doctor who focuses on diseases that affect your joints, muscles, and bones.
Which doctor is best for cervical spondylosis?
- Neurologist.
- Neurosurgeon and/or orthopedic spinal surgeon.
- Urologist.
- Internist.
- Occupational therapist.
- Physical therapist.
- Recreational therapist.
- Social worker.
What is the best medicine for spondylosis?
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
, naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) is often enough to control the pain associated with cervical spondylosis. Heat or ice. Applying heat or ice to your neck can ease sore neck muscles.
Who can diagnose spondylosis?
As he or she works towards a diagnosis,
the spine specialist
may have some imaging tests done. You may need to have x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. For spondylosis, CT scans and MRIs are a good way of gathering information on multiple parts of your spinal anatomy.
Who treats spondylolysis?
Primary care physicians
are often the first to treat spondylolisthesis; however, it is important to be evaluated at an advanced spine center as soon as possible, since early and expert intervention can keep the condition from getting worse.
What is the most serious complication of spondylosis?
The main complication of spondylosis is
low back, mid back, or neck pain
. Usually the back and neck pain caused by spondylosis is not serious, but some people develop chronic pain due to their condition. It is unusual for spondylosis to cause serious neurologic dysfunction due to nerve compression.
Can cervical spondylosis be cured completely?
As with other forms of osteoarthritis,
there is no cure for the disease itself
. However, there are ways to help alleviate some or all of the symptoms. Gentle stretching to keep the surrounding muscles flexible is one method that I have found effective personally.
How do you sleep with spondylitis?
- Control your pain with effective treatments. The less pain you’re in, the easier it will be for you to sleep. …
- Sleep on a firm mattress. …
- Exercise. …
- Take a warm bath. …
- Use a thin pillow. …
- Straighten up. …
- Set up your bedroom for sleep. …
- Get snoring checked out.
Is walking good for spondylosis?
Tehrani recommends
low-impact activities like walking
. Joint deformities, fused joints, misinformation, and fear of getting hurt can discourage some people from exercising, Tehrani says, but walking is a great way to ease into physical activity.
What food is good for spondylosis?
Eat a variety of healthy foods rich in antioxidants, such as
colorful vegetables and fruits
. Eat foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flax seeds, and certain nuts. Use fat (especially saturated fat found in animal products), cholesterol, sugar, and salt in moderation.
What is the difference between spondylitis and spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a degeneration – or breakdown – of the spine and disks in your neck. It is a general term for the situation that occurs in your neck area. It is an arthritis of the joints (the spaces) between the vertebrae in the neck. Spondylitis is inflammation of one or more vertebrae.
Is spondylitis a disability?
Complications of ankylosing spondylitis
Some people with AS are able to remain
fully independent or minimally disabled
in the long-term. However, some people eventually become severely disabled as a result of the bones in their spine fusing in a fixed position and damage to other joints, such as the hips or knees.
What is the main cause of spondylosis?
Aging
is the predominant cause of spondylosis, also known as spinal arthritis. We put our bodies through a lot of stress and strain every day, and over the years, this can change the various structures of the spine.
Is spondylolysis permanent?
Spondylolysis causes back pain but
is treatable
, usually without surgery. Treatments such as medication and physical therapy are most successful when started early, so see your doctor if you or your child has back pain.
What should you not do with spondylolysis?
Most patients with spondylolisthesis should avoid activities that might cause more stress to the lumbar spine, such as
heavy lifting
and sports activities like gymnastics, football, competitive swimming, and diving.
How do you treat spondylolysis?
- Rest/break from sports.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Physical therapy for muscle strengthening and general conditioning.
- A lumbar brace.
