Spondylopathy is a term that covers a variety of degenerative spinal diseases. The causes of wear and tear on the vertebral bodies include age-related changes, long-term incorrect loading of the spine, injuries and inflammatory reactions.
Here you will find an overview of important spondylopathies and their diagnosis and treatment as well as selected spondylopathy specialists.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists spondylopathies under the ICD10 codes M45 to M49. The code M48 specifically covers all unspecified spondylopathies.
There are essentially four different forms of spondylopathies:
Axial spondylopathies primarily affect younger people. However, most other spondylopathies are "classic" age-related diseases. Between the ages of 50 and 70, the risk of wear and tear on
The natural elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreaseswith age. As a result, they become flatter and wear out more quickly. In the end, the vertebral bodies rub against each other, causing pain. Herniated discs also occur more frequently.
Like spondylopathies, herniated discs mainly affect older people © Henrie | AdobeStock
More common are ossifications, stiffening and therefore considerable restrictions in movement. The spinal column changes and tries to adapt to the altered loads by undergoing remodeling. This can affect the spinal cord and the nerve fibers that branch off from it. This leads to
In principle, spondylopathies develop in any section of the spinal column. However, they tend to develop in areas of particularly high stress, such as
Back pain has become a widespread disease in today's office society. It is therefore not immediately obvious that a serious degenerative spinal disease could be behind it. Spondylopathies are often only discovered relatively late and then only as an incidental finding on an X-ray.
A targeted diagnosis first requires a medical history. The doctor will often notice a number of risk factors for spondylopathies, such as
In the subsequent physical examination, the doctor examines the back and the course of the spine. If the patient reports sensory disturbances or paralysis, neurological tests are also carried out.
The specialists make the diagnosis of "spondylopathy" with the help of imaging. X-rays play a particularly important role in spinal diagnostics. However, not all changes in the vertebral bodies can be evaluated well on an X-ray. For this reason, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is also used for more in-depth questions.
Laboratory tests are also able to determine rheumatoid factors and inflammatory markers from the blood. These are particularly important in
play a role.
Spondylopathies have very different causes and their treatment should be based on these. The underlying disease must be known in order to be able to address it with the right treatment methods.
Chronic inflammatory or infectious causes are treated with pain and anti-inflammatory therapy. Finally, doctors prescribe supportive physiotherapy and back training to improve posture and strengthen the muscles.
Surgery is always the last resort for spondylopathies. It only becomes an option once all conventional treatment options have been exhausted. Orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons operate together using a minimally invasive technique with the aid of an endoscope. The aim is to correct the vertebral bodies and to obliterate nerve endings.
Physiotherapists are also involved to strengthen the back muscles. Aftercare - e.g. after a necessary operation - is provided by certified rehabilitation centers.
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