Spondylosis

Persons who have cases of arthrosis, congenital joint defects, spinal misalignments or misaligned legs in their close family may have an increased risk of spondylosis for genetic reasons. However, the individual lifestyle is a much greater influencing factor. A genetic predisposition alone does not necessarily lead to spondylosis if there is sufficient exercise and optimal prophylaxis.

The golden rules here are: Movement, sufficient, varied and gentle, and correct posture when sitting, standing and walking. However, a certain loss of functionality in the course of age is unavoidable. A good muscular system in the back and abdomen delays spondylosis - because if the intervertebral discs become thinner and less flexible, stable muscles and an upright posture can counteract this to some extent.

Overweight should also be avoided in order to not strain the spine unnecessarily and excessively. Small measures can already be taken in everyday life: It is better to take the stairs instead of the lift, and cycling is also better than driving to work or the supermarket every day.

Your health insurance company will cover the costs of all necessary and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. For certain services, depending on the health insurance company and necessity, a self-cost coverage may apply.

As long as you do not have excessive pain that requires special treatment, gentle sporting activity is recommended. Because protective posture and no movement aggravate spondylosis. However, avoid sports that put a lot of strain on the joints and spine. Handball, football and the like are rather counterproductive.

Instead, choose swimming, cross-country skiing or hiking and avoid peak performance. Daily stretching and movement exercises help to maintain mobility and to delay the progression of spondylosis or even to live as far as possible without complaints even at an advanced age.

People suffering from mild spondylosis can usually continue to work normally, depending on their profession. Ergonomic adjustments to the workplace may be necessary, especially in sedentary occupations. Talk to your employer about this. Anyone working in professions with (heavy) physical strain should check with their doctor to what extent this is still feasible with spondylosis. Occupational retraining may be necessary.

The fact that the average age of the population is increasing inevitably means that the incidence of spondylosis is also rising. In Germany, about 50% of all people over 40 are affected by degenerative changes along the spine, including many who have no symptoms. The number of affected people over 65 years of age is significantly higher. It is over 90%, but again not necessarily associated with restrictive symptoms.

In general, spondylosis does not represent a risk for a (planned) pregnancy. In any case, however, you should clarify with both your gynaecologist and the doctor treating the spondylosis which form of therapy is optimal. Radon therapy is generally not recommended during pregnancy. However, once pregnancy and breastfeeding are over, there is no longer any risk of radon therapy.

The severity of the spondylosis is very important here. In the case of advanced spondylosis and stiffening of the spine, the lifting of heavy objects such as beverage crates and the like should be avoided. However, with a mild form and little or no pain, there should be no peak loads. The most important thing is to lift light or heavy objects in an ergonomically correct way - from the knees when the back is straight, never from the back.