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Spinal Degeneration

Written by Tele Demetrious

Updated:

(Also known as Degenerative Spine, Back Arthritis, Osteoarthritis of the Spine, Spinal Arthritis, Disc Degeneration, Spinal Canal Stenosis, Vertebral Canal Stenosis, Spinal Stenosis)

What is spinal degeneration?

Spinal degeneration is a condition characterised by gradual wear and tear to the discs, facet joints and bones of the spine that typically occurs in older patients.

The spine consists of numerous bones (vertebrae) situated on top of each other. Each individual vertebra comprises of several bony projections and a large hole within its centre (figure 1). The hole within these vertebrae line up with adjacent vertebrae, forming the spinal canal. The spinal canal houses the spinal cord and nerves, providing space and protection for these structures to travel between the brain and body.

Vertebral Anatomy
Figure 1 – Vertebral Anatomy

The spinal vertebrae connect with each other via the intervertebral disc (located centrally) and the facet joints (located on each side of the spine) (figure 2). Small holes are also situated between adjacent vertebrae on each side of the spine. These holes are known as intervertebral foramen and provide an exit point for nerves to leave the spinal canal (figure 2).

Spinal Degeneration Anatomy
Figure 2 – Relevant Anatomy for Spinal Degeneration

Degeneration of the spine may occur due to gradual wear and tear to the bones and intervertebral joints (i.e. facet joints and discs) over time. The anatomical changes associated with this process may include:

When some or all of these changes occur, the condition is known as spinal degeneration. With further progression over time, the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal may also start to narrow. This can lead to spinal canal stenosis (i.e. narrowing of the canal) or foraminal stenosis (i.e. narrowing of the intervertebral foramen) and when severe enough may result in compression of the spinal cord or nerves.

Spinal degeneration typically occurs in older patients but may commence as early as the second decade of life. It is more likely to affect lower vertebral levels (i.e. L3 – S1) perhaps due to increased mechanical stress associated with greater weight bearing forces on these levels.

Causes of spinal degeneration

Spinal degeneration usually occurs gradually over a prolonged period of time. This typically occurs in association with gradual wear and tear due to overuse, or, as part of the aging process. Spinal degeneration may be more common in patients with a past history of lower back pain or spinal trauma. Patients who are overweight, smoke, have a family history of degeneration, or, have a lifestyle comprising excessive bending, lifting, twisting or sitting may also be more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms of spinal degeneration

Minor cases of spinal degeneration often cause little or no symptoms for patients. This may also be the case for some patients with moderate degeneration and a smaller percentage of patients with severe degeneration. As the condition deteriorates and becomes symptomatic, patients may experience lower back, buttock or hip pain, loss of spinal movement, muscle spasm and general lower back stiffness. In severe cases entailing compression of the spinal cord or nerves, intense pain, parasthesia (i.e. pins and needles or numbness) or weakness may be experienced in the lower back, buttocks, thigh, groin, lower legs or feet. In some cases patients may be noticeably out of alignment, or, may walk with a limp.

Patients who experience pain due to this condition generally experience increased symptoms during activities that forcefully, continuously or repetitively straighten or extend the spine (figure 3). Activities that place weight on the spine (e.g. lifting, prolonged standing, walking etc.) may also exacerbate symptoms. Relief from symptoms may occur during activities that bend the spine (e.g. sitting) or take weight off it (i.e. lying down). Symptoms may also ease with warmer weather or when applying warmth to the lower back (e.g. a hot pack, hot shower or bath).

Spinal Extension
Figure 3 – Spinal Extension

Diagnosis of spinal degeneration

A comprehensive examination by a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to form a clinical diagnosis of spinal degeneration. Radiological investigation (typically in the form of X-Rays) is required to confirm diagnosis. Occasionally, MRI, CT scan or bone scan may be indicated to further evaluate the severity of the condition and determine the involvement of other structures.

It is important to note, that radiological findings of degeneration alone, do not automatically mean that symptoms are arising from these structures. Correlation with clinical examination is essential to determine the likely origin of symptoms.

Treatment for spinal degeneration

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Prognosis of spinal degeneration

Although the degenerative changes associated with this condition are largely irreversible, most patients can expect a good prognosis with appropriate physiotherapy management. The majority of patients with mild to moderate spinal degeneration who are managed appropriately can often experience minimal or no symptoms. These patients can also generally remain active with some recreational or lifestyle modifications. Patients who have severe degenerative changes can also improve significantly with appropriate management. However, these patients often require more prominent lifestyle modification and typically experience more significant functional limitation and symptoms.

Physiotherapy for spinal degeneration

Physiotherapy treatment is important to minimise symptoms and improve strength, flexibility and activity tolerance in patients with spinal degeneration. Appropriate treatment can optimise the long term outcome and may entail:

Factors contributing to the development of spinal degeneration

There are numerous factors which may in isolation or combination contribute to the development of this condition. These factors should be assessed and corrected, where possible, by an experienced physiotherapist. These contributing factors may include:

Other intervention for spinal degeneration

Some patients with spinal degeneration do not improve adequately, despite having appropriate physiotherapy treatment and management. In these situations, other intervention may be indicated. This may include:

Your treating physiotherapist can provide advice on the most appropriate course of action in your situation and refer you to other medical professionals as indicated. In patients with severe spinal degeneration involving spinal cord or nerve root compression (typically due to spinal canal stenosis), surgery may be indicated to reduce compression of neural structures.

Exercises for spinal degeneration

The following exercises are frequently prescribed to patients with spinal degeneration in clinical practise. The suitability of these exercises should be discussed with your treating physiotherapist prior to commencement. Generally, the exercises should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when to begin the initial exercises and progress to the intermediate, advanced and other exercises. As a general rule, the addition or progression of exercises should take place provided there is no symptomatic increase.

Initial Exercises

Transversus Abdominus (TA) Activation

Begin this exercise lying in optimal posture (with or without a pillow for comfort). Gently pull your belly / navel in “away from your belt line” ensuring you breathe normally. Keep your rib cage relaxed and ensure there is no chest elevation when doing this. To ensure activation, feel your transversus abdominus muscle contract by placing your fingers deeply into your abdomen, a few cm in from the bony prominence located at the front of your pelvis (on each side – figure 4). Try to maintain activation of this muscle at 1/3 of a maximal contraction and for as long as possible during daily activity (for example whilst walking). Repeat this exercise 3 times per day provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for a Spinal Degeneration - Transversus Abdominus Retraining
Figure 4 – Transversus Abdominus (TA) Activation

Spinal Rotation in Lying

Start this exercise in the position demonstrated (figure 5). Gently move your knees from one side to the other as far as you can go without discomfort and provided you feel no greater than a mild to moderate stretching sensation. Repeat this exercise 10 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for Spinal Degeneration - Lumbar Rotation in Lying
Figure 5 – Spinal Rotation in Lying

Hip Flexion

Slowly take your knee towards your chest as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel no more than a mild to moderate stretch (figure 6). Use your hands to gently bring your knee closer to your chest. Repeat 5 – 10 times on each leg provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for Spinal Degeneration - Hip Flexion
Figure 6 – Hip Flexion

Intermediate Exercises

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Advanced Exercises

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Other Exercises

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Rehabilitation Protocol for spinal degeneration

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Physiotherapy Products for Spinal Degeneration

Physiotherapy products for spinal degeneration

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists to help patients with this condition include:

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with degeneration of the spine, click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

Physiotherapy Exercises    More Exercises

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