Spondylosis or also known as spinal osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that often results to loss of the normal structure of the spine as well as its function. This degenerative process may affect any part of the spine. The term multilevel spondylosis may refer to multiple levels of one spinal area like multiple levels in the cervical spine or it can refer to multiple levels of vertebrae in lumbar or cervical spine. Main symptoms of this condition are neck pain or pain in the back.
Symptoms of Multilevel Spondylosis
Multilevel spondylosis symptoms depend on the location and extent of the spinal degeneration. Just like if there is a compression of the nerve in the lumbar spine then it may result to symptoms in the legs, thighs, pelvis, buttocks, and lower back and even in the feet and toes. Symptoms of multilevel spondylosis includes pins and needle like sensation, tingling or numbness in the extremities, fatigue, stiffness or muscle weakness, severe pain at the site of nerve compression and stiffness and dull pain.
Treatment of Multilevel Spondylosis
Treatment of multilevel spondylosis starts with the right diagnosis of the condition. When diagnosis is confirmed then it is important that your doctor identifies the source of nerve compression. Most cases of multilevel spondylosis can be managed with conservative form of treatment like pain medication, physical therapy, massage and hot/cold therapy. If all conservative methods fail then surgery may be necessary to treat severe multilevel spondylosis.
Surgical procedure is often the last option that is suggested by doctors to their patients. As much as possible surgery should be avoided but if it is really necessary then there is a minimally invasive surgery available today. Talk to your doctor and ask the best surgical option for you. Surgery has its own risk and complication so that it is best that you know all there is to know for you to be able to make the right decision.