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The connection between the spine and nerves: Why does spinal compression cause numbness in the limbs?
The spine is an important structure of the human body, supporting the weight of the body and protecting the spinal cord, which is an extension of the central nervous system and is responsible for transmitting signals from various parts of the body. As we age or due to overuse of the spine, many people may face spinal diseases, the most common of which is spondylosis. This disease causes the vertebral spaces of the spine to narrow, which in turn compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing various neurological symptoms, including numbness in the limbs.
The most common cause of spinal degeneration is aging. The degeneration process mainly affects the vertebral body, nerve root foramen and joints. Compression of the nerve roots will cause pain and abnormal sensation.
Types of spinal degeneration
Spinal degeneration is mainly divided into cervical degeneration and lumbar degeneration. Cervical spondylosis usually involves the neck. Neck pain and stiffness may occur initially. As the condition worsens, symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, or muscle weakness due to nerve compression may occur. Lumbar spondylosis mainly affects the waist, and patients may experience problems such as lower back pain and leg numbness.
The connection between nerves and spine
Degeneration of the spine not only affects the vertebrae themselves, but may also cause nerve compression. When the spinal space narrows, the nerve roots arising from the spinal cord become compressed, causing what is called radiculopathy. This usually manifests as pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.
Symptoms of radiculopathy include severe pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, back, or legs, along with muscle weakness. These symptoms significantly affect the patient's quality of life.
Pathological mechanism
Compression caused by spinal degeneration can be divided into direct and indirect. Direct compression, usually on the cervical spine, can lead to myelopathy, which can lead to more serious symptoms such as generalized weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of balance. At this time, the nerves may transmit abnormal signals due to insufficient blood flow, causing the so-called electric shock or tingling sensation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of spinal degeneration usually requires a combination of medical history, physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans. These tests can determine the extent of disc degeneration and whether there is nerve compression. Once diagnosed, treatment may vary depending on the extent of the condition, ranging from conservative treatments such as physical therapy to surgery.
The choice of surgery depends on the condition. For patients with persistent pain or progressive symptoms, surgery may be a last resort.
The impact of lifestyle
Some studies indicate that good lifestyle habits can help slow down the rate of spinal degeneration. For example, proper exercise, maintaining good posture, and regular check-ups can effectively reduce the severity of the disease if there are early symptoms.
In this highly health-conscious era, understanding the connection between the spine and nerves allows us to have a clearer understanding of our body's health and take proactive actions to protect our spine from injury. Have you paid attention to your spinal health in your daily life and tried to prevent spinal degeneration and compression?
