Sclerosis of the Spine

Sclerosis is a medical condition in which the tissues and other anatomical features of the body become stiff and hard. Sclerosis occurs due to the process of inflammation due to fault in the immune system. Sclerosis of spine involves twisting of the spine at various locations, including the middle and the lower end. Some of the common types of sclerosis are: multiple sclerosis caused due to damage of various parts of nervous system; systemic sclerosis, which is rare and causes thickening of tissues; tuberous sclerosis, which is again a rare genetic disorder causing tumor in some organs; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a neurological disorder that affects the nerves controlling the voluntary muscle movement; and lichen sclerosis, which is a skin disorder in females causing the skin to dry in the genital areas.

The most common of all types of sclerosis is multiple sclerosis (MS) that involves demyelination of central nervous system. MS was first detected in the upper cervical spine in 1988 with the help of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MS is often accompanied with brain lesions. 90% of the MS patients face disorder in the spinal cord. At an early stage of MS in the spinal cord, the MRI images may only show swelling and edema, but, in the later stages, the images will show cord atrophy. Another common problem that attacks the spine is degenerative disc disease. Endplate sclerosis of spine is caused due to degeneration of either the nucleus pulposus, or, the annulus fibrosus. The only distinguishing feature between these two is narrowing of the disc space. The presence of disc space narrowing suggests degenerative nuclear disease, which is often accompanied with endplate sclerosis and mild osteophytosis.

Causes

Even after getting diagnosed with sclerosis, the causes might not be determined. Nevertheless, family genetics and heredity are known for influencing the development of certain disorders, and sclerosis is one of them! Till date, sclerosis cannot be completely prevented, but by knowing the history of the family, proactive steps can be taken to forgo the complications in the near future. Congenital defects can also be one of the reasons for this condition. Also, uneven leg length can be associated with this defect. Diagnosis of some injury or damage in the central nervous system may also increase the risk of sclerosis.

Symptoms

Some cases of sclerosis which have become severe can reduce the capacity of the lungs, increase the pressure on heart, and restrain physical activities. Some other symptoms of sclerosis are, development of uneven muscle on one side of the spine, slow nerve response in some cases, uneven leg length, hips, and asymmetric location of breast in females.

Treatment

The severity of the disorder and the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, determines the kind of treatment that can be provided. Some of the treatment options include physiotherapy or physical therapy, which depends largely on the curve size and pattern and patient's maturity. Occupational therapy also helps sclerosis patients who have experienced injuries. It educates them about the postural strategies such as various postures for sitting, standing, and sleeping. Bracing is another way to fight with this disorder. It involves fitting of a device to cover the torso and sometimes it is extended up to the neck for support. The last option is surgery to stop the progression of the curve in the spine. Apart from these treatments, self-care is a must to cut its effects.

The experts are still struggling to find a treatment to stop the illness from getting worst. The doctors working on this disease are very optimistic and assure for a treatment that might bring an end to this disease.