I’m interested in your opinion.
The cervical spine X-ray shows degenerative calcifications of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the C4/5 and C5/6 levels.
The thoracic spine X-rays distinctly show incipient ventral spondylitis.
The lumbar part is not good either.
What do you suggest for treatment?
The descriptions of the spinal X-rays in this case show moderate degenerative changes at the described segments, which can be common for a middle-aged person. No degenerative change is “good”; they represent the consequences of aging and lifestyle, much like wrinkles on the face.
Also, based on the description of the degenerative changes seen on the X-ray images, it is not possible to determine if the patient has any issues and what they might be. Therefore, determining treatment based solely on this information is not meaningful since these changes cannot be “treated” or otherwise influenced. In the end, it should be remembered that the descriptions of the images made by the radiologist are just that – descriptions of the differences in your images compared to an idealized image, which few people have after their 20s. The interpretation of these descriptions should typically be done by an orthopedic surgeon, physiatrist, and/or an experienced physiotherapist, based on a detailed physical examination.
That examination should provide information about the function of your spine (mobility, possible pain during specific tests, muscle strength and activation, condition of hips and shoulders, detailed medical history with frequency and type of symptoms). All of this is then put into the context of your daily activities, including physical ones if any, to conclude with an assessment of the current condition and a recommendation for actions to improve it. These procedures may include physiotherapy, changing some lifestyle habits, appropriate physical activity, or a combination thereof.
In short, degenerative processes are a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle. And while we cannot influence our genes (yet), our own habits are solely in our hands, making their change often the focus of conservative treatment.
