What is lumbar spondylosis and how does it affect the spine. What are the common causes and risk factors for developing this condition. How can lumbar spondylosis be effectively managed and treated. What are the potential complications of untreated lumbar spondylosis.

Understanding Lumbar Spondylosis: Definition and Anatomy

Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the lower back, specifically the lumbar spine. To comprehend this condition, it’s crucial to understand the anatomy of the lumbar region.

The lumbar spine consists of the last five vertebrae of the spinal column. These vertebrae are connected by facet joints, which are lined with cartilage to allow smooth, painless movement. Between the vertebrae lie intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility for bending and twisting.

Lumbar spondylosis encompasses various degenerative conditions affecting this region, including:

• Low back osteoarthritis (OA) and facet joint OA
• Spondylosis deformans
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Spondylolisthesis

What distinguishes lumbar spondylosis from other back conditions?

Lumbar spondylosis is an umbrella term for degenerative changes in the lower back. It differs from specific conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which may be components of spondylosis but can also occur independently.

Etiology and Risk Factors of Lumbar Spondylosis

The development of lumbar spondylosis is multifactorial, with age being a primary contributor. As we age, the natural wear and tear on our spine can lead to degenerative changes. However, several other factors can increase the likelihood of developing this condition:

• Genetic predisposition
• Previous low back injuries or surgeries
• Occupational or recreational activities causing repetitive strain
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Poor posture

Can lumbar spondylosis be prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent lumbar spondylosis entirely, certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk or slow its progression:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight
2. Regular exercise, particularly core-strengthening activities
3. Practicing good posture
4. Using proper lifting techniques
5. Quitting smoking
6. Staying hydrated

Clinical Manifestations: Recognizing Lumbar Spondylosis Symptoms

The symptoms of lumbar spondylosis can vary widely among individuals. Interestingly, 27%-37% of people with lumbar spondylosis may not experience any symptoms at all. For those who do, common signs and symptoms include:

• Low back pain, which may be chronic or intermittent
• Decreased range of motion and flexibility in the low back or legs
• Stiffness or tenderness in the lumbar region
• Numbness, tingling, or radiating pain into the buttocks or legs (lumbar radiculopathy)
• Weakness in the leg or foot (in cases of severe nerve compression)

When should you seek medical attention for lumbar spondylosis symptoms?

While many cases of lumbar spondylosis can be managed conservatively, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in the groin area
• Severe or worsening weakness in the legs
• Sudden onset of severe back pain

Diagnostic Approaches for Lumbar Spondylosis

Diagnosing lumbar spondylosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. The process may include:

1. Physical examination: Assessing range of motion, strength, and reflexes
2. Medical history review: Understanding the nature and duration of symptoms
3. Imaging studies:
   • X-rays: To visualize bone changes and disc space narrowing
   • MRI: For detailed imaging of soft tissues, including discs and nerves
   • CT scan: To provide cross-sectional images of the spine
4. Electromyography (EMG): To assess nerve function if radiculopathy is suspected

How accurate are diagnostic tests for lumbar spondylosis?

While imaging studies can provide valuable information, it’s important to note that the presence of degenerative changes on imaging doesn’t always correlate with symptoms. A comprehensive clinical evaluation, combined with imaging results, provides the most accurate diagnosis.

Conservative Management Strategies for Lumbar Spondylosis

The primary goal of lumbar spondylosis treatment is to alleviate pain and improve function. Conservative management is often the first line of treatment and may include:

1. Physiotherapy: Considered the cornerstone of conservative treatment, physiotherapy may involve:
   • Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and core stability
   • Manual therapy techniques
   • Postural education
   • Heat or cold therapy
2. Medications:
   • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
   • Topical analgesics
   • Muscle relaxants
   • Antidepressants (for their analgesic properties)
3. Lifestyle modifications:
   • Weight management
   • Ergonomic adjustments
   • Activity modification
4. Complementary therapies:
   • Acupuncture
   • Massage therapy
   • Yoga or tai chi

What is the success rate of conservative treatments for lumbar spondylosis?

Conservative treatments are often effective in managing lumbar spondylosis symptoms. Studies suggest that up to 90% of patients experience significant improvement with non-surgical approaches. However, the success rate can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors.

Advanced Interventions for Refractory Lumbar Spondylosis

When conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief, more advanced interventions may be considered:

1. Interventional pain management:
   • Epidural steroid injections
   • Facet joint injections
   • Radiofrequency ablation
2. Surgical options:
   • Decompression procedures (e.g., laminectomy)
   • Spinal fusion
   • Disc replacement

What factors influence the decision to pursue surgical treatment?

The decision to undergo surgery for lumbar spondylosis is complex and individualized. Factors that may influence this decision include:

• Severity and duration of symptoms
• Impact on quality of life
• Presence of neurological deficits
• Response to conservative treatments
• Overall health and fitness for surgery

Long-term Prognosis and Management of Lumbar Spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. While the degenerative changes are not reversible, many individuals can achieve good symptom control and maintain quality of life with appropriate treatment.

Can lumbar spondylosis worsen over time?

The natural course of lumbar spondylosis can vary. Some individuals may experience progressive degeneration, while others may have stable symptoms for years. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers and adherence to a management plan can help monitor progression and adjust treatments as needed.

Long-term management strategies may include:

• Ongoing exercise and physical therapy
• Weight management
• Ergonomic modifications at work and home
• Stress reduction techniques
• Periodic reassessment and adjustment of treatment plans

Emerging Therapies and Future Directions in Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment

Research in the field of spinal health continues to evolve, offering potential new avenues for lumbar spondylosis management:

1. Regenerative medicine:
   • Stem cell therapy
   • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
2. Minimally invasive surgical techniques:
   • Endoscopic procedures
   • Robotic-assisted surgery
3. Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools:
   • Artificial intelligence in image analysis
   • Biomarkers for early detection and prognosis

How might future treatments change the landscape of lumbar spondylosis management?

As research progresses, we may see more personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic and biomechanical factors. Additionally, advancements in regenerative medicine could potentially offer ways to slow or even reverse some aspects of spinal degeneration.

While these emerging therapies show promise, it’s important to note that many are still in experimental stages. Patients should discuss the latest treatment options with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate approach for their specific situation.

Lumbar Spondylosis – pt Health

Request a Physiotherapy Appointment

⇐ Back

We apologize for the inconvenience, but JavaScript must be enabled
to use the online booking service.

We’re here to help! Book your appointment with a representative directly.

Home / Conditions / Lumbar Spondylosis

What is Lumbar Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is the Greek word for vertebrae. Your low back is made up of the last five bones (vertebrae) of your spine, called the lumbar vertebrae or lumbar spine.

Those vertebrae are connected by facet joints, which are lined with a smooth, rubbery layer of cartilage, separating the vertebrae and allowing their movements to be smooth and painless.

Tough, fibrous intervertebral discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers for your spine and allow your back the flexibility to bend and twist.

Lumbar spondylosis is the degeneration of the lumbar spine, and is sometimes known as spinal arthritis.

The term encompasses all degenerative conditions that affect the lumbar spine, including:

• Low back osteoarthritis (OA) and facet joint OA: a type of spinal osteoarthritis that occurs when the cartilage surrounding the facet joints breaks down and wears away, causing inflammation. Bone rubs on bone which can cause painful bone spurs (bony overgrowths called osteophytes) to form in the place of cartilage. Bone spurs can cause spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal) and lead to nerve compression and damage.
• Spondylosis deformans: bone spurs that grow around a degenerating intervertebral disk
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease: degeneration of the intervertebral discs
• Bulging discs can cause inflammation and make the spinal nerves more sensitive or pinch a nerve(s)
• Herniated discs can push on the ligaments in the lower back, causing pain
• Spondylolisthesis – where a vertebra slips forward onto the next vertebra, misaligning the spine

Causes | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

What Causes Lumbar Spondylosis?

There is no one cause of lumbar spondylosis, but it is associated with aging as the bones, joints, ligaments and intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine degenerate and weaken due to natural wear and tear.

It is a common condition that affects almost everyone at some point in their lives, though it may not always cause pain.

Factors that increase your likelihood of developing lumbar spondylosis include: 

• Increasing age (although symptoms can start as early as age 20, and typically before age 50)
• Family history of lumbar spondylosis
• Previous low back injuries
• Previous low back surgeries
• Long-term, repetitive strain on your low back, whether occupational or recreational

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis?

Many people (27%-37%) with lumbar spondylosis do not experience any symptoms. 

Those that do usually improve within a short time using conservative treatments, and very few develop chronic pain. 

Because there are many different causes of lumbar spondylosis, symptoms vary greatly. Signs and symptoms can include:

• Back pain
• Decreased range of motion and flexibility, either in the low back or legs, especially first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Stiffness or tenderness in the low back
• Numbness and tingling and/or shooting or radiating pain (known as lumbar radiculopathy) from the low back into the buttock or leg(s)
• Weakness in the leg or foot if a nerve is severely pinched
• Numbness, tingling and weakness can also be due to lumbar spondylosis that is injuring the spinal cord (myelopathy), for example, from a large herniated disc pushing on the spinal cord

Rare but serious complications of lumbar spondylosis include: 

• Loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness in the groin because of nerve dysfunction
• Lumbar spinal stenosis where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and possibly pinching them, resulting in weakness, tingling, numbness or pain that radiates from the low back into the buttocks, thigh, or groin
• Cauda equina syndrome where nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are pinched by an intervertebral disc or mass, causing severe nerve problems
• Neurologic dysfunction due to nerve compression, caused by bulging discs or bone spurs narrowing the holes where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal (called foraminal stenosis)

How is Lumbar Spondylosis Treated?

Treatments aim to reduce the pain that can result from lumbar spondylosis and include:

• Physiotherapy (considered the main conservative treatment for lumbar spondylosis)
• Medications, including:
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), either prescribed, or over-the-counter, such as Advil, Motrin or Aleve
  • Topical medications such as creams, sprays, gels or patches
  • Antidepressants due to their helpful analgesic properties
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation
• Surgery

Surgery is rarely used as a solution for chronic low back pain because of mixed results long-term.  

Most of the time, symptoms can be improved through medications, physiotherapy, and maintaining an active lifestyle. 

However, surgery is sometimes necessary when lumbar spondylosis has caused a nerve problem or nerve damage. 

If surgery is necessary after other less invasive treatments have not helped, physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy for Lumbar Spondylosis

Physiotherapy is a drug-free and non-surgical treatment that focuses on reducing pain, preventing chronic pain, regaining strength, and increasing joint mobility, function, and quality of life.

Depending on your individual needs, physiotherapy for lumbar spondylosis can include:

• Stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises
• Activity modification and functional retraining
• A personalized exercise routine
• Traction
• Bracing
• Patient education including postural and ergonomic education
• Cross-disciplinary pain-relieving therapies such as: 
  • Interferential current therapy (IFC) or TENS therapy
  • Manual therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Occupational therapy

Are you seeking physiotherapy for lumbar spondylosis? Book an assessment today.

Can Lumbar Spondylosis Go Away on Its Own?

Unfortunately, no. Lumbar spondylosis is a chronic condition, but with proper treatment, it can be managed effectively.

If you have lumbar spondylosis, there are things you can do to make day-to-day living easier, including:

• Minimizing activities that put stress on your low back, like bending and lifting or carrying heavy things
• Switching from high-intensity activities like jogging, to low-intensity activities like walking, biking, and swimming
• Applying heat and cold therapy
• Using a properly supportive pillow and mattress
• Using an ergonomic chair at work and home
• Taking fish oil supplements, a natural anti-inflammatory that has been proven to improve several conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and may help with back pain

Can You Prevent Lumbar Spondylosis?

Though lumbar spondylosis is a very common condition connected with aging, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of developing it and the pain it can cause, including:

• Exercising regularly, including stretching exercises such as yoga or tai chi, at least 30 minutes every day (regular exercise increases the flow of nutrients and blood to the spine and decreases pressure on the intervertebral discs)
• Staying active; avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time
• Eating a non-inflammatory diet (avoiding sugar, and processed and refined foods) and drinking plenty of water
• Maintaining a healthy weight (which reduces stress on the facet joints in the spine)
• Practicing good posture
• Wearing orthotics for proper joint alignment and to add support and absorb the shock from your regular activities
• Wearing proper shoes appropriate to the activity you’re doing
• Using a properly supportive pillow and mattress
• Using an ergonomic chair at work and home

Book a Physiotherapist Consult for Lumbar Spondylosis Today

Concerned about symptoms of lumbar spondylosis? Book an assessment with a physiotherapist today.

Lumbar Spondylitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Lumbar spondylitis is a progressive condition that can lead to a limited range of motion in your back.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that can cause long-term back pain.

It most commonly affects the lower spine. When it affects your lower back, it’s sometimes referred to as lumbar spondylitis. This term can also refer to any degenerative changes in your lower spine, such as those caused by osteoarthritis.

In this article, we use the term specifically to refer to ankylosing spondylitis of the lower spine.

Lumbar spondylitis can lead to a limited range of motion in your back. It can also cause problems with other joints, such as your ribs, shoulders, or hips. Symptoms typically develop in early adulthood, but they can also develop in teens or children.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about lumbar spondylitis.

Lumbar spondylitis symptoms can vary between people. They tend to onset slowly over months to years.

The main symptoms are lower back pain and stiffness. Your upper back or neck may also be affected as the condition progresses.

Your pain may:

• get better with exercise but stay the same or get worse with rest
• be worse in the morning and evening
• wake you up at night
• be felt around your buttocks
• improve with warmth, such as in a warm shower

Pain can range from mild to debilitating. Symptoms tend to flare up and then go through periods where they’re reduced or disappear completely.

Other symptoms

Other potential symptoms include:

• pain, stiffness, and warmth in joints, such as the:
  • ribs, which may cause problems with deep breathing
  • shoulders
  • knees
  • hips
• enthesitis, pain where a bone connects to a tendon
• abdominal pain and diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• fatigue
• uveitis, which can cause:
  • vision changes
  • eye pain
  • light sensitivity

Learn more about ankylosing spondylitis symptoms.

Researchers do not fully understand why some people develop ankylosing spondylitis. It’s thought that genetic and environmental factors both play a role.

People who have the HLA-B27 gene seem to be at an increased risk. More than 90% of people with lumbar spondylitis have this gene. However, most people with this gene never develop lumbar spondylosis.

Other risk factors for lumbar spondylitis include:

• family history
• age, with most people developing symptoms before age 45
• having Crohn’s disease
• being assigned male at birth, occurring about two times more often in males (however, it’s believed that AS has been under-recognized and under-diagnosed in biological females)

Learn more about ankylosis spondylitis risk factors.

Lumbar spondylitis can compress your spinal cord and lead to neurological symptoms like chronic lower back or leg:

• pain
• numbness
• tingling
• weakness

In rare cases, it can also cause loss of bowel control or loss of bladder control.

Other complications can include:

• reduced joint mobility
• increased fracture risk
• increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Lumbar spondylitis does not have a cure, but a combination of natural remedies, medications, and sometimes surgery can help you slow its progress.

Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications

Natural remedies or lifestyle modifications that may help you manage your symptoms include:

• physical theory, which may include:
  • posture exercises
  • strengthening exercises
  • stretches and mobility work
  • massage
• exercising regularly
• focusing on having good posture
• using assistive devices like walkers or canes
• minimizing your stress levels
• eating a nutritious, balanced diet that includes foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
• quitting smoking (this can be difficult, but a doctor can build a cessation plan that works for you) or not starting

Learn more about natural remedies for ankylosing spondylitis.

Medications

A doctor may recommend or prescribe the following types of medications:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or celecoxib
• biologic medications like TNF inhibitors to modify immune system activity
• janus kinase inhibitors if your condition does not respond to other treatments
• corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and help with pain (these are used sparingly due to their cumulative side effects)

Surgery

Because of potential complications, surgery is performed infrequently. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have trouble with daily activities or neurological complications. Some of the most commonly performed surgeries include:

• Laminectomy: A laminectomy involves removing a part of the vertebra called the lamina to decompress your spine.
• Spinal osteotomy: A spinal osteotomy is a procedure that’s used to correct structural abnormalities in your spine.
• Spinal fusion: Spinal fusion is a procedure where two or more of your vertebrae are permanently fused together.
• Hip joint replacement: A hip joint replacement involves replacing the ball, socket, or ball and socket of your hip joint with an artificial replacement.

Learn more about ankylosing spondylitis surgery.

It’s a good idea to contact your primary healthcare professional if you have persistent symptoms that may be a sign of lumbar spondylitis. If your doctor suspects ankylosing spondylitis, they may refer you to a doctor called a rheumatologist who specializes in joints for further evaluation.

It’s also a good idea to visit your doctor if you’ve previously been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and you notice a change in your symptoms.

Lumbar spondylitis can be difficult to diagnose. Doctors will typically consider your personal and family medical history, conduct tests, and order a number of tests to help them make a diagnosis, including:

• performing a physical exam, which might include:
  • examining your joints
  • watching your movement
  • checking for rib stiffness by having you breathe deeply
• blood tests to check for inflammation and to see if you have the HLA-B27 gene
• imaging, such as:
  • X-rays
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • ultrasound

You may receive an ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis if you have inflammation in the joints between your lower back and pelvis and at least one of the following symptoms:

• lower back pain that improves with exercise and gets worse with rest
• limited movement in your lower back
• limited ability to expend your chest compared to what would be expected for your age and sex

Lumbar spondylitis generally has a good outlook. There’s no cure and symptoms tend to progress, but in most instances, the condition responds to conservative treatment. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have neurological complications.

Receiving an early diagnosis can potentially help limit damage to your joints and improve your outlook.

Ankylosing spondylitis is sometimes referred to as lumbar spondylitis when it affects your lower spine. It’s a type of arthritis that can lead to spinal pain and loss of mobility.

Lumbar spondylitis does not have a cure, but most people can manage their symptoms with conservative treatments.

Your doctor may recommend surgery if you develop neurological or other disabling complications.

symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Spondylosis is a chronic disease that, without timely treatment, can lead to limited mobility and dysfunction of internal organs. At an early stage, it is usually asymptomatic, so a person does not go to the doctor for a long time. The sooner the treatment of pathology is started, the easier it will be to slow down its development and avoid complications.

Contents

• What is spondylosis
• Causes of the development of the disease
• Symptoms of the disease
• Classification of spondylosis
• Grades of spondylosis
• Diagnosis of spondylosis
• Treatment of spondylosis

900 22 What is spondylosis

Spondylosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the spine resulting from aging, overuse and injury spinal column. In this case, the vertebrae are fixed and compacted, which is due to degenerative-dystrophic disorders in them and in the intervertebral discs.

With deforming spondylosis of the lumbar or other part of the spine, the bone tissue grows and osteophytes are formed. Over time, this can lead to fusion of the vertebrae with a significant limitation of spinal mobility and disability of the patient.

Early symptoms of spondylosis may appear at a young age – from twenty to thirty years. As a rule, in this period, the clinical manifestations of the disease are not too pronounced and do not interfere with normal life. The statistics are such that by the age of fifty, both sexes equally turn to doctors about the progression of spondylosis.

Causes of the development of the disease

Spinal spondylosis develops for various reasons. Most often provoking factors are:

• traumatic injuries of the spine;
• diseases accompanied by spinal deformity;
• osteochondrosis;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• prolonged hypothermia of the body, in which the blood supply to the spinal column is disturbed;
• heavy loads on the spine by profession;
• bone changes due to aging;
• metabolic disorder.

Regardless of what factor provoked spondylosis, you need to see a doctor. He will conduct a detailed diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

If you ignore the problem, then the pathology will progress, which over time will lead to the development of complications that limit the mobility of a person.

Symptoms of the disease

The clinical picture of spondylosis depends on its type. At the initial stage of the development of pathology, its signs are almost invisible and can mimic the symptoms of other diseases. Gradually manifestations become significant and begin to influence a person’s life.

The main symptom of spondylosis is pain in the spine. Depending on the nature of the pathology and the degree of pinching of the nerve roots, they can be expressed in different ways. Other signs of the disease are:

• inability to fully move due to back pain;
• reduced cushioning when walking;
• crunch in the back, neck;
• severe headaches;
• severe dizziness;
• decreased visual acuity;
• paresthesia of limbs;
• tinnitus;
• violation of posture, curvature of the spinal column;
• deterioration in performance.

In the absence of correct and timely treatment, the spinal column becomes completely ossified, which leads to the loss of the ability to move normally. A person cannot fully work and gets a disability.

Classification of spondylosis

There are several types of the disease. Classification is carried out according to the localization of violations.

Thoracic spondylosis

Pathology usually occurs due to injuries of the spine, insufficient calcium content in the body, congenital anomalies and age-related changes in the spinal column. It often provokes the development of cardiopathy, accompanied by severe pain in the region of the heart, respiratory disorders, muscle spasms and numbness of the extremities.

In the early stages, such spondylosis resolves without an obvious clinical picture. Usually the patient does not go to the doctor for a long time, as nothing bothers him. As the disease progresses, pain appears, and the range of motion in the thoracic segment of the spine also decreases.

Spondylosis of the sacral spine

This pathology is the most common among similar degenerative-dystrophic diseases. She is characterized by pain in the lumbar region (lumbar ischalgia), numbness in various parts of the legs.

A characteristic sign of spondylosis of the lumbosacral region is a decrease in pain in the “embryo” position, as well as when bending forward. The patient is also troubled by the following symptoms:

• feeling of stiffness in the lower extremities and lower back in the morning;
• Lameness that gradually becomes permanent.

The sacrum is involved in the process already in advanced cases. In the later stages, the patient complains of constant “dull” pain in the lumbar region.

Cervical spondylosis

Pathology is quite common. In this case, degeneration of the cervical vertebrae and the formation of osteophytes occur. As a result, radiculopathy develops with its further consequences.

A sign of cervical spondylosis is spastic paresis in the extremities due to compression of the vertebrae. If violations are preceded by trauma, then the spinal cord is often affected. Due to paresis of the limbs, tissue atrophy occurs, which leads to their thinning and disability of the patient.

Lumbar spondylosis

In most cases, the pathology is due to the aging of the body, but sometimes it occurs in young people due to gross violations of posture. It may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on X-ray, MRI, or CT. Some patients experience pain, limited movement.

Degrees of spondylosis

The disease proceeds in a chronic form. In this case, the vertebrae are gradually deformed, changing their boundaries, narrowing the spinal canal. Bone tissue grows, osteophytes are formed. In a small number of patients, the vertebrae fuse, which adversely affects the nerves, organs, muscle tissue and blood vessels.

Pathology goes through three stages of development:

• First stage. There are no symptoms of the disease. On the vertebrae there are small processes.
• Second stage. Osteophytes proliferate. With strong physical exertion and hypothermia, aching pains occur. There is stiffness of movement.
• Third stage. The vertebrae are fused, which leads to limited mobility of the spine. Severe pain occurs, muscle tone increases.

Diagnosis of spondylosis

Before prescribing treatment to a patient, the doctor recommends additional examinations. This is necessary to determine whether we are really talking about spondylosis, as well as to identify the severity of the disease. There are the following diagnostic methods:

1. X-ray of the spine. Allows you to detect osteophytes and thickening of the joints.
2. ct. It is carried out to establish the narrowing of the spinal canal, as well as to determine the height of the intervertebral fissures.
3. MRI. It is considered the most informative method of examination of the spine. Allows you to establish the causes of the pathology, as well as determine whether the nerves were pinched, the vertebrae were compressed, etc.

Comprehensive diagnostics helps to make a correct diagnosis, determine the stage of development of the pathology, as well as identify complications.

Treatment of spondylosis

Unfortunately, there are no ways to help completely cope with the pathology. Therefore, therapy is aimed at mitigating the signs of the disease and preventing complications.

The doctor chooses the treatment, depending on the severity, the characteristics of the course of the pathology, and only after examinations.

Medicines are used to treat the main symptoms of the disease.

The specialist may prescribe the following drugs:

• non-narcotic analgesics for pain control;
• NSAIDs that eliminate inflammation and swelling of tissues, reduce pain and improve mobility of the articular-motor system;
• chondroprotectors for the prevention of cartilage destruction;
• muscle relaxants that eliminate muscle spasm and reduce pain caused by pinched nerve roots;
• narcotic analgesics – in extreme cases, when non-narcotic drugs do not stop severe pain in the spine.

If the inflammatory process is very pronounced, then NSAIDs are used, as well as physiotherapy (ultrasound, electrophoresis with an analgesic, dynamic currents). The doctor may prescribe analgesics for intramuscular injection, as well as paravertebral blocks.

These treatments relieve the signs of spondylosis, but do not stop its development. The main ways to slow down the progression of the disease are physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy) and massage.

Exercises are performed only after the pain syndrome has been eliminated. Regular exercise stimulates the blood supply to the muscles and the spinal column, and also helps to reduce the load on the spine by forming a muscular corset. Exercise therapy contributes to the development of motor stereotypes that help prevent overload of the affected part of the spine.

Massage helps to increase blood flow to certain areas, as well as reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. With spondylosis, intensive massage is not carried out, as well as spinal traction and manual therapy.

In the treatment of pathology, physiotherapy is used to relieve pain, relieve swelling of soft tissues, and normalize local blood supply.

For the treatment of spondylosis of the lumbar spine, or another part of it, the doctor may prescribe acupuncture. It helps to reduce pain and improve the passage of impulses along the nerve fibers.

If conservative treatments fail, surgery is usually performed. Other indications for surgery:

• severe spinal stenosis;
• severe nerve root compression;
• large intervertebral hernia;
• significant malfunction of internal organs due to spondylosis;
• violations of control over the function of the pelvic organs;
• paresis of the limbs.

In these cases, based on the cause of spondylosis, the following surgical interventions can be performed: laminectomy, arthroplasty, microdiscectomy, autotransplantation.

Spondylosis is a chronic disease that cannot be completely eliminated. But you can slow down its progression and prevent negative consequences. To do this, you need to follow the recommendations of the doctor and undergo repeated examinations on time.

Do not self-medicate if you are experiencing back pain, mobility problems, numbness or other symptoms. Contact the rehabilitation clinic in Khamovniki to undergo the necessary examinations and receive medical recommendations.

Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine: symptoms and treatment

Home

Wiki

Neurology

Spondylosis is a disease that occurs predominantly in people over 40 years of age. In fact, this is a narrowing of the intravertebral canal due to the growth of bone tissue under the influence of osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine.

General information

Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is relatively rare – it accounts for about 10% of all cases of the disease. This disease often accompanies osteochondrosis and is an overgrowth of spikes and protrusions in the lumbosacral spine. Why does bone growth occur? Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is a reaction of the body to an increased load, accompanied by an increase in bone structures. Their biological function is to reduce adverse external effects on the spine. But as a result, spikes and growths damage soft tissues and have a negative impact on the condition of the spinal cord. Pathological growth of osteophytes (protrusions and spikes) is difficult to treat, so this problem cannot be neglected. Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is expressed by pain in the back and legs. In advanced stages, it leads to muscle atrophy and dysfunction of the spinal cord, which leads to the following complications:

• stiffness of the musculoskeletal system;
• paralysis;
• Urinary incontinence.

Only at the first stage of spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine can the disease be cured without health consequences. Therefore, a timely appeal to a neurologist is the best way to prevent the disease in the early stages.

Features

Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is insidious in that there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. And the emerging pain syndrome is often confused with sciatica. Pain is the main symptom – and with spondylosis, it recedes if the person is in a bent position, or in the fetal position. This is how spondylosis differs from sciatica. The process of development of the disease is accompanied by pinching of the nerve roots, in connection with which the person experiences acute pain, numbness of the limbs. Most often, spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine occurs against the background of untreated osteochondrosis. The following factors contribute to the development of the disease:

Power failure

Lack of essential vitamins and microelements, excess food high in carbohydrates and fats contribute to degenerative changes in the vertebral discs, which cause osteochondrosis and spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine.

Overweight

With obesity, the load on the spine increases significantly, which leads to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the lumbosacral region, which experiences the greatest pressure from excess body weight. If you do not monitor your weight, spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine will inevitably occur.

Sedentary lifestyle

With a sedentary lifestyle, back muscles atrophy, resulting in deformation of the vertebral discs. In addition, many people are in a position for a long time that causes the spine to tense up and be fixed in this state for a long time.

Sedentary work

A constant stay in one position leads to tension in the muscles of the lower back. Neglecting the warm-ups and the necessary breaks, in this case it is very easy to earn spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine. In some cases, the cause is chronic diseases (for example, diabetes mellitus), in which it is almost impossible to avoid bone growths. Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is observed after fractures or physical overload. A significant role is played by heredity and age of the patient.

Disease diagnosis

The first point in the diagnosis of spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is a visit to a doctor who interviews and examines the patient. Based on the data obtained, the doctor draws the first conclusions and, if necessary, sends the patient for diagnostic procedures. If spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is suspected, the patient is prescribed diagnostic tests to see the bone structures:

• X-ray : the most common diagnostic method that allows you to clearly see bone formations and monitor the progress of the patient’s recovery.
• Computed tomography : a more informative study, which, in combination with contrast, provides comprehensive information about the size and structure of the growths.
• MRI : informative, like CT, it makes it possible to accurately assess the condition of soft tissues and nearby organs.

If spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is confirmed, the doctor prescribes treatment. Features of the treatment process depend on the stage of the disease, therefore, it is strongly not recommended to make a diagnosis and take medications on your own. In the absence of the entire complex of studies, even a doctor will not dare to do this.

Treatment

Usually, the treatment of spondylosis takes a long time, as does recovery from it. However, this is the only way to keep working. The disease is treated comprehensively and is carried out taking into account osteochondrosis, which in almost all cases is its cause. Treatment for spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine may include the following methods:

With medication

Drug therapy for spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine necessarily involves taking analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs – these drugs are taken only in the dosages prescribed by the doctor. Lumbar spondylosis can be treated either orally or with ointments that relieve pain and inflammation. Apply the ointment directly to the sore spot – the lower back. In the first days after the diagnosis, with a strong pain syndrome, injections of novocaine into the affected area can be prescribed – this allows you to quickly relieve inflammation, swelling and pain.

Physiotherapy

In the treatment of spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, physiotherapeutic procedures are also useful, which have a profound effect on soft tissues and blood vessels, improve blood circulation and relieve tension. In terms of its effects, physiotherapy is comparable to massage, but its use reduces the risk of mechanical damage to the spine. Doctors also prescribe exercise therapy for spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine – special gymnastics, which includes a set of exercises to improve muscle function and blood circulation. However, this method is rarely used during an exacerbation of the disease, since with an inept approach it is too dangerous for the patient. Exercise therapy can be prescribed and carried out only by a qualified specialist. Exercise therapy for spondylosis is mandatory after the completion of the course of treatment – if at least once this disease was detected in a patient, he is forced to monitor the condition of his spine all his life and perform the prescribed exercises.

pregnancy
bronchi
abdomen
vagina
genitals
pituitary
eyes
eye orbits
shin
head
brain
throat
larynx
rib cage
thoracic region
diaphragm
for children
glands
stomach
gallbladder
stomach
retroperitoneum
back of the head
teeth
brush
intestines
collarbone
knee
limbs
contrast agent
coccyx
bone
sacrum
lungs
lymph node
facial skeleton
elbow
scapula
small pelvis
uterus
period
breast
bladder
scrotum
soft tissues
adrenal glands
leg
nose
nasopharynx
finger
groin
liver
esophagus
pancreas
spine
penis
kidneys
small of the back
lumbosacral region
forearms
appendages
prostate
calcaneus
ribs
hand
sciatic nerve
spleen
heart
vessels
joints
back
foot
joints
tendon
pelvis
hip joint
trachea
Turkish saddle
ear
jaw
scull
cervical
cervical region
neck
thyroid
ovaries

Sign up for a consultation or diagnostic today!

You can make an appointment by phone:
+7 (812) 901-03-03

Or leave a request

full name

Phone number

By clicking the “Make an appointment” button, I accept the terms of the Personal Data Processing and Security Policy and consent to the processing of my personal data.

Our medical centers

• 901836745526,30.323946321381″>

Making an appointment

Patient’s last name *

Incorrect first name

Name *

Middle name

Contact phone *

E-mail *

By clicking the “Make an appointment” button, I accept the terms of the Personal Data Processing and Security Policy and consent to the processing of my personal data.

Registration and payment for repeated online appointment

Patient’s last name *

Incorrect first name

Name *

Middle name *

Contact phone *

E-mail *

By clicking the “Submit request” button, I accept the terms of the Personal Data Processing and Security Policy and consent to the processing of my personal data.