What are the primary causes of lumbar spondylosis. How is lumbar spondylosis diagnosed and treated. What are the most effective minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spondylosis. How can patients manage symptoms of lumbar spondylosis at home. When should a patient consider surgical intervention for lumbar spondylosis.

Understanding Lumbar Spondylosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Lumbar spondylosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis of the lower back, is a degenerative condition that affects the vertebrae and intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. This chronic condition is characterized by the wear and tear of spinal structures, often resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. As we delve deeper into this topic, we’ll explore its causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and various treatment options available to those affected by this condition.

The Anatomy of Lumbar Spondylosis: What Happens to Your Spine?

To understand lumbar spondylosis, it’s crucial to grasp the changes that occur in the spine. The condition primarily affects the following structures:

• Vertebrae: The bony structures of the spine
• Intervertebral discs: The cushions between vertebrae
• Facet joints: Small joints that connect vertebrae
• Ligaments: Tissues that provide stability to the spine

As the spine ages, these components undergo degenerative changes. The discs lose their water content and become less flexible, while the vertebrae may develop bone spurs. These alterations can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve roots, resulting in the symptoms associated with lumbar spondylosis.

Identifying the Root Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis

While age is the primary factor in the development of lumbar spondylosis, several other contributing factors can accelerate or exacerbate the condition:

• Genetics: Family history of spinal disorders
• Occupation: Jobs involving heavy lifting or repetitive motions
• Obesity: Excess weight placing additional stress on the spine
• Injuries: Previous trauma to the spine
• Smoking: Reduced blood flow to spinal tissues
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity

Can lifestyle modifications help prevent or slow the progression of lumbar spondylosis? While the aging process is inevitable, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, practicing good posture, and avoiding smoking can potentially reduce the risk and severity of lumbar spondylosis.

Recognizing the Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

The symptoms of lumbar spondylosis can vary widely among individuals, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and limited mobility. Common signs include:

1. Lower back pain, often worse in the morning or after prolonged inactivity
2. Stiffness in the lower back
3. Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
4. Weakness in the legs
5. Reduced range of motion in the spine
6. Pain that radiates to the buttocks or thighs
7. Difficulty performing daily activities

When should you consult a healthcare provider about these symptoms? It’s advisable to seek medical attention if you experience persistent back pain lasting more than a few weeks, pain that interferes with daily activities, or any neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the legs.

Diagnostic Approaches: Uncovering the Extent of Spinal Degeneration

Accurate diagnosis of lumbar spondylosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Healthcare providers typically employ a combination of methods to assess the condition:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. A physical exam will assess your range of motion, strength, and any neurological deficits.

2. Imaging Studies

Various imaging techniques can provide detailed information about the spine’s condition:

• X-rays: Reveal bone spurs, disc narrowing, and alignment issues
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of soft tissues, including discs and nerves
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: Provides cross-sectional images of the spine

3. Electromyography (EMG)

This test can help determine if nerve compression is causing muscle weakness or numbness.

How do these diagnostic tools help in treatment planning? By providing a comprehensive picture of the spinal changes, these tests enable healthcare providers to tailor treatment approaches to each patient’s specific condition and needs.

Conservative Treatment Options: Managing Symptoms Without Surgery

For many patients with lumbar spondylosis, conservative treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These non-surgical approaches include:

1. Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall posture and body mechanics.

2. Medications

Over-the-counter and prescription medications may be used to manage pain and inflammation:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetaminophen
• Muscle relaxants
• In some cases, short-term use of opioids for severe pain

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Simple changes in daily habits can significantly impact symptom management:

• Weight loss to reduce stress on the spine
• Ergonomic adjustments at work and home
• Regular low-impact exercise
• Proper lifting techniques

4. Alternative Therapies

Some patients find relief through complementary approaches:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Yoga or tai chi

How effective are these conservative treatments in managing lumbar spondylosis? Many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and function with a combination of these approaches. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors.

Advanced Interventional Treatments: When Conservative Measures Fall Short

For patients who don’t respond adequately to conservative treatments, more advanced interventional options may be considered:

1. Epidural Steroid Injections

These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area of the spine, potentially providing longer-lasting pain relief.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation

This procedure uses heat to disable nerve fibers carrying pain signals from the facet joints, offering relief for some patients with chronic back pain.

3. Spinal Cord Stimulation

A small device is implanted near the spine to send electrical pulses that modify pain signals before they reach the brain.

4. Regenerative Medicine

Emerging therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or stem cell treatments aim to promote tissue healing and regeneration.

What factors determine the suitability of these interventional treatments? The choice of treatment depends on the specific symptoms, the extent of spinal degeneration, and the patient’s overall health status. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist is crucial in determining the most appropriate intervention.

Surgical Options: When and Why Surgery Might Be Necessary

While most cases of lumbar spondylosis can be managed without surgery, some patients may require surgical intervention. Surgical options are typically considered when:

• Conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief
• There is significant nerve compression causing neurological symptoms
• The patient experiences progressive weakness or loss of function

Common surgical procedures for lumbar spondylosis include:

1. Decompression Surgery

This procedure aims to relieve pressure on compressed nerves by removing portions of bone or disc material.

2. Spinal Fusion

Fusion surgery joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain from motion.

3. Artificial Disc Replacement

In some cases, a damaged disc may be replaced with an artificial one to maintain spine mobility.

4. Minimally Invasive Techniques

Advanced surgical techniques, such as endoscopic spine surgery, offer the potential for smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and faster recovery times.

What are the potential benefits and risks of surgical intervention for lumbar spondylosis? While surgery can provide significant pain relief and functional improvement for some patients, it also carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and potential complications from anesthesia. The decision to undergo surgery should be made carefully, considering all available options and potential outcomes.

Living with Lumbar Spondylosis: Strategies for Long-Term Management

Managing lumbar spondylosis is often a long-term process that requires a multifaceted approach. Patients can adopt several strategies to improve their quality of life and minimize the impact of the condition:

1. Regular Exercise

Maintaining a consistent exercise routine is crucial for managing lumbar spondylosis. Focus on:

• Low-impact aerobic activities like swimming or cycling
• Core-strengthening exercises
• Flexibility and stretching routines
• Gentle yoga or Pilates

2. Pain Management Techniques

Develop a toolkit of pain management strategies:

• Heat and cold therapy
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Mindfulness practices to cope with chronic pain
• Proper sleep hygiene to ensure restorative rest

3. Ergonomic Adjustments

Make your environment spine-friendly:

• Use ergonomic chairs and workstations
• Adjust your sleeping position and mattress for optimal spine support
• Use assistive devices for tasks that strain your back

4. Nutrition and Weight Management

A healthy diet can support spine health and weight management:

• Consume anti-inflammatory foods
• Maintain adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health
• Stay hydrated to support disc health
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine

5. Stress Management

Chronic pain and stress often go hand in hand. Implement stress-reduction techniques:

• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Engage in hobbies or activities you enjoy
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Consider professional counseling if needed

How can patients effectively incorporate these strategies into their daily lives? The key is to start small and gradually build new habits. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and limitations.

The Future of Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As medical science advances, new treatments and approaches for managing lumbar spondylosis are emerging. Some promising areas of research include:

1. Biologics and Regenerative Medicine

Researchers are exploring the potential of biological therapies to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation in the spine. This includes:

• Growth factor injections
• Stem cell therapies
• Gene therapy approaches

2. Advanced Imaging and Diagnostic Tools

Improved imaging techniques may allow for earlier detection and more precise treatment planning:

• Functional MRI to assess pain pathways
• Molecular imaging to detect early degenerative changes
• AI-assisted image analysis for more accurate diagnoses

3. Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Continued refinement of minimally invasive procedures may offer:

• Reduced surgical trauma
• Faster recovery times
• Improved long-term outcomes

4. Personalized Medicine Approaches

Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific spinal changes may lead to more effective interventions.

5. Wearable Technology and Remote Monitoring

Advanced wearable devices and telemedicine solutions may improve:

• Real-time symptom tracking
• Personalized exercise recommendations
• Remote patient monitoring and support

What potential impact could these emerging therapies have on the management of lumbar spondylosis? While many of these approaches are still in the research phase, they hold promise for more targeted, effective treatments with fewer side effects. As research progresses, patients with lumbar spondylosis may have access to a broader range of treatment options tailored to their specific needs.

Navigating the Healthcare System: Finding the Right Care for Lumbar Spondylosis

Effective management of lumbar spondylosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Patients may benefit from working with a team of healthcare professionals, including:

• Primary care physicians
• Orthopedic specialists or neurosurgeons
• Physical therapists
• Pain management specialists
• Occupational therapists
• Nutritionists
• Mental health professionals

How can patients ensure they receive comprehensive care for their lumbar spondylosis? Consider the following steps:

1. Seek a referral to a spine specialist for a thorough evaluation
2. Research healthcare providers’ experience with lumbar spondylosis
3. Prepare questions and concerns for each medical appointment
4. Keep detailed records of symptoms, treatments, and their effectiveness
5. Be an active participant in treatment decisions
6. Consider seeking a second opinion for major treatment decisions
7. Explore support groups or patient advocacy organizations for additional resources and information

By taking an active role in their care and working closely with healthcare providers, patients with lumbar spondylosis can develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment | Spinal Osteoarthritis Treatment

For expert lumbar spondylosis treatment, you can turn to the experienced professionals from Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians. We are an orthopedic spine and sports medicine practice located nationwide. Our double board-certified interventional spine physicians and orthopedic specialists specialize in providing effective, minimally invasive treatments for complex back pain and spine conditions, including lumbar spondylosis.

Lumbar spondylosis is a chronic and painful condition characterized by degenerative osteoarthritis of the joints in the lower region of the spine. As the condition progresses, it can cause pain as well as loss of normal structure and function of the lower spine. Using the most advanced and minimally invasive treatments, our physicians help patients with lumbar spondylosis find relief from their pain and other symptoms and return to an active lifestyle.

If you are seeking the most advanced treatment for spinal osteoarthritis, you can count on the caring team from Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians. Our treatments are focused on alleviating the symptoms associated with joint stiffness and nerve compression that result from lumbar spondylosis. In some cases, the discomfort from spinal degeneration can be managed using conservative treatments such as therapeutic exercises, massage, physical therapy, over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, hot/cold therapy or epidural steroid injections. If you have been diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis, we will work collaboratively with your referring physician, chiropractor or other ancillary services such as physical therapy to help manage your condition.

If you have tried to manage your lumbar spondylosis with conservative treatments and your pain persists, you may be a good candidate for minimally invasive, endoscopic spine surgery (also known as “band-aid back surgery”). Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians is proud be one of the nation’s leading providers of endoscopic spine surgery. Using this advanced technique, we can help you find relief from your pain with fewer complications and a shorter recovery time as compared to traditional open back surgery.

Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis

In most cases, lumbar spondylosis is caused by the normal wear and tear that is associated with the aging process. Unfortunately, you cannot do anything to stop the aging process. You can however, do something to help you get relief from your pain and other symptoms. If you are suffering from lower back pain and think it may be due to this condition, please contact our Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment Specialists at Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians today and schedule a consultation with one of our interventional spine doctors. After a complete evaluation, we can recommend the most appropriate treatment to help you find relief from your pain and improve your quality of life. Our practice is currently accepting new patients and we accept most health insurance plans as well as several different forms of payment. We look forward to helping you stay active and live your best life.

Lumbar Spondylosis Information & Treatment

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Condition Basics

What is lumbar spondylosis?

Spondylosis is age-related change of the bones (vertebrae) and discs of the spine. These changes are often called degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. When this condition is in the lower back, it’s called lumbar spondylosis.

These changes don’t always cause symptoms. But they are a common cause of spine problems that can range from mild to severe.

What causes it?

As your body ages, the discs between the bones of the spine become stiffer and can break down. The bones also wear down and can grow bone spurs.

What are the symptoms?

There are often no symptoms. When there are symptoms, back pain and stiffness are the main ones. They are usually worse in the morning and get better throughout the day.

If bony growths are pushing against a nerve root or the spinal cord, you may have numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in your buttock and leg.

How is it diagnosed?

Lumbar spondylosis can usually be diagnosed based on your history of symptoms, a physical exam, and imaging tests. These are tests that produce various kinds of pictures of your body. Such tests include:

• X-rays. They can help measure the extent of arthritis or injuries to the bones.
• MRI. This test checks your spinal nerves and looks for disc problems.
• CT scan. This test checks your spinal canal, bones, and joints.

How is lumbar spondylosis treated?

Pain and stiffness are first treated with ice or heat and with over-the-counter medicines. Physical therapy and daily exercises can be helpful.

If these treatments aren’t helping you enough, you may need other treatments. This might be more likely to happen if you have spine problems such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. In some cases, a shot of medicine in the joint area may offer short-term relief. For a severe problem, surgery may be an option.

Credits

Lumbar spondylarthrosis (facet syndrome) in Kyiv – private clinic Oberig.

Lumbar spondylarthrosis (facet syndrome)

One of the sources of low back pain (31% of cases are intervertebral joints (syn. facet joints, facet joints): small paired joints located in the posterior sections of the spinal column (Fig. 1,2).

Fig.1

Osteoarthritis of the lumbar intervertebral joints (spondylarthrosis, spondylarthritis) develops with age in most people and is asymptomatic (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4464797/).

Fig.2

Pain can be caused by injury to the joint, overload with repetitive movements, obesity, poor posture, weak muscles of the lower back and abdominals, a sedentary lifestyle, etc. The pain syndrome that develops in this case is called lumbar facet syndrome. syndrome (according to one of the names of the joint – the facet joint).

Lumbar facet syndrome is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Dull aching pain in the lumbar or lumbosacral region on one or both sides.
• The pain may radiate (radiate) to the buttocks, thigh, rarely to the groin.
• Pain appears or intensifies with extension in the lower back (back bends), with rotation of the body to the sides, with lateral bends.
• Pain usually resolves or is greatly reduced if the patient leans forward, sits down, or does a warm-up motion in the lower back. When low back pain appears or worsens, such patients tend to sit up. At the same time, prolonged sitting in a sitting position again can cause pain.
• Pain may disturb when walking (especially for a long time), in a standing position.
• Characterized by the appearance of pain after a long stay in a monotonous position.
• Pain may worsen when moving (returning) from forward to upright position.
• Often worried about the feeling of pain and stiffness in the lower back in the morning, which disappear after the start of daily activities, warm-up movements. If such morning stiffness lasts more than half an hour, and the patient is a man under 45 years old, then it is necessary to exclude ankylosing spondylitis, which refers to rheumatic diseases with a predominant lesion of the spine.
• Neurological symptoms (numbness, muscle weakness, symptoms of nerve root tension) are usually absent.
• Lumbar facet syndrome tends to recur (frequent exacerbations) or chronic (pain lasts more than 3 months).
• Additional diagnostic methods (MRI, MSCT, X-ray) reveal signs of a degenerative process in the intervertebral joints (spondylarthrosis): narrowing of the joint space, thinning of the articular cartilage, osteophytes (marginal bone growths of the articular facets), etc. These changes can also be detected in people without back pain. Therefore, diagnosis is based primarily on the clinical manifestations of the disease (symptoms). The diagnosis can be confirmed by blockade of the joints under the control of X-ray, CT or ultrasound.

TREATMENT

For severe pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), centrally acting muscle relaxants are prescribed.

Patients are advised to remain physically active. Advice is given on the rational organization of the workplace, modification of the motor mode.

One of the main methods of facet syndrome treatment is exercises to unload the intervertebral joints.

As starting exercises (for exacerbation and severe pain), we recommend the following exercises: repeated extensions in the lower back in the sitting position (Fig. 3) and tilt of the pelvis in the supine position (Fig. 4).

Fig.3

As the pain subsides, additional exercises are introduced: for example, Williams exercises, abdominal control, etc., a bicycle (exercise bike). Yoga, Pilates, etc. can give a good effect. But swimming in this condition can lead to increased pain. After the pain syndrome has passed, the patient is recommended to continue to perform an individually selected set of exercises to prevent attacks in the future. It is also recommended to lead an active lifestyle, reduce body weight, quit smoking.

Fig.4

Another effective method is the blockade of the intervertebral joints (Fig. 5), which is performed under the control of X-ray (Fig. 6), computed tomography (Fig. 7) or ultrasound (Fig. 8). Blockade reduces inflammation in the area of ​​the joint, which leads to the cessation or reduction of pain. In addition, as we have already noted, the blockade has a diagnostic value.

Fig.5 Fig.6 Fig.7 Fig.8

In the overwhelming majority of cases, such complex treatment leads to success.

In the absence of an effect, radiofrequency ablation of the joints (severing the nerve that supplies the joint with painful nerve endings) can be considered.

Spondylitis of the lumbar spine – symptoms and treatment, how to treat degenerative spondylitis of the vertebrae

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shutterstock.com inflammation in the vertebral bodies. When the joints and ligaments of the spine are involved in the pathological process, the disease is called spondyloartitis. The first signs of spondylitis of the lumbar spine are bouts of dull pain in the lower back and stiffness in the back, mainly in the morning. Without treatment, the disease ends in disability.

Spondylitis occurs in 5% of all spinal diseases. Most often diagnosed in patients aged 40-50 years, but sometimes affects adolescents and young adults. Men suffer the disease more severely, although they get sick with the same frequency as women.

In the article we will tell you how lumbar spondylitis manifests itself, when and which doctor you need to contact. Specialists of the Temed Clinic in Moscow and other cities examine patients with back pain. If the doctor detects spondylitis or other inflammatory processes in the spine, then he refers the patient to a specialized specialist for treatment. Make an appointment with a neurologist if you are suffering from pain in the lower back or other part of the back. The doctor will find out why the pain occurred and determine the tactics of examination and treatment.

This article is advisory in nature. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist after consultation.

How spondylitis develops

The mechanism of spondylitis development is immuno-inflammatory, it can be described by a chain of pathological processes:

• Degenerative diseases, trauma, surgery or infection of the spine causes an immune system reaction. It begins to attack the tissues of its own spinal column – bones, cartilage, ligaments

• Inflammation occurs which damages tissues and causes them to swell. Purulent foci – abscesses can form. Pain appears, movements in the spine are limited

• Connective tissue grows in the focus of inflammation over time. This leads to deformation and destruction of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs

• Neighboring vertebrae fuse with each other, and the spine in the affected area resembles a bamboo trunk. Movement in the department becomes almost impossible

Fig. 1 Fused vertebrae in spondylitis – bamboo spine

Types of spondylitis

According to localization, spondylitis is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. Spondyloarthritis often affects the lumbosacral region and the joints that connect the sacrum to the pelvic bones.

According to the causes, spondylitis is divided into non-infectious and infectious, the latter is non-specific and specific. Specific spondylitis is caused by bacteria and parasites: mycobacteria, brucella, treponema. Nonspecific include purulent spondylitis, in which bacteria enter the vertebral bodies from the source of infection through the blood vessels, as well as ankylosing spondylitis, or Bechterew’s disease with an autoimmune mechanism of development.

Noninfectious spondylitis is caused by trauma, degenerative changes in the spine, and other factors.

Fig. 2 Types of spondylitis depending on the cause

Depending on which edge of the vertebra is affected by inflammation, spondylitis occurs: 2 2

posterior – posterior margin affected vertebra

Diagnosis can indicate not only the affected spine, but also the localization of inflammation in the vertebra itself. For example, anterior lumbar spondylitis means that the inflammatory process has affected the anterior sections of the lumbar vertebrae.

Causes of spondylitis

Spondylitis often develops against the background of long-term infectious processes in the body caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Spondylitis can be caused by infections of the genitourinary and digestive systems, abscesses in the spine, an infectious lesion of the heart – endocarditis.

In addition to infections, other pathological processes or conditions can lead to the development of spondylitis:

• Immunodeficiency

• Back injuries

• Genetic mutations. In ankylosing spondylitis, a mutation of the HLA-B27 gene occurs, which can also cause ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and inflammation of the choroid

• Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine. This type of inflammation of the vertebrae is sometimes called degenerative spondylitis

• Endocrine diseases

• Congenital anomalies of the spine gunshot wounds or injuries

Regardless of the cause of spondylitis, it has characteristic signs and requires serious and long-term treatment.

Symptoms of lumbar spondylitis

The disease usually develops gradually. One of the first symptoms is lower back pain, often on one side. The back can hurt with certain movements. Over time, the pain intensifies, becomes bilateral and spreads to neighboring parts of the spine, buttocks and legs. There is stiffness in the lower back in the morning.

Pain in spondylitis has characteristic features:

• is moderate, dull

• sometimes appears at night and wakes the patient, but more often in the morning

• 900 02 increases after periods of immobility and decreases after physical activity

In addition to pain, other symptoms can appear with spondylitis:

• noticeable limitation of movement in the lower back0016

• fever

• fatigue

Sometimes the pain in the back is mild or appears after the loss of mobility. Consult a doctor for any discomfort in the back, so as not to miss the onset of the disease and start treatment on time.

Which doctor to contact

If you have back pain, you can contact a general practitioner, neurologist or orthopedic traumatologist. After examination and initial diagnosis, the doctor will decide whether a consultation with another specialist is needed: a neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, venereologist, infectious disease specialist, phthisiatrician.

Make an appointment with a neurologist

Appointment lasts 60 minutes, includes diagnostics, analysis of your MRI and preparation of a treatment plan, takes place both in person and online.

Diagnosis of lumbar spondylitis

Examination helps to exclude similar diseases and find the cause of spondylitis: symptoms and treatment directly depend on what caused the disease.

At the Temed Clinic, patients with back pain are consulted by a neurologist. In the process of communicating with the patient, he clarifies:

• when and what symptoms appeared
• whether the patient has comorbidities, autoimmune diseases or a genetic predisposition to specific diseases
• how severe and prolonged the pain is
• actions relieve pain

Diagnostic criteria exist which indicate the development of spondylitis:

• pain often appears at night and in the morning
• rest does not bring relief
• pain decreases with movement
• the disease begins gradually
• the patient is about 40–50 years old sacrum, iliac bones and joints between the pelvis and spine, to identify painful areas. Draws attention to external changes. Assesses the posture and curvature of the spine, as well as the degree of its mobility. Performs a neurological examination and tests muscle strength, sensation, and tendon reflexes in the limbs.

  To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order any of these instrumental studies: a special substance and evaluate how the bone tissue accumulates it

• general clinical and biochemical blood tests

How is lumbar spondylitis treated

The doctors of our clinic do not treat infectious spondylitis and other inflammatory diseases of the spine, but if it is suspected, they will refer the patient to competent and experienced specialists for therapy.

Therapeutic tactics for non-infectious spondylitis is aimed at stopping the development of the disease, eliminating the focus of inflammation, relieving pain, and improving spinal mobility. To do this, apply:

• Drug therapy

  The choice of drugs depends on the cause that caused the disease. In case of infection, a course of antibiotics is prescribed. Painkillers are used to relieve pain and inflammation. Muscle spasms associated with pain are sometimes treated with muscle relaxants, and with severe inflammation, corticosteroids

• Physiotherapy

  Only for non-infectious spondylitis. It helps to improve blood circulation in the affected area, reduce inflammation and swelling, anesthetize and stop the destruction of the vertebrae. Apply shock wave therapy, magnetotherapy and laser therapy

• exercise therapy

  Specially designed exercises help strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the spine and increase range of motion. Therapeutic exercise is prescribed after inflammation and severe pain pass

• Massage

  Used during rehabilitation as an additional therapy for muscle relaxation

brain.

Complications and prognosis in chronic spinal spondylitis

Prognosis in spondylitis depends on many factors:

• type and severity of the disease
• age of the patient
• comorbidities
• timeliness and correctness of treatment

Most patients have a favorable prognosis. But if the disease is not treated, complications can occur:

• chronic debilitating back pain
• sleep problems due to pain cove

With purulent spondylitis, fistulas can form – passages that connect the purulent focus with the external environment or the cavity of the spinal canal.

Lumbar ankylosing spondylitis can lead to cauda equina syndrome. With this syndrome, a bundle of spinal nerve roots is compressed – the function of the pelvic organs suffers, the sensitivity and muscle strength of the limbs decrease.

Tuberculous spondylitis can be complicated by spinal deformity, irreversible damage to the spinal cord, fistulas.

Prevention of spondylitis and its complications

To prevent inflammatory diseases of the spine, you must follow these rules:

To summarize:

• 1

  Lumbar spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease spine, which is manifested by pain and impaired mobility in the lumbar region. Occurs more often at 40-50 years old, but also occurs in younger people Spondylitis is treated with medication, as well as with the help of physiotherapy and exercise therapy. Surgical treatment is offered to the patient when conservative therapy does not work. Without treatment, spondylitis leads to spinal immobility and other irreversible complications.

• 3

  If you have back pain or other spinal problems, make an appointment with a neurologist at your nearest Temed Clinic. The doctor will determine the cause of poor health and draw up an examination plan.

List of sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/symptoms-causes/syc -20354808
2. Lawrence H Brent, MD , Anand Patel, MD, Herbert S Diamond, MD. Ankylosing spondylitis and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy. Medscape. Jun 14, 2022
3. MEDICINAL BULLETIN No. 4 (76). 2019. Volume 13, Ankylosing spondylitis in the practice of a clinician
4. Bochkova A.G., Levshakova A.V. Why is the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis late? Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics.