What is lumbar spondylosis. How is lumbar spondylosis diagnosed. What are the common symptoms of lumbar spondylosis. What treatment options are available for lumbar spondylosis. Can lumbar spondylosis be prevented. How does lumbar spondylosis progress over time. What lifestyle changes can help manage lumbar spondylosis.

Understanding Lumbar Spondylosis: An Overview

Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the lower spine. It refers to age-related changes in the bones (vertebrae) and discs of the lumbar region. These changes are often associated with degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. While lumbar spondylosis doesn’t always cause symptoms, it can lead to various spine problems ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.

The term “spondylosis” is broadly used to describe spinal degeneration, but it’s important to note that it’s more of a descriptive term than a specific clinical diagnosis. It essentially indicates the presence of both pain and spine degeneration, regardless of the underlying cause or location of the degeneration.

The Underlying Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis

The primary cause of lumbar spondylosis is the natural aging process. As we grow older, several changes occur in our spine:

• The discs between the vertebrae become stiffer and may break down
• Vertebrae experience wear and tear
• Bone spurs (osteophytes) may develop

These age-related changes can lead to various issues, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and facet joint osteoarthritis. While aging is the main factor, other contributors to lumbar spondylosis may include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Occupational factors (e.g., heavy lifting or repetitive movements)
• Previous spinal injuries
• Obesity
• Smoking

Recognizing the Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis doesn’t always produce noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they typically include:

• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Pain that is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day
• Numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs
• Weakness in the legs
• Difficulty with certain movements or activities

In some cases, if bone growths (spurs) push against a nerve root or the spinal cord, individuals may experience radiating pain, often described as an aching or shooting sensation in the buttock and leg. This condition is known as radiculopathy.

How do symptoms of lumbar spondylosis differ from other back conditions?

The symptoms of lumbar spondylosis can be similar to other back conditions, which is why proper diagnosis is crucial. Unlike acute injuries, the pain from lumbar spondylosis tends to develop gradually and persist over time. It’s often exacerbated by certain activities and may improve with rest. In contrast, conditions like herniated discs might cause sudden, severe pain, while inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis can cause pain that improves with activity.

Diagnostic Approaches for Lumbar Spondylosis

Diagnosing lumbar spondylosis typically involves a combination of methods:

1. Medical history review: The doctor will ask about symptoms, their duration, and factors that worsen or alleviate the pain.
2. Physical examination: This may include assessing range of motion, checking for areas of tenderness, and performing neurological tests.
3. Imaging tests: These are crucial for confirming the diagnosis and assessing the extent of degeneration. Common imaging tests include:

• X-rays: These can show bone spurs, narrowed disc spaces, and other signs of degeneration.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and intervertebral discs.
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: This offers detailed images of the spinal canal, bones, and joints.

Are there any specific tests to differentiate lumbar spondylosis from other spinal conditions?

While there’s no single definitive test for lumbar spondylosis, the combination of clinical examination and imaging studies usually provides sufficient information for diagnosis. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary:

• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can help identify nerve root compression or damage.
• Blood tests may be ordered to rule out inflammatory conditions or infections.
• Bone scans can detect areas of increased bone activity, which may indicate fractures or tumors.

Treatment Strategies for Lumbar Spondylosis

The treatment of lumbar spondylosis aims to manage pain, improve function, and prevent further degeneration. The approach typically starts with conservative methods and may progress to more invasive options if necessary.

Conservative Treatment Options

Initial treatment often includes:

• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture can be beneficial.
• Hot and cold therapy: Applying ice or heat can help manage pain and reduce muscle tension.
• Lifestyle modifications: This may include weight loss, ergonomic adjustments, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.

Advanced Treatment Options

If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, more advanced options may be considered:

• Prescription medications: These may include stronger pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or neuropathic pain medications.
• Epidural steroid injections: These can provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves.
• Facet joint injections: Similar to epidural injections, these target the small joints in the spine that can be a source of pain.
• Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure uses heat to destroy nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain.

Surgical Interventions

Surgery is typically considered a last resort when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief. Surgical options may include:

• Decompression procedures: These aim to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Spinal fusion: This procedure joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
• Artificial disc replacement: In some cases, a damaged disc may be replaced with an artificial one to maintain motion and reduce pain.

Living with Lumbar Spondylosis: Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care

While lumbar spondylosis is a chronic condition, there are several ways individuals can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life:

• Regular exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling can help maintain flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles.
• Proper posture: Maintaining good posture, especially when sitting for long periods, can reduce strain on the lower back.
• Ergonomic adjustments: Using ergonomic chairs and proper lifting techniques can help prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the spine.
• Stress reduction: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage pain perception.

How can individuals with lumbar spondylosis safely engage in physical activities?

Engaging in physical activities with lumbar spondylosis requires careful consideration:

• Start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration of exercises.
• Focus on low-impact activities that don’t strain the lower back.
• Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises recommended by a physical therapist.
• Listen to your body and avoid activities that consistently worsen symptoms.
• Consider water-based exercises, which can provide resistance while reducing impact on the spine.

The Role of Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Some individuals with lumbar spondylosis find relief through alternative and complementary therapies. While scientific evidence for these approaches varies, some people report benefits from:

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help relieve pain for some individuals.
• Chiropractic care: Spinal manipulation may provide short-term relief for some patients.
• Massage therapy: This can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation in the affected area.
• Yoga and Pilates: These practices can improve flexibility, strength, and body awareness.
• Herbal supplements: Some herbs like turmeric or devil’s claw are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s important to note that while these therapies may provide relief for some individuals, they should be approached with caution and discussed with a healthcare provider, especially when used alongside conventional treatments.

Are there any risks associated with alternative therapies for lumbar spondylosis?

While many alternative therapies are generally safe, there are some considerations:

• Some therapies, like chiropractic manipulation, may not be suitable for individuals with severe osteoporosis or certain spinal abnormalities.
• Herbal supplements can interact with medications, so it’s crucial to inform your doctor about any supplements you’re taking.
• Certain yoga poses or Pilates exercises may need to be modified for individuals with lumbar spondylosis.
• It’s important to choose practitioners who are licensed and experienced in treating individuals with spinal conditions.

Prognosis and Long-term Outlook for Lumbar Spondylosis

The long-term outlook for individuals with lumbar spondylosis can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of treatment, and the individual’s overall health and lifestyle. While lumbar spondylosis is a progressive condition, many people are able to manage their symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

Factors Influencing Prognosis

Several factors can influence the prognosis of lumbar spondylosis:

• Age: Younger individuals may have a better prognosis due to greater healing capacity.
• Overall health: Those with good general health may respond better to treatment.
• Severity of degeneration: More advanced degeneration may lead to a poorer prognosis.
• Adherence to treatment: Consistent follow-through with prescribed treatments and lifestyle modifications can improve outcomes.
• Presence of complications: Conditions like spinal stenosis or radiculopathy can complicate treatment and prognosis.

Can lumbar spondylosis be completely cured?

Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition that cannot be completely reversed or cured. However, its progression can often be slowed, and symptoms can be effectively managed. The goal of treatment is to:

• Alleviate pain and discomfort
• Improve function and mobility
• Prevent or minimize further degeneration
• Enhance overall quality of life

With appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications, many individuals with lumbar spondylosis are able to lead active, fulfilling lives despite the condition.

Prevention Strategies for Lumbar Spondylosis

While it’s not always possible to prevent lumbar spondylosis entirely, especially given its association with aging, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk or slow its progression:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on the spine.
• Exercise regularly: Focus on activities that strengthen the core and back muscles.
• Practice good posture: This reduces unnecessary strain on the spine.
• Use proper lifting techniques: Bend at the knees and lift with the legs, not the back.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can accelerate disc degeneration.
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain the health of spinal discs.
• Ergonomic workplace setup: Ensure your work environment supports good posture.

Are there specific exercises that can help prevent lumbar spondylosis?

While no exercise can completely prevent lumbar spondylosis, certain types of exercises can help maintain spine health:

• Core strengthening exercises: These support the spine and improve posture.
• Flexibility exercises: Stretching helps maintain range of motion in the spine.
• Low-impact aerobic exercises: Activities like swimming or walking improve overall fitness without stressing the spine.
• Balance exercises: These can help prevent falls, which could exacerbate spinal issues.
• Postural exercises: These reinforce good alignment and reduce strain on the spine.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or a physical therapist before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you’re at risk for or already have signs of lumbar spondylosis.

Lumbar Spondylosis | Kaiser Permanente

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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.

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  Related Information

Spondylosis: What It Actually Means

Spondylosis is a broad term that simply refers to some type of degeneration in the spine.

Spondylosis is an umbrella term used to describe pain from degenerative conditions of the spine. Watch: Spondylosis Video

Most often, the term spondylosis is used to describe osteoarthritis of the spine, but it is also commonly used to describe any manner of spinal degeneration.

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Spondylosis Is a Descriptive Term

As with many other terms to describe spinal problems, spondylosis is more of a descriptive term than it is a clinical diagnosis. Literally it can be translated to mean that one has both pain and spine degeneration, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the degeneration is occurring.

Watch: Video: What Is a Degenerative Disc and the Degenerative Cascade?

For example:

• The patient may have pain from facet joint osteoarthritis, causing pain during times of high activity or after extended inactivity
• There could be spinal stenosis, an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, which is creating leg pain when the patient walks
• The pain could be caused by degenerative disc disease, in which a degenerated disc that becomes dehydrated and loses some of its function. The degenerated disc can cause low back pain or neck pain, and possibly leg pain or arm pain.

These examples are only a few of the many possible contributors to a patient’s pain.

See When Back Pain May Be a Medical Emergency

In This Article:

• Spondylosis: What It Actually Means

• Answers to Common Spondylosis Questions

• Spondylosis Video

After arriving at a confirmed clinical diagnosis for the cause of a patient’s pain (rather than just the finding that there is spondylosis, which may or may not be causing the pain), physicians then usually use more specific terms for the diagnosis (such as osteoarthritis, lumbar degenerative disc disease or cervical degenerative disc disease, or lumbar spinal stenosis or cervical spinal stenosis) because those terms more effectively describe what is causing the pain.

Dr. David DeWitt is an orthopedic surgeon practicing at the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin, where he specializes in spine surgery. He has more than 15 years of experience evaluating and treating spine diseases and trauma.

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Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine

There are a lot of diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system and the spine. Among them, spondylosis deserves the most attention, since it is he who poses the greatest danger to humans. The vertebrae as a result of the disease are damaged and the result is a serious violation. Pathology can be localized in any part of the spinal column, but the largest percentage of cases occur in the lower back due to the maximum load on this department.

Causes

Spondylosis is the occurrence of bone growths (osteophytes) on the vertebrae. Such neoplasms violate the correct position of each vertebra and keep them in an uncharacteristic position. Because of this, the structure and activity of the vertebrae and spine in the lumbosacral region is severely disturbed.

At the same time, an attempt of the body to adapt to new circumstances is observed. At the same time, a person feels pain, impaired motor function, the spine gradually loses its mobility and in some cases this leads to disability. Osteophytes are growths that result from the deposition of salts.

The following factors influence the development of the disease:

1. Wrong or unbalanced diet.

2. Overweight.

3. Diseases associated with metabolic disorders.

4. Lack of physical activity.

5. Excessive physical activity. The disease affects professional athletes, as well as people whose work is accompanied by vibration.

6. Chronic pathologies of internal organs.

7. Injuries and diseases of the spine.

The main cause of spondylosis is considered to be a strong load on the spine or injury. The development of this disease is most likely in men over the age of 40 years. Among the diseases that can provoke the development of spondylosis, one can especially highlight kyphosis and scoliosis. Very often, spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine occurs as a result of wear of the intervertebral discs.

Symptoms

Like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is insidious in that at first it may not manifest itself in any way. At the very beginning, the unsuspecting patient leads a normal life, without experiencing any discomfort. Only after the osteophytes begin to actively grow and affect the spinal column, pain occurs in this place.

Pain is dull, moderate in nature, located in the lumbar region. It is characteristic that when bending forward, the pain tends to subside. This is one of the most striking differences between spondylosis. This is explained by the fact that in this position the load on the spine is minimized.

As the disease progresses, the lower back is subjected to more and more tension, so vasospasm can be provoked. From this, the pain becomes more and more pronounced, it can radiate to the lower extremities (mainly to one leg).

Numbness of the legs is also sometimes noted. Stiffness appears in the affected spine, which greatly limits the patient’s movements.

All of these symptoms are worse towards the end of the day or at night. The patient cannot straighten the back, this can only be done very slowly. With spondylosis of the cervical or thoracic spine, the patient complains of pain in the neck, which can radiate to the shoulder blade or arm. Head movements are also limited, especially its turns to the sides.

In the prone position, a person feels much better – the load on the spine is minimized, hence the weakening of symptoms. More rare symptoms include pain in the heart or head, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances (short-term, aggravated by tilting the head back), pain when moving the shoulders.

Diagnosis

Detection of the disease at an early stage is possible only through X-ray examinations. Sometimes this is not enough and a comprehensive examination may be required: in some cases, this is the only way to make the correct diagnosis.

When taking radiographs, it is very important that the images are taken in lateral and standard views. Osteophytes, if any, will definitely be seen in such images. In addition, it is necessary to visualize which parts of the spine are susceptible to pathology.

If the picture is not too clear, then a computed tomography is prescribed in addition. Timely and correct diagnosis allows you to identify the disease at an early stage and begin adequate treatment.

Treatment

Just like diagnostics, treatment of the spine must also be complex. Thanks to this, you can achieve excellent results and prevent irreversible changes. Therapy, its intensity and duration directly depends on the localization of the pathology, the stage of the disease and the degree of damage to the nervous system.

Drug therapy

It is primarily aimed at pain relief in order to provide the patient with a normal standard of living. In addition, and this is also important, it is necessary to simultaneously take drugs that relieve the inflammatory process from the damaged endings of nerve fibers.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for this. Their goal is to relieve inflammation, pain and swelling. Among these drugs, Nimesulide and Diclofenac have proven themselves well.

In order for the disease to stop progressing and the processes of cartilage damage to stop, it is necessary to take chondroprotectors. Thanks to them, the processes of regeneration of cartilage tissue and improvement of blood circulation are also launched.

Physiotherapy

Its individual procedures are an excellent means of preventing the occurrence of osteophytes on the vertebrae. In particular, special gymnastics, which is selected individually for each patient, has become widespread. It is especially effective when alternating with massage sessions. After such manipulations, not only pain is relieved, but the motor activity of the spine is normalized.

Gymnastics is also effective in that special exercises allow you to strengthen the muscle corset, which will support the spine in the desired position. And already with the correct position of the spine, individual vertebrae will maintain proper mobility.

It is very important that the set of exercises for spondylosis of spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine does not include movements with tilting the head back and excessive bending of the lower back.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture performed by a competent specialist allows you to quickly get rid of pain and discomfort in the affected area of ​​the spine. Even the most acute attack of pain is easily removed during a session of such a procedure. This method is also effective for pinched nerves and during an acute inflammatory process.

Only the combination of all these methods allows maintaining the patient’s well-being at the proper level, as well as minimizing the appearance of deformation processes in the spine.

The prognosis for the patient’s life is usually favorable, especially if the disease has been diagnosed at an early stage, when irreversible processes have not yet occurred. Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine develops very slowly, so it can be kept at the same level for a very long time with medication, excluding progress. The most important thing here is the exact observance of medical recommendations and prevention.

Prevention

It is very important to avoid hypothermia in the cold season. Equally important is the normalization of body weight, because excess weight puts a huge load on the spine. In order to put your weight in order, it is recommended to follow a special diet.

Gymnastics should become compulsory and should be done every day. However, it should not contain any power loads.

Only strict observance of all prescriptions of the attending physician will help normalize your condition with spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine and lead a full life. Since this disease can be classified as chronic, visits to the doctor should be made on a regular basis. During such examinations, radiography is performed, the choice of drugs is adjusted.

Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment | doc.ua

Spondylosis is a chronic disease that develops in the intervertebral discs as a result of leaching of lime from the ligaments at the sites of their attachment to the vertebrae. In medical practice, it is customary to distinguish several types of spondylosis: chest, cervical and lumbar.

Attention!

Here you can choose a doctor who treats Spondylosis If you are not sure about the diagnosis, make an appointment with a general practitioner or general practitioner to clarify the diagnosis.

Medical workers divide the disease into types, depending on the part of the spine that has been affected:

• cervical spondylosis develops in workers who are engaged in intellectual work, engaged in permanent sedentary work. In addition to a constant painful sensation, it accompanies the victim and his constant companions: jumps in blood pressure, dizziness, noise and headaches, blurred vision.
• Separately, thoracic spondylosis practically does not occur in practice. It can develop as a consequence of cervical or lumbar spondylosis. Its development is accompanied by one-sided pain that spreads throughout the chest;
• deforming spondylosis in its development can be attributed to dystrophic disorders of bone tissue. Simultaneously with its development, there is also a violation of small joints adjacent to the spine, and their violation leads to the development of ankylosis;
• Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower part of the spine. The intervertebral discs expand and begin to irritate the nerve endings, which leads to constant aching pain. Patients with this diagnosis have bouts of limping, soreness in the hips when moving, pain can also radiate to the legs.

Causes

The causes of the disease include:

• received minor microtraumas and serious injuries of the spine;
• metabolic processes occurring in the body;
• age-related changes;
• large overload of the spine.

Symptoms

In the initial stages, spinal spondylosis develops without obvious symptoms, but some limitation of mobility may occur. The part of the spine that is most subject to stress is deformed.

In case of spondylosis, the symptoms are as follows:

• constant heaviness in the spinal area and pulling pain in the strangulated area, which has a clear localization;
• in the nearby region of the spine there is a large muscle tension, which leads not only to a decrease in depreciation of the entire spine, but also leads to its straightening;
• very often, the patient experiences pain from compression of the nerve processes not only during the day, but also at night. And the position of the body does not matter.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spondylosis includes:

• X-ray;
• computed tomography;
• magnetic resonance imaging.
  

Treatment

Spondylosis, the treatment of which begins with the elimination of pain symptoms and the removal of the inflammatory process, is actually quite difficult to cure. At the initial stage of treatment, anti-inflammatory therapy is used and painkillers are prescribed. At the same time, a course of physiotherapy procedures can be carried out. Ultrasound, electrophoresis, diadynamic currents are recognized as one of the most proven and bringing significant relief.

A positive effect is achieved almost immediately after the rehabilitation course. This is due to an increase in the distance between the vertebral foramens, an improvement in blood flow, a decrease in the pressure of the vertebrae on the cartilage and, thereby, an improvement in their nutrition. The effectiveness of the use of manual therapy has also been proven, but it is not the main type of treatment, because by acting only manually, it is impossible to change the structure of the vertebra, and the symptoms remain the same. But a chiropractor unblocks the joints of the vertebrae, and this can relieve painful symptoms and lead to improved blood circulation.

Individually, preparations containing chondroprotectors, substances that increase cartilage elasticity and give the cartilage structure the desired strength can be prescribed. This therapy is aimed at preventing possible relapses and is prescribed for those patients who, due to circumstances, are forced to remain in a sitting position for a long time.

Along with the drugs, they are shown special preventive physical education and a course of massage procedures. There is also a benefit from acupuncture, such techniques relieve the increased tone of the back muscles. Lumbar spondylosis can also occur with complications, then visits to a hirudotherapist will be useful. The use of leeches gives the most favorable effect and quickly relieves swelling.

For particularly severe pathologies, shock wave therapy is prescribed and a course of calcium fluoride electrophoresis is performed. Further treatment continues after pain relief: systemic physical rehabilitation is prescribed, its passage makes it possible to fix the effect obtained and prevent relapse. With the passage of physical activity, muscle activity increases, blood flow improves and optimal activity of the functioning of the muscles is maintained. When prescribing physical activity, the load is individually calculated, and at various stages of the disease, various types of exercises are prescribed.

All physical activities are carried out in the absence of a load on the spine – in a lying position or standing on all fours. Some types of loading are allowed to be carried out while standing, if the pain syndrome is relieved. If the pulling pain remains, then the patient is recommended to use a special orthopedic bandage.