Spondylosis of the lumbar region: Lumbar spondylosis – Physiopedia

06.07.202312.06.2023 by alexxlab

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Spondylosis symptoms, causes, diagnosis and more

As we get older, just about every part of our body will experience natural changes. And for many adults, neck and back problems are some of the not-so-fun parts of the aging process.

Spondylosis (or degenerative disc disease) is one of the most common spinal conditions adults experience. In fact, it’s estimated that around 85% of adults over the age of 60 have some degree of spondylosis.

But what is spondylosis exactly? What are the signs and symptoms of spondylosis? Is it treatable? And when should you see a doctor for any neck and back pain you might be experiencing? We answer all these questions and more.

What you should know about spondylosis

Spondylosis, or degenerative disc disease, is a form of arthritis that’s sometimes called spinal osteoarthritis. Spondylosis affects the discs in your spine, which can sometimes lead to neck pain, back pain or loss of normal spinal function.

Aging is the main cause of spondylosis

As you get older every part of your body changes, including vertebra (spinal bones) and spinal discs.

Spinal discs act as cushions between each of your neck and back’s vertebra –these discs are often described as rubbery or jelly-like. But as we age, these discs begin to dry out and thin. And that thinning places stress on every muscle, joint and ligament that holds your spine in place, which can lead to pain and decreased range of motion.

Over time, these spondylotic changes can sometimes lead to compression on one or more of the spinal nerve roots, bone spur growth or herniated discs, which may cause other symptoms.

Risk factors for spondylosis

Spondylosis is very common as you age, and you may not be able to avoid getting it. There are certain risk factors that can speed up the aging process or make you more likely to get spondylosis, including:

Being overweight – Extra weight can put added pressure on the structures of your spine, causing them to break down faster.
Genetic factors – People in certain families are more likely to experience spondylotic changes.
Smoking – People who smoke are more likely to get spondylosis – and when they do, their symptoms get worse more quickly.
A sedentary lifestyle – Sedentary behaviors are shown to increase the risk of lower back pain from spondylosis and other causes.
Repetitive stress – Having a job that requires repetitive movement that puts stress on your spine increases your chances of developing spondylosis.
Spinal injuries – If you’ve injured your spine in a car accident or a fall, you may be more likely to develop spondylosis.

The three types of spondylosis: Symptoms and locations

There are three different types of spondylosis. Each type is related to a specific area of your spine where the changes have occurred. These include the cervical (C), thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) regions.

Your spinal column is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae that, in part, consist of seven cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (mid back), and five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a disc.

The spinal column also has joints called facet joints. Their job is to connect the vertebrae and give them the flexibility to move against each other.

Spondylosis symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may not even notice any neck or back pain or problems. While spondylosis can affect the joints anywhere along the spine, it occurs more commonly in the neck and low back.

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis affects your neck, which is also called the cervical spine and represents vertebrae C1 to C7. These vertebrae connect your skull to your body and are responsible for motions like turning your head left and right, or nodding your head up and down.

Cervical spondylosis symptoms

Your neck has a big job to do. It supports the weight of your head and a wide range of movements. While many people don’t experience any symptoms of cervical spondylosis, those that do may feel:

Neck pain, which can feel like a constant ache, get worse when you move or both (pain may also spread to your arms or shoulders)
Neck stiffness that can get worse over time
Muscle pain or spasms
Headaches, especially in the back of your head
A grinding, clicking or popping feeling when you move your neck

Is cervical spondylosis serious?

Most of the time, cervical spondylosis isn’t serious. But in some cases, cervical spondylosis can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which is where the spinal cord and nerves pass through. If the cord or nerves become compressed (or pinched), you may experience the following symptoms and should see a doctor as soon as possible:

Numbness, tingling or shooting pain in your shoulders, arms or hands, or what can feel like an electrical sensation when you flex your neck forward
Difficulty walking or lack of coordination
Loss of bladder and bowel control (rare)

What is thoracic spondylosis?

Your thoracic spine, T1 through T12, picks up where your cervical spine leaves off. It continues to protect your spinal cord, and also connects to and supports your rib cage.

As the “trunk” or middle part of your back, these 12 vertebrae are stable and sturdy. As a result, thoracic spondylosis is the least common type of degenerative disc disease.

Thoracic spondylosis symptoms

Most people do not experience any symptoms. But if symptoms are present, they may include:

Stiffness or soreness in the middle-back
Pain in the chest and upper abdomen
Pain radiating down the back or legs
Weakness or tingling in the arms or legs
Increased pain with activity

Is thoracic spondylosis serious?

Thoracic spondylosis is not usually serious, but it can worsen over time without treatment. Sometimes more serious symptoms can develop. If you experience sudden loss of motor control or walking becomes difficult, get medical care immediately.

What is lumbar spondylosis?

Lumbar spondylosis impacts your lower spine, L1 through L5. More specifically, the lumbar region is the section of the vertebrae between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. It’s the part of the spinal column that supports and distributes most of your body’s weight, making lumbar spondylosis perhaps the most common spinal osteoarthritis condition. In fact, more than 80% of those in the U. S. over the age of 40 may have lumbar spondylosis.

Lumbar spondylosis symptoms

Many people with lumbar spondylosis, don’t have any symptoms or feel pain. But some people experience symptoms such as:

Low back pain, which can feel like constant soreness, flare up when you move, or both (back pain may also be worse in the morning and get better throughout the day)
Back stiffness
Weakness in the legs or feet
Muscle pain or spasms
Grinding, clicking or popping sensation when you sit, stand or move in a certain way
Bladder retention (inability to urinate)

Like with cervical spondylosis, changes in spinal discs in the lumbar region can lead to nerve or cord compression. Disc herniation, which is when a disc slips or bulges through a weakened part of the spine is also a possibility. Herniated discs are most common in the lower back and are also more common as we get older.

Is lumbar spondylosis serious?

While lumbar spondylosis usually isn’t serious, you should see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Numbness, tingling or pain that radiates from your back to your buttocks, legs, feet or toes (sciatica)
Changes in how you walk (gait) or difficulty walking
Loss of bladder or bowel control (rare)

Spondylosis vs.

spondylolysis: What’s the difference?

These two terms may look and sound almost identical, but there are key features that make the conditions different. While they can both cause back pain, spondylosis refers to the normal changes that can occur as we age. Spondylolysis is actually a stress fracture that occurs in a portion of the spine called the “pars”, and commonly caused by overuse.

How spondylosis is diagnosed

If you’re experiencing any spondylosis symptoms, you may be able to skip a trip to your primary care doctor and go straight to making an appointment with a physical therapist. Physical therapy is usually covered, but it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

During your first visit, your physical therapist will likely start with a physical exam that may include:

Asking you questions about the location and severity of any pain, stiffness or other symptoms you’re experiencing
Evaluating your range of motion by having you move, bend or twist in different ways
Testing for muscle weakness in your arms and legs
Feeling along your spine to help detect any tenderness, or possible muscle spasms, bumps or areas of inflammation

In some cases, your therapist may recommend tests like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allow them to take a closer look at your spine.

Treatments for spondylosis

Yes. For most people, spondylosis symptoms can be managed with at-home treatments such as over-the-counter pain relievers, hot and cold therapy, and some lifestyle modifications.

Depending on your condition, a spine specialist may also recommend pain psychology, acupuncture or injections for longer-term, yet still temporary, pain relief. And if spondylosis has led to nerve or spinal cord compression, surgery may be helpful to relieve the pressure.

But stretching and activity may be the most important step for managing pain or other spondylosis symptoms. That’s because movement is important for keeping all of your body’s muscles, ligaments and joints in working order. And working with a spine physical therapist can help.

Spine physical therapists can teach you targeted stretches and exercises to strengthen your neck and back to reduce spondylosis-related pain and stiffness. Depending on several factors, including how long you’ve been experiencing neck or back pain, a more intensive physical therapy program like TRIA Neck and Back Strengthening Program may be recommended. A spine strengthening program is specifically designed for people with chronic back pain.

Learn more about spondylosis treatments and exercises.

Take the first step toward neck and back pain relief

While you can’t stop your body from aging, there are steps you can take to manage the neck and back pain that can come with it.

If you’ve recently started noticing regular neck or back pain and stiffness, and it doesn’t seem to be subsiding, a great first step can be making an appointment with a spine physical therapist. At TRIA, our physical therapy programs don’t require a doctor’s referral, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to understand your coverage.

Spondylosis | Spine Center | OHSU

Spondylosis refers to age-related changes in spinal bones (vertebrae), cartilage and discs in any part of the spine. It’s also known as osteoarthritis of the spine, arthritis of the spine and back arthritis.

Spondylosis can put pressure on spinal nerves where they join the spine (nerve roots). In advanced cases, bones, discs or other tissues can press on the spinal cord. Timely treatment is important because spondylosis tends to worsen over time, though it doesn’t always cause symptoms.

Causes

Aging is a major risk factor. By age 60, most people have signs of cervical (neck) spondylosis that can be seen on an X-ray. Being over 40 is a risk factor for lumbar (lower back) spondylosis.
Past neck injury, often years before. Preventing neck injury, for example by using the right equipment and techniques in sports, may reduce your risk.
Severe arthritis
Past spine surgery

Symptoms

Cervical spondylosis

Neck pain (may spread to the shoulder or down the arm)
Neck stiffness that gets worse over time
Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms or (rarely) legs
Weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs
Headaches, especially in the back of your head

Thoracic (middle back) spondylosis

Moving the spine forward and back often causes pain.
Bending backward causes pain in the middle back.

Lumbar spondylosis

Pain and stiff back in the morning
Sitting for a long time causes pain and other symptoms.
Pain gets worse with repeated movements, such as lifting and bending.

Less common symptoms include loss of balance or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Nonsurgical treatments

If you have mild or moderate symptoms, you can usually be treated without surgery, an approach the OHSU Spine Center favors whenever possible.

Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs; narcotic medications or muscle relaxants; and medications for chronic pain, including phenytoin, carbamazepine or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, can help.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can offer treatments and exercises to ease pain and movement.

Surgical treatments

Surgery may be recommended if you have severe spondylosis, if other treatments didn’t help or if severe pain and weakness limit your mobility.

Cervical posterior foraminotomy: This surgery removes bone or parts of a diseased or herniated disc to relieve pain.

Laminotomy/laminectomy: This surgical procedure removes part of a spinal bone called the lamina to relieve pressure on nerves or the spinal cord.
Spinal fusion surgery: This surgery permanently joins two or more bones (vertebrae) in the spine for more stability.

For patients

Referral: To become a patient, please ask your doctor for a referral.

Questions: For questions or follow-up appointments, call 503-418-9888.

Location

OHSU Spine Center, South Waterfront

Center for Health & Healing, Building 1, 12th floor
3303 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97239

Free parking for patients and visitors

Refer a patient

Diseases of the spine: lumbar spondylosis

Osteoporosis develops in the spinal column with age, as well as due to various external factors. It is characterized by thinning of the intervertebral discs. The vertebrae themselves become lower. Unfortunately, disks do not have the ability to self-repair. Due to the upright posture of a person, cartilage tissue cannot fully eat. This leads to excessive stress on the spinal column. There is a gradual but constant destruction of hyaline cartilage. In those places where the cartilage disappears, connective tissue grows.

The result is that the spine can no longer resist even minor loads. There is a loss of depreciation of the intervertebral discs and the inability to perform the functions assigned to them.

According to the orthopedic doctor , spondylosis is a healed osteochondrosis. It is a chronic disease of the spine, the essence of which is the deformation of the vertebrae, which is the result of an increase in bone tissue. There are processes of degeneration in the spinal canal, which is expressed in the appearance of growths.

Pathogenetic morphological changes are due to the deposition of calcium salts on the ligaments. Outwardly, this is manifested by the appearance of bone growths (osteophytes). There is an infringement of the nerves located in the spinal canal, which is clinically manifested by pain. Its localization mainly affects the region of the IV and V lumbar vertebrae. As a result of the appearance of osteophytes, mobility in the spine disappears.

This process usually occurs in older people. Unfortunately, there is a tendency that the disease can also occur in younger people. It doesn’t happen often, but the possibility does exist. As a result, we can conclude that a person at any age can get sick, which doctors have to observe in their clinical practice.

Spondylosis develops due to various reasons:

There is a curvature in the spinal column, which has arisen due to incorrect posture or injury.
Protracted development of the pathological process associated with osteochondrosis.
Lifting and carrying exorbitant loads, which clearly does not correlate with the physical development and physique of a person.
Low mobility leading to atrophy of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the back.
Violation of metabolic processes in the body, leading to weakness of the cartilage tissue.
Age-related changes in tissues.
Dynamic loads permanently acting on the lumbar region.

Clinically present neurological symptoms:

Feeling of numbness of the lower extremities.
The patient complains of stiffness in the lumbar region.
Discomfort in thighs and buttocks.
Loss of sensation in the lower back and legs after prolonged movement.

When bending forward, the pain loses some of its intensity. This is understandable, since the processes in this position put less pressure on the nerve endings. The back relaxes due to the disappearance of the spasm.

MRI or X-ray provide essential assistance in diagnosis. The disease has the ability to progress. Therefore, it cannot be launched. As soon as the first symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor. If the disease is not treated on time, it will certainly turn into a chronic form. The result will be the fusion of the vertebrae. As a result, the spinal column in this place will lose its mobility. A hernia will join, sciatica will appear.

There is still no specific treatment for spondylosis. Only symptomatic therapy is carried out. First of all, the measures are aimed at stopping pain. For this, NSAIDs and muscle relaxants are prescribed. Pain is relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The appointment of muscle relaxants is carried out to relieve spasms.

If the pain is severe enough, non-narcotic analgesics are prescribed. With chronic pain, the state of the nervous system suffers. In order to eliminate these manifestations, antidepressants are prescribed.

Manual therapy sessions, hirudotherapy, cryotherapy can give a certain effect. Massage and acupuncture sessions will bring certain benefits. A positive effect occurs after physiotherapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound.

When a patient visits an orthopedist, an individual treatment plan will be drawn up.

An obligatory step in the treatment of spondylosis is therapeutic exercises. It is necessary to consolidate the treatment. Exercise therapy helps to strengthen the muscles of the back, and this, in turn, is the prevention of the development of spondylosis.

Surgical treatment is sometimes indicated if the measures taken are ineffective.

Preventive measures to prevent the development of degenerative changes consist in proper back care and compliance with medical recommendations.

Make an appointment for a consultation, you can ask the orthopedist-traumatologist of the clinic by phone +7 (978) 088 86 97 or make an appointment on the website.

Spinal spondylosis – what is the danger of different localization of pathology, methods of treatment – clinic “Dobrobut”

Main

Medical Library Dobrobut

Publication date: 2020-04-18

Spondylosis of the cervical spine – what is it

Spondylosis is a pathology associated with the growth of the bone tissue of the spine. Types and degrees of spondylosis can be different, the prescribed treatment will depend on this. The therapy is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, since improperly performed medical measures can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms and types of spondylosis

Classification of the disease is carried out taking into account the localization of the pathological focus, so spondylosis can be:

cervical;
lumbosacral;
breastfeeding.

The causes of spondylosis have not yet been elucidated. However, many doctors agree that the disease is a complication of osteochondrosis. Therefore, the first symptom is recurrent pain at the location of the pathological focus. At the beginning of the disease, this syndrome is present only with physical exertion or a long stay in an uncomfortable position. But as the bone tissue grows, the pain becomes permanent, disturbing even during a night’s rest.

Symptoms of spondylosis of the thoracic spine, which develops for a long time, can mimic myositis, heart attack and angina pectoris. This is due to the fact that the largest number of nerve roots is located in this department – the irradiation of pain can be both in the left arm and the sternum. The patient, forced to find a comfortable position to reduce pain, stoops, lowering his shoulder and trying to stretch his upper body a little forward and down.

When diagnosed with neck spondylosis, the patient will complain of headaches, increased fatigue, inability to perform simple head movements. It is noteworthy that neither regular massage nor painkillers will alleviate the condition.

Separately, there are signs of deforming spondylosis of the lumbar spine. In addition to severe pain, there are always problems in walking – a person begins to limp, he cannot walk quickly, let alone run.

No matter in which part of the spinal column the disease develops, the patient is relieved by a position with a slight inclination of the torso forward. In principle, this is a characteristic feature of spondylosis, according to which doctors can make a preliminary diagnosis before receiving the results of the examination.

Treatment of spondylosis

Treatment of spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine, however, as with other localization of the pathology, consists in the following appointments:

medicines from the categories of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, analgesics;
massages;
therapeutic gymnastics.

But drug therapy is possible only if the disease has been diagnosed at an early stage of development. Initially, drug treatment is carried out, aimed at relieving pain, after which you can proceed to gymnastics and massage. How to treat degenerative spondylosis? There is only one answer to this question – surgery, during which the surgeon simply bites out regrown bone fragments with special nippers. Only after full recovery after the operation, it will be possible to proceed to other methods of rehabilitation. And in this case, exercise therapy exercises will be very useful – in case of spondylosis they are selected individually, taking into account the general state of health of the patient.

Spondylosis of the neck at an early stage is treated by wearing a Shants collar – a special physiotherapy device that improves blood circulation in this section of the spine and prevents oxygen starvation of the brain. When a disease is detected, the patient should be under the constant supervision of a doctor, since the brain is located next to the pathological focus. If the blood supply is interrupted, a stroke can develop.

If the clinic offers shock wave therapy sessions as part of the treatment of spondylosis, then you need to be very careful and careful. The best option is to get advice from not one, but several specialists. Such caution is associated with a high probability of developing severe complications after the procedure. Shock wave therapy will only help if the processes from the vertebrae have a cartilaginous structure. When exposed to already ossified fragments, their spalling and penetration of fragments into the spinal column can be provoked.

If a person has a history of osteochondrosis, then he should visit a doctor and find out what cervical spondylosis is. You can sign up for a consultation on our website Dobrobut.com.

Related services:
Therapeutic exercise (LFK)
Massage

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