Lumbar spondylosis is referring to umbrella of terms describing all the age related degenerative conditions of spine.
Spondylosis may be applied non-specifically to any and all degenerative conditions affecting the disks, vertebral bodies, and/or associated joints (facet and Sacro iliac joint) of the lumbar spine.
Common facts:
- Mixed group of lumbar degenerative disorder
- Inflammation, stiffness, and pain in your spinal joints
- Lumbar spondylosis can begin as early as 20 years of age
- 27%-37% with lumbar spondylosis do not experience any symptoms
- It is a series of anatomical changes happening in spine occurs leading to more degeneration
Risk factors and Cause:
- Multifactorial
- Ageing – advancing age – strongest risk factor- more than 60 years
- Activity and occupation- twisting, lifting, bending, and prolonged duration of driving are the factors which may increase both the likelihood and severity of spondylosis
- Prior lumbar spine surgery
- Genetic and Environmental factor, smoking, obesity
- Trauma to spine
Symptoms:
- On and off back ache – Isolated back pain is relatively rare – Back pain that eases with rest or after exercising
- Limited range of motion in your low back – Difficulty bending and/or walking
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Leg pain – Muscle spasms and cramp
- Numbness, tingling in lower limbs
MRI and X rays of the spine are helpful in diagnosis
Treatment:
- Topical medications such as creams, sprays, gels or patches
- Exercise therapy- main stay- aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, and stretching exercises
- Pharmacotherapy – Medication
- Analgesic and NSAIDS- Only for acute pain – Not recommended for chronic pain
- Muscle relaxants for chronic pain – short-term pain relief
- Antidepressants
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Epidural steroid injection
- Facet joint injection – Significant pain relief and psychological benefit
- S.I joint injection
- Intradiscal therapy – Annuloplsty
- Surgical interventions are generally reserved for patients who have failed conservative options and options include spine decompression or spine fusion
