Lumbar Spondylosis Symptoms : Comprehensive Guide to Back Pain

All About Lumbar Spondylosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Do you regularly suffer from lower back pain? Then, you are not alone. One can feel lower back pain, even if they have not had an injury or risk factors. Though it can get better on its own eventually, at times this pain can be a sign that there is an underlying health issue. 

In most cases, this pain is caused by a progressive condition called Lumbar Spondylosis. It affects the lumbar part or lower part of the spine, limiting the mobility of your lower back area. This comprehensive overview speaks of everything you need to know about Lumbar Spondylosis along with the top 3 exercises to reduce pain and stiffness caused by it. 

What is Lumbar Spondylosis?   

The Greek term “spondylo” means vertebra. Spondylosis refers to the ongoing breakdown of the intervertebral discs and the changes in the vertebral joints. The damage to these discs and joints is called Lumbar Spondylosis. So Lumbar Spondylosis meaning is a common degeneration of the vertebrae and lower back discs.

The lumbar region is the base of almost the entire body weight. As we age, the spaces between the lumbar discs and the surrounding ligaments become smaller. At the same time, the ligaments around these discs get thicker and can even harden. These changes can narrow the spinal canal and cause trouble for the patient.

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What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis?  

Lumbar Spondylosis symptoms can range from none to mild or severe, with low back pain being the most common. These symptoms usually develop slowly over months or years. 

In the beginning, many people do not notice any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they mostly include lower back pain and stiffness. As the condition gets worse, you might also feel pain in your upper back or neck. Following is a detailed guide to the Lumbar Spondylosis symptoms: 

• As the space in the canal gets smaller, the nerves inside become compressed, which reduces blood flow and causes neurogenic claudication. 
• This condition makes it hard for people to walk using their legs, and they often need to stop and rest many times while trying to be active. 
• Over time, they can walk shorter distances without pain and find it difficult to stand for long periods.
•  Many people experience feelings of heaviness and tingling in their legs due to spondylosis.  

As people get older, the Lumbar Spondylosis symptoms tend to become worse. Other potential signs are: 

• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Pain in the axial spine 
• Numbness in the perianal area
• Stiff backs
• Inflexibility 
• Dehydration
• Fatigue

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Lumbar Spondylosis?

 
Patients can treat Lumbar Spondylitis with surgery or without it. The best treatment option is physiotherapy. It relieves pain, elevates movement, and imparts strength to muscles. Physiotherapists also teach patients how to keep good posture.

At first, these steps will help reduce the chances of symptoms coming back. Over time, physical therapy experts can perform lumbar traction, spinal manipulation, and other massage therapies. These treatments can help you overcome mild Lumbar Spondylosis.

That is why patients need to see a physiotherapist immediately if they notice any key symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis.

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What are the Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis?   

Several risk factors trigger Lumbar Spondylosis. Here’s a detail:

•   Age: The body's ability to heal decreases as we reach 40 years of age. Individuals in this age group are more susceptible to developing this condition. 
• Past Trauma: Past injuries to the spine, such as those from falls, car crashes, or other spinal traumas, can contribute to Lumbar Spondylosis.
• Rigorous Activities: Engaging in strenuous activities, like competitive sports or demanding physical tasks at work, can lead to this condition. 
• Bad Posture: Poor posture results in unnecessary pressure on the spine, leading to significant wear and tear. 
• Obesity: Being overweight increases the burden on the spine. It can be a factor in DorsoLumbar Spondylosis. 
• Prolonged Sitting: Staying seated for extended periods can heighten pressure on the lumbar spine. 
• Dehydration: As individuals age, the spinal discs begin to lose moisture and shrink, resulting in increased bone-on-bone friction among the vertebrae. 
• Herniated Discs: With ageing, the outer layer of spinal discs can deteriorate and crack, causing discs to bulge and press against the spinal cord and nerve roots. 
• Bone Spur: When the discs degrade, the body generates additional bone to reinforce the segment, which can lead to the formation of bone spurs. 
• Stiff Ligament: Over time, ligaments can become rigid, reducing flexibility in the back. 

Ignoring these factors may result in serious complications such as damage to spinal nerves, greatly limited mobility, and even paralysis.

How to Prevent Getting Lumbar Spondylosis?   

We cannot stop ageing, which is the prime cause of this condition. However, we can take steps to help delay or avoid it:  

• Learn the right way to exercise from a physiotherapist  and create a routine  
• Lose weight if needed and maintain a healthy weight 
• Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains  
• Take breaks if you sit or walk for a long time   
• Practice proper posture when sitting or standing   
• Get sufficient sleep at night 
• Avoid repetitive movements 
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol, as both can harm circulation and cause dehydration. 

How is Lumbar Spondylosis Diagnosed?  

Lumbar Spondylosis is usually diagnosed through: 

• Medical History: You will discuss your symptoms, like when they started, past injuries and if certain movements make the symptoms worse. 
• Physical Tests: The physician will thoroughly examine the spine and your back.
• Imaging Tests: These may include CT scans, MRIs and X-rays of Lumbar Spondylosis to precisely diagnose the condition. 

X-rays: X-rays of Lumbar Spondylosis can show how much arthritis or bone injury is present. They might also include special images to check the stability of your vertebrae. 

MRI: This test examines your spinal nerves and identifies disc problems. Specific images can display any pressure on your nerves. 

CT Scan: A CT Scan helps to clearly look at your spinal canal, bones, and joints.

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How to Treat Lumbar Spondylosis?  

Lumbar Spondylosis cannot be cured, it can be treated in several ways. Such as: 

• Medications: You can use over-the-counter pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and anti-seizure medications as the first step for Lumbar Spondylosis treatment. 
• Physical Therapy: Daily exercises also aid in Lumbar Spondylosis treatment. It strengthens the muscles that support your spine.
• Compression: Using hot or cold compression on the affected area can relieve pain.
• Lifestyle Changes: Keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, and having a good diet can reduce strain on your lower back.
• Activity Modification: Avoiding strenuous activities that cause you pain can help.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and pain.

Please note: If these Lumbar Spondylosis treatments do not work, surgery might be an option. Doctors may recommend surgery if you have severe pain or difficulty in your daily activities. 

Surgery for Lumbar Spondylosis mainly includes two types: spinal fusion and decompression. Decompression involves removing tissue to relieve pressure on the nerves, followed by stabilising the spine. The spinal fusion, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive approach. It uses smaller cuts and tools to reduce damage to the body and pace up the recovery process.

Final Words   

We hope this all-inclusive overview of Lumbar Spondylosis has met all your queries. So, if you are experiencing back pain, remember that early diagnosis can help you stay informed and get the necessary help. 

Lumbar Spondylosis is age-related degenerative disc disease and its early detection can lessen the damage ensuring physical well-being. Thus, ensure to reach out to your physician if you have been suffering from chronic pain in your lower back.