Is Lumbar Spondylosis is a serious condition? Absolutely, it is a very serious condition because it related to your spine. It is referred to as changes in the spinal as it gives you lower back pain, buttocks pain, etc. If you feel these symptoms then you should consult a doctor immediately. Being a doctor, In this blog, I am sharing its causes, risks, diagnosis and more importantly the treatment. Want to know more about Lumbar Spondylosis read this entire blog.

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What is Lumbar Spondylosis?

Lumbar Spondylosis refers to changes in the spine which are frequently referred to as osteoarthritis. For example, the phrase “spondylosis of the lumbar spine” means degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis of the vertebral joints and degenerating intervertebral discs (degenerative disc disease) in the low back.

What are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis?

There are a few symptoms of Lumbar spondylosis such as :

1. Lower back pain

2. Muscle tightness and stiffness

3. Pain in the buttocks

4. Pain radiating down the legs (due to pressure on nerve roots)

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is an aging phenomenon. With age, the bones and ligaments in the spine wear, leading to bone spurs (osteoarthritis). Also, the intervertebral discs degenerate and weaken, which can lead to disc herniation and bulging discs. Spondylosis is common.

Symptoms are often first reported between the ages of 20 and 50. About 80% of people over the age of 40 have evidence of spondylosis on X-ray studies.

Genetics is another risk factor for spondylosis. If any of the family members are having spondylosis, there is likely to be a stronger genetic predisposition to spondylosis.

Spinal injury is also a risk factor for spondylosis. Injuries can cause intervertebral discs to herniate. Also, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop in injured joints, including joints in the spine. This can take years to develop.

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How to Diagnose Lumber Spondylosis?

The diagnosis of Lumbar Spondylosis is made using radiology tests such as plain film X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. X-rays can show bone spurs on vertebral bodies in the spine, thickening of facet joints (the joints that connect the vertebrae to each other), and narrowing of the intervertebral disc spaces. CT scans of the spine are able to visualize the spine in greater detail and can diagnose a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) when present.

MRI scans are expensive but show the greatest detail in the spine and are used to visualize the intervertebral discs, including the degree of disc herniation, is present. MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging)  is also used to visualize the vertebrae, the facet joints, the nerves, and the ligaments in the spine and can reliably diagnose a pinched nerve.

What is the Treatment for Lumber Spondylosis?

The treatment of lumbar spondylosis is similar to the treatment of back pain and neck pain. The treatments fall into several categories:

1. Medications

2. Self-care

3. Exercise and physical therapy

4. Adjunctive therapies (chiropractic and acupuncture), minimally invasive procedures such as injections, and surgery.

About Dr. Pramod Saini: Dr. Pramod Saini pursued his entire graduate degree from the esteemed and reputed institutes and colleges. Dr. Saini is a Senior Resident in the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS, New Delhi. You can book an online appointment by clicking here.

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