mature man having backache while sitting on sofa due to lumbar spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis; Lame man’s term – Waist pain

Spondylosis, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, is a general degenerative disease of the spine that can occur in joints, discs, and bones as a result of ageing. Spondylosis is a type of arthritis, specifically the most pervasive type of arthritis.

The term “arthritis” refers to a group of over 100 ailments that result in painful joints, and in the particular instance of spondylosis, the spine is full of joints that could be adversely affected. We usually think of arthritis as something that affects the hands and knees, but it can also affect the spine and all of its bones and joints.

X-rays show that the condition affects over 80% of people over the age of 40. Lumbar, or lower back, spondylosis is more common in people over the age of 40. 

Today’s topic is a type of osteoarthritis or spondylosis that is much more common in men. Spondylosis of the Lumbar Spine

Lumbar spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis is an age-related degenerative disorder of the lower back vertebrae and discs (the lumbar region) The common condition is distinguished by the failure of one or more of the disks that separate the bone fragments of the spine. The disks cushion the space between the vertebrae and absorb pressure on the spine. Although most people experience some spine degeneration as they age, not everyone suffers from waist pain.

Image showing lower back pain muscle area
Lumbar spondylosis

Symptoms of Lumbar spondylosis

Spondylosis symptoms can range from nothing to slight to intense. Low back pain is the most common symptom. This can be located in the lower spine or spread to the lower limbs. If the pain is spreading, it is most likely caused by nerve compression.

When there are symptoms, the most common is back pain and stiffness. They typically worsen in the morning and improve throughout the day. You may experience numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in your buttock and leg if bony growths press against a nerve root or the spinal cord.

Lumbar spondylosis, like most spinal problems, causes back pain and stiffness. It may also result in:

  • Spasms in your lower back muscles
  • When you sit or stand up, you may experience grinding or popping sensations.
  • Numbness in the lower back, legs, and toes
  • Backache in the buttocks area
  • Sciatica (leg pain)

Occasionally, lumbar spondylosis causes bladder or bowel bladder problems. If you experience those signs, see a sciatica specialist right away.

Causes of Lumbar spondylosis

There is no one cause of lumbar spondylosis, but it is associated with ageing as the bones, joints, ligaments and intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine degenerate and weaken due to natural wear and tear.

It is a common condition that affects almost everyone at some point in their lives, though it may not always cause pain.

Factors that increase your likelihood of developing lumbar spondylosis include: 

  • Increasing age (although symptoms can start as early as age 20, and typically before age 50)
  • Family history of lumbar spondylosis
  • Previous low back injuries
  • Previous low back surgeries
  • Long-term, repetitive strain on your low back, whether occupational or recreational

Prevention of Lumbar Spondylosis

Despite the fact that lumbar spondylosis is a condition associated with ageing that is very common, there are steps you can take to lessen your risk of getting it as well as the pain it may cause, such as:

  • Regular exercise, including stretches like yoga or tai chi, for at least 30 minutes each day (regular exercise increases the flow of nutrients and blood to the spine and decreases pressure on the intervertebral discs)
  • Staying active and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity
  • Drinking lots of water and adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet that excludes sugar, processed foods, and refined foods
  • Being healthy in terms of weight (which reduces stress on the facet joints in the spine)
  • Maintaining proper posture
  • Putting on orthotics to help with joint alignment, to provide additional support, and to help your regular activities absorb shock.

Cure for Lumbar Spondylosis

There is no permanent treatment for lumbar spondylosis because it is a degenerative condition, but there are a number of options that can slow the progression, lessen the symptoms, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Management Techniques

  1. Exercise-based and behavioural treatments: One of the most conservative treatments for chronic lumbar spine pain is exercise therapy. Aerobic workouts, strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises can all be included. 
  2. Pharmacotherapy: Medication is frequently used to supplement nonpharmacologic interventions in the treatment of lumbar spondylosis in order to control pain and swelling, minimize disability, and improve quality of life. Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the efficacy of various oral medications in the treatment of low back pain caused by degenerative processes. Opioid medications may be considered as an alternative or adjunctive therapy for patients who experience gastrointestinal side effects or poor pain control while taking NSAIDs. Antispasmodic or antispasticity drugs that act as muscle relaxants may help people with chronic low back pain.
  3. Surgical options: Patients who have exhausted all non-surgical options are typically given surgical options. In addition to age, socioeconomic status, and anticipated level of activity following surgery, patients must be taken into account as appropriate “surgical candidates.” Patients with spinal misalignment or excessive motion, such as with DDD and spondylolisthesis, are candidates for spinal fusion. Patients who have a neural impingement with clear evidence should consider decompression surgery. There is still debate despite the recent decades’ dramatic increases in the number of procedures carried out.

Here at Unique Physiotherapy and Fitness Center, we offer a unique approach to recovery and well-being. We provide the most effective physiotherapy in Abuja to assist you with your pain and injuries. Our therapists work with you to customise a relaxation programme to meet your specific needs. Book a schedule with us today.

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