Lumbar Spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis is the degeneration of the spine in the lumbar or lower back area due to age and, wear and tear of the spine over time.

Causes of Lumbar spondylosis

• Age related wear and tear of discs and joints
• Repetitive lifting and twisting motions
• Excessive weight gain
• Back trauma
• Whole body vibration (such as vehicular driving)
• Continual compression of the joints and discs
• Ruptured discs
• Bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Bone spurs
• Herniated disc

Symptoms of Lumbar spondylosis

Although most of the cases of lumbar spondylosis show no symptoms, but some advanced cases may result in following symptoms:

• Local pain in the back
• Radiating pain in the extremities
• Limited mobility
• Difficulty sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Numbness and motor weakness of the lower extremities
• Pain improves in sitting and supine position

Diagnosis of Lumbar spondylosis

A thorough history of the patient along with physical and provocative testing forms the first level evaluation of the patient. Following radiographic studies provide confirmatory evidence to support the exam findings:

• X-ray
• CT
• CT myelogram
• MRI

Treatment for lumbar spondylosis

Treatment of lumbar spondylosis involves conservative as well as surgical methods including:

Conservative treatment for spondylosis includes:

• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Exercises and stretches
• Behavioural interventions
• Lumbar back supports
• Lumbar traction
• Yoga
• Pain medication like NSAIDs, Muscle relaxants etc.
• Steroid epidural injections

Cases where conservative methods fail to provide relief to the patient, following surgical treatment option may be performed to treat the disorder:

• Minimally invasive decompression surgery
• Minimally invasive stabilization surgery
• Spinal fusion

Authored by Dr. Shyam Sundar K