Lumbar Spondylosis
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae in the lower back. Lumbar spondylosis belongs to degeneration of the lumbar spine also called arthritis of the spine. In arthritis of the spine, the intervertebral space (space between two vertebrae) reduces, which causes nerve compression. This compression leads to reduced spinal flexibility. With the progress of lumbar spondylosis, the spinal stiffness increases, leading to immobilization.
Causes
- Overuse of any kind of strain
- An injury that causing degeneration
- Disc herniation
- Stress fracture or compression fracture of the vertebrae
- Nerve root compression
- Other causes like increasing age, previous back injury, previous back surgery
Symptoms
- Low back pain
- Reduced range of movements of the back
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Tenderness in the lower back
- Tingling and numbness in the back and the buttocks
- Weakness in the legs and foot
Diagnosis
- Physical examination and history
- X-ray taken to check the space between the lumbar vertebrae and any kind of bone injury
- MRI is more specific and soft tissues are also visible in the MRI
- Electromyography
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Treatment
- Prescription medications to control the pain, inflammation, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroids are advised
- Take proper rest and hot fermentation to relax your muscles and reduce the pain
- Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve the joint range of motion
- Surgery is prescribed in severe cases when all the conservative measures are failed
