By Dr.Ravindra Patil
It is a painful condition of area of the lower back above the buttocks. But first let us understand each term clearly. Let us see ‘Lumbar’ means and what ‘Spondylosis’ means.
It refers to that part of the spinal column which has five vertebrae and is located at the lower back but above the buttocks. Painful conditions occur in the lumbar spine because it carries the weight of the upper body and is prone to many stresses and injuries during routine work and severe hard exertions.
Spondylosis refers to the development of age-related arthritis that affects the spine. More specifically, it involves a number of different degenerative issues that affect the disks and joints of the spine. It may occur in any part of the spine, from the neck to the back to the lower back. In this article we focus on the lower back or the ‘Lumbar’ region. Hence we call it Lumbar Spondylosis.
Why does spondylosis occur? Over time, disks between two vertebrae [called intervertebral disks] may become dehydrated and become compressed, meaning their height is reduced as a result of dehydration. Thus, they provide less cushioning and can actually “crack,” which can lead to herniation. Herniation means a part of our body protrudes out of a normal or an abnormal opening.
Similarly, the cartilage in the spine’s joints can wear down, resulting in the formation of bone spurs.
These arthritic changes can not only cause pain in the back but can also lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal (also known as stenosis), which may compress nerves. Nerve compression causes symptoms like pain and numbness, which slowly increases with the passage of time. Later there may be loss of vital functions like bladder and bowel control. Individuals with spinal stenosis may have neurologic symptoms in their extremities, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into their arms or legs. Loss of bladder or bowel control may lead to further complications.
The most common cause of spondylosis is the cumulative joint stress that occurs as people age. It predisposes them to osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis typically associated with progressive “wear and tear” on joint cartilage.
Spondylosis may also arise as a result of previous trauma to the spine. For instance, patients who:
The lumbar region is most affected by spondylosis because of its exposure to mechanical stress.
The risk factors for spondylosis include the following:
Many with spondylosis do not have pain or neurologic symptoms. Some people may experience symptoms. They are:
A person can be diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis by a medical history, physical exam, and reviews of diagnostic tests. When providing your medical history, it is important to share any history of spinal injuries or previous surgeries. Physical activity information must also be shared.
Your doctor will observe your walking ability and assess the range of motion of your spine to determine if you have any pain or stiffness. Palpation of the neck and back can also help identify the location of any tenderness associated with spondylosis. Your neurologic function will also be evaluated, including your sensation, strength, and reflexes. Special tests may also be performed to check for any signs of nerve impingement (from a disk herniation, for example).
Finally, imaging studies like X-rays, computed tomography (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to identify any arthritic changes in the spine. Lab tests may also be useful for ruling out more concerning diseases, such as an infection or cancer.
When a patient is suffering from low back pain, there are a lot of other possible diseases that have to be considered and ruled out:
Lumbar Spondylosis’s degeneration can influence spinal alignment, potentially exacerbating pre-existing Spinal Deformities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Different treatments are available to treat spondylosis, depending on the type and severity of symptoms.
Treatments for milder spondylosis include:
In more severe cases, surgery might be the best course of action. It may involve the following procedures:
Lumbar spondylosis can be described as a degeneration of the lumbar vertebrae.
Lumbar Spondylosis’s degeneration can influence spinal alignment, potentially exacerbating pre-existing Spinal Deformities. This complexity was underscored when a patient, who had tumours in his spine twice, faced a critical situation. Here, surgical navigation emerged as a crucial factor in saving him. This advanced technique seamlessly complemented the comprehensive approach discussed earlier, highlighting the intricate nature of spinal health management.
Fortunately, most individuals with spondylosis will not experience symptoms and may never even realize that they have arthritis in their spines. However, for those who experience pain or neurologic changes due to nerve compression, safe and effective treatments are available.
Samarth Neuro and Superspeciality Hospital has 100+ beds & specializes in emergency surgery for neurological issues/disorders & diagnostics.
Samarth Neuro and Superspeciality Hospital
