Lumbar spondylosis is a term that refers to a typical age-related degeneration in the lower back.
This degeneration is where the last vertebra of the lumber spine, or the L5, and the first vertebra of the spine, or the S1 connects.
This usually happens because this is the spot where the lower back needs to support your upright position.
Lumbosacral spondylosis is a painful spinal degenerative condition that occurs mostly as a result of aging.
Spondylosis can affect several areas of the spine, but when it occurs in the lower or lumbar portion, it is called lumbosacral spondylosis.
Although it may require surgery in severe cases, most people may find relief from their symptoms by non-surgical means.
Spondylosis is the degeneration that occurs in the spine. It can be excruciating. This term can be used to name Degeneration in:
- Neck: called cervical spondylosis
- Low back: called lumbar spondylosis
- Middle back: called thoracic spondylosis
Many times people also use the term to refer to osteoarthritis of the spine, but it is also frequent to find others using it to name column degeneration.
Spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis) is a degenerative disorder that can cause loss of structure and standard spinal function.
The degenerative process of spondylosis can affect the following regions of the spine: cervical (the neck), thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back).
Spondylosis is not a clinical diagnosis
Like many other terms in back pathologies, spondylosis is a descriptive term, not a diagnostic term. The word means “disease of the vertebra”.
It includes the presence of degeneration of the spine, regardless of whether it causes back pain or where degeneration occurs.
Of all the conditions that can have a vertebra this, is one of the most popular and also the most complications is giving although, with proper treatment, it does not have to be severe or chronic.
In many cases, this insufficiency in the lumbar vertebrae is due to the lack of calcium and is what causes strange deviations in the back that are very painful.
Usually, lumbar spondylosis appears between the ages of 25 and 35 years when the first deviations of the lumbar discs as well as their degeneration become more noticeable.
At that same age may appear other complications such as herniated discs that can lead to our spine also to its wear and from here to suffer complications such as this we are commenting.
Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis
Symptoms of lumbosacral spondylosis include pain and stiffness upon awakening.
Being tilted or sitting, or lifting weight for a long time, can increase the pain, as these activities add pressure to the lower part of the spine.
If there is a significant amount of disc degeneration, a ruptured disc or entrapment of the nerves by a bone spur, you may feel flickering, weakness, muscle spasms or numbness in the legs.
In some cases, there may be problems in the bladder or bowels due to nerve compression.
When you have Lumbar spondylosis the most common symptoms will be tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain. These symptoms will be generally in these areas:
- Your lower back,
- Tailbone,
- Buttocks,
- Your hip joints,
- All your toes,
- Your hamstrings,
- Calves and feet.
This symptom is because of the pressure that you are experiencing between the L5 and the S1. The pain is usually worst in the mornings than during the day.
All these symptoms can also make walking a lot more difficult, and you will get a loss of coordination. You can also have shooting pain that starts with your lower back and goes down your legs.
Cervical: The complexity of the cervical anatomy (neck) and its wide range of movements make this segment of the spine susceptible to the disorders associated with degenerative change.
Neck pain from spondylosis is common. Pain can spread to the shoulders and arms.
When a bone spur (osteophyte) causes compression of a nerve root, the result may be limb weakness (e.g., arms).
In rare cases, bony spurs that form in the front of the cervical spine may cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Thoracic (mid-back): Forward flexion and hyperextension often trigger the pain associated with degenerative disease.
In the thoracic region of the spine, disc pain may be triggered by flexion and facet pain by hyperextension.
Lumbar (lower back): Spondylosis often affects the lumbar spine of people over 40 years of age. Morning pain and stiffness are common ailments.
It is common for several levels to be involved (i.e., more than one vertebra). The lumbar spine supports most body weight.
Therefore, when degenerative forces compromise structural integrity, the activity may be accompanied by some symptoms, including pain.
The movement stimulates the fibers of pain in the fibrous annulus and facet joints. Being seated for prolonged periods can cause pain and other symptoms due to pressure on the lumbar vertebrae.
Repetitive movements such as lifting and leaning (e.g., manual labor) can increase pain.
Treatment of lumbar spondylosis
When you do have lumbar spondylosis, it doesn’t mean that you should only go for an operation. There are other treatment options available.
The first thing that you should do to be that you should make some changes in your activity, lifestyle, and needs to take things a bit slower than before.
You can also get over the counter anti-inflammatory medication for the inflammation that is causing some of the pain.
If you have chronic lumbar spondylosis, you may need to see your doctor for additional treatment and medication or even cortisone shots.
Alternate treatments like acupuncture and massage therapy can also help relieve some of the pain and discomfort that this disease can have.
You should remember that you don’t have to have an operation if your condition is under control and you don’t have a lot of pain. Consider alternative treatments as well.
Changes in lifestyle
Exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles can help these muscles support the spine.
Orthopedics, special insoles for shoes designed to keep the foot in an optimal position to support body weight, can also help reduce symptoms.
If your pain is severe and your work requires heavy lifting or leaning, your doctor may recommend that you look for a job that puts less stress on your spine. Losing weight will help reduce the pressure in your spine.