Spondylosis means changes in vertebral joint that is characterized by increased degeneration of the intervertebral disc and subsequent changes in soft tissues and bones. Lumbar spondylosis generally encompasses herniations, lumbar disc bulges, vertebral bony overgrowths or osteophytes and facet joint degeneration. Degenerative changes increase as you age, but can be asymptomatic. Disc herniation that causes spinal stenosis and nerve root compression is symptomatic. The common symptoms include back movement restrictions, sciatica and low back pain.
The causes
Lumbar spondylosis results majorly from aging. Chemical and biological changes that come with aging can degenerate tissues. The same happens to the vertebrae in the spine and intervertebral discs that function as shock absorbers. Annulus fibrosus is among the structures that form the discs and it is composed of more than sixty touch collagen fiber circular bands. Age is definitely a risk factor when it comes to developing lumbar spondylosis but there are other factors that can lead to the same.
Injury - Trauma can make you susceptible to lumbar spondylosis. It is important for all injuries to be treated effectively using the right approach.
Obesity - The fact is that when you are overweight, you end up putting an excess load to your joints. The lumbar region carries most weight leaving you prone to the condition.
Genes - Lumbar spondylosis can also unfortunately be as a result of heredity and family history. If there are members of your family suffer from the condition, then you are also likely to develop it at some point in life.
Prolonged sitting - Too much pressure is put on lumbar vertebrae when you sit in one position for very long periods and this can lead to lumbar spondylosis.
The treatment
Considering that lumbar spondylosis encompasses different conditions which come with different symptoms, the treatment can vary from one person to the other. Your diagnosis is what will be used as treatment guide. However, some of the commonly used treatment methods for this condition include:
Physical therapy - It teaches you how to strengthen paravertebral muscles and abdominal muscles that offer support to the spine. It can include exercises that build flexibility and increase strength and range of motion.
Lifestyle modifications - Some of the changes you might be required to make to treat this condition include quitting smoking, losing excess weight and doing manual labor. Small lifestyle changes can go a long way in keeping conditions and diseases at bay.
Rest - It works best especially when it is combined with muscle relaxants, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. To control the pain associated with the condition you might even have powerful anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids injected into your joints.
Brace - Wearing a brace or a corset can help treat the condition by providing needed support. Cervical collars are often used to restrict movement, thereby alleviating the pain in the process.
Cold and hot packs - They are great home remedies that can offer pain relief. Simply press them around the affected area to enjoy quick pain relief. Electric stimulation and ultrasound stimulation work in a similar manner and can be used in given situations.
Surgery - In cases that are severe, then surgical methods are used to treat the condition. They increase motion and improve the pain.
The causes
Lumbar spondylosis results majorly from aging. Chemical and biological changes that come with aging can degenerate tissues. The same happens to the vertebrae in the spine and intervertebral discs that function as shock absorbers. Annulus fibrosus is among the structures that form the discs and it is composed of more than sixty touch collagen fiber circular bands. Age is definitely a risk factor when it comes to developing lumbar spondylosis but there are other factors that can lead to the same.
Injury - Trauma can make you susceptible to lumbar spondylosis. It is important for all injuries to be treated effectively using the right approach.
Obesity - The fact is that when you are overweight, you end up putting an excess load to your joints. The lumbar region carries most weight leaving you prone to the condition.
Genes - Lumbar spondylosis can also unfortunately be as a result of heredity and family history. If there are members of your family suffer from the condition, then you are also likely to develop it at some point in life.
Prolonged sitting - Too much pressure is put on lumbar vertebrae when you sit in one position for very long periods and this can lead to lumbar spondylosis.
The treatment
Considering that lumbar spondylosis encompasses different conditions which come with different symptoms, the treatment can vary from one person to the other. Your diagnosis is what will be used as treatment guide. However, some of the commonly used treatment methods for this condition include:
Physical therapy - It teaches you how to strengthen paravertebral muscles and abdominal muscles that offer support to the spine. It can include exercises that build flexibility and increase strength and range of motion.
Lifestyle modifications - Some of the changes you might be required to make to treat this condition include quitting smoking, losing excess weight and doing manual labor. Small lifestyle changes can go a long way in keeping conditions and diseases at bay.
Rest - It works best especially when it is combined with muscle relaxants, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. To control the pain associated with the condition you might even have powerful anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids injected into your joints.
Brace - Wearing a brace or a corset can help treat the condition by providing needed support. Cervical collars are often used to restrict movement, thereby alleviating the pain in the process.
Cold and hot packs - They are great home remedies that can offer pain relief. Simply press them around the affected area to enjoy quick pain relief. Electric stimulation and ultrasound stimulation work in a similar manner and can be used in given situations.
Surgery - In cases that are severe, then surgical methods are used to treat the condition. They increase motion and improve the pain.