Hello, Talku Talku people! We will be looking into another degenerative condition that affects the spine. Although its more common among older people, it can also happen to young people depending on what caused the condition. This article will be telling us what the risk factors are, the symptoms and what treatment options are available for this condition.
Lumbar Spondylosis can also be referred to as spinal osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative condition that causes the soft gel-like cushions between the lower spine sections to lose their elasticity, and in turn, causes it to be torn or damaged. This kind of damage could lead to a condition that is usually referred to as disc prolapse, slipped disc, or disc herniation.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis
If you notice a combination of any of the symptoms highlighted below, then its most likely that you have a disk herniation. Here are some symptoms of disk herniation:
- Stiffness
- Tingling and numbness of the limbs
- Muscle Spasms
- Localized pain
- Intense pain after sitting for a long time
- Limb weakness caused by nerve compression
- Regional tenderness
Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis
Like we stated earlier, this condition is a degenerative condition which means it occurs over time. That is why older people are more prone to have this condition. Here are some causes or risk factors that makes a person more prone to have this condition:
- Age: Age is a factor and can cause one to start experiencing the symptoms of the condition. It is possible that minor trauma inflicted on the spine accumulated, overnight, to become a problem in old age. So, persons over the age of 40 may begin to experience the symptoms of lumbar spondylosis.
- Prolonged sitting: Sitting for long periods of time can cause wear and tear to the lumbar vertebrae. Prolonged sitting could be in form of not going anywhere for a long period of time, maybe when a person is on vacation and sits for the most part. This may cause one to develop this condition over time.
- Abnormal spinal movement: There are strenuous physical activities that could put a lot of strain on the spine. These activities cause one to use their back frequently and are at risk of overusing it. These activities can cause damage to the lumbar vertebrae.
- Genetics: As we said earlier, it is this condition can be referred to as spinal osteoarthritis. So, if the genes are predisposed to this condition, then it’s only a matter of time before one is diagnosed with the condition. It is important to know your family health history to know what runs in the family and prepare ahead of it.
- Life Choices: There are a number of vices that can put one at risk of having a disc herniation. For instance, smoking reduces the water in the disc and this affects the ability of the spine to absorb shock.
- Obesity: Having all that extra weight can put pressure on the lumbar vertebrae and other regions around it, thereby, causing damage to it.
There are different ways to deal with lumbar spondylosis which depends on the stage and level of degeneration of the area. If the condition is mild, then here are some treatment options that could be considered as recommended by your doctor:
- Physiotherapy
- Yoga or water aerobics
- Chiropractic care
- Anti-inflammatory medication
In severe cases, you could need surgery. The moment you start to experience any of the symptoms, please see a doctor immediately.
