Lumbar Spondylosis – All You Need to Know about the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Lumbar spondylosis is an age-related condition that affects the discs, joints and vertebrae of the spine. Over time, these areas may degenerate, leading to other conditions like osteoarthritis and herniated discs. The lumbar region, or lower back, is usually the area that is most affected by spinal problems due to its frequent exposure to mechanical stress. While this is a relatively common disorder, lumbar spondylosis can become progressive and irreversible for older individuals. Fortunately, these changes in spinal structure don’t always cause symptoms but if lower back pain is present, it can typically be managed through surgical or non-surgical means.
The Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis
As you age, the discs between your vertebrae may become stiff and break down. Bones can also wear down, leading to the formation of bone spurs. Some causes of lumbar spondylosis may include:
- Age
- Genetic predisposition
- Traumatic spinal injuries
- Herniated discs
- Bone spurs
- Arthritis
- Spinal deformities
The Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis
In the majority of cases, lumbar spondylosis will only cause noticeable symptoms if the spinal cord or nerves become compressed or irritated. Additionally, symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual. Some common symptoms of lumbar spondylosis may include:
- Intermittent pain and muscle weakness that radiates from the back, through the buttocks, legs, feet and toes
- Joint or muscular stiffness after an extended period of inactivity
- Experiencing tingling and numbness in the affected areas
- Tenderness at the site of nerve compression
- Incontinence, or the loss of bowel and bladder control
Treatment Options for Lumbar Spondylosis
Depending on the severity of symptoms, there is a wide range of pain management options when it comes to treating lumbar spondylosis. The following treatment options may be effective for relieving the symptoms of this condition:
- Pain medications
- Heat and ice therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Daily exercise
- Lifestyle changes
- Steroid injections
- Minimally invasive spinal surgery
At Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic, our specialists can help you devise a treatment plan that will not only reduce pain but also help you manage your condition and prevent further damage. Our minimally invasive surgical techniques are extremely effective at relieving the symptoms of lumbar spondylosis. Talk to your doctor today to find out if spinal decompression surgery is right for you. If you are elderly (even 100 years old), have a weak heart, living with impaired lung function, suffer from diabetes or kidney disease, you may still be a good candidate for spine surgery. At our clinic, we practice the latest in anesthesia techniques, and can perform spine surgery without general anesthesia, using moderate sedation instead. This helps us achieve more positive patient outcomes through faster recovery times, less pain medications and reduced risk of complications during and after surgery.
Contact us today to learn more about lumbar spondylosis or to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We’ll find a solution that works for you! Call us at (601) 366-1011.