Lumbar spondyloarthrosis
Lumbar spondyloarthrosis is a degenerative condition that damages the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, it is closely related to the natural aging of the human body itself.
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This type of degenerative process in the structures of the spine can also be called osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease; however, when it affects the lumbar area, it is called lumbar spondyloarthrosis.
Disc degeneration and/or vertebral changes generated by spondyloarthrosis may or may not manifest symptoms; however, they are often the precursors to other common spinal problems.
Causes of lumbar spondyloarthrosis
Lumbar spondyloarthrosis usually manifests spontaneously due to aging. As the body ages, the bones, discs and ligaments of the spine suffer progressive wear and tear that can lead to the appearance of spondyloarthrosis, as well as other conditions of greater or lesser importance such as: bone spurs, disc degeneration, bulging or herniated discs, rigid ligaments, among others.
Symptoms of lumbar spondyloarthrosis
Although most of the time lumbar spondyloarthrosis does not reflect a great symptomatology, the signs that could indicate its presence include:
- Localized pain in the lower back.
- Muscle spasms.
- Numbness, tingling, or stabbing pain in the buttocks and thighs.
- Weakness in the lower extremities.
Diagnostic process - What to do in the event of a symptom?
The diagnosis of lumbar spondyloarthrosis occurs depending on the symptoms; In this sense, we begin with the patient’s medical history and a physical examination, which we accompany with different imaging tests as appropriate.
X-rays allow estimating the extent of osteoarthritis or any bone injury, with magnetic resonance imaging it is possible to observe the state of the vertebral nerves and discs; while CT scan is used to evaluate the spinal canal, joints, and bones.
Spinal problems must be diagnosed by a specialist due to their level of complexity, therefore, self-diagnosis is contraindicated in any vertebral condition.
Treatment for lumbar spondyloarthrosis
Treatment for lumbar spondyloarthrosis begins with conservative methods, including: local application of cold or heat, over-the-counter analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications (with controlled intakes), postural correction, etc. As we mentioned before, physiotherapy and muscle strengthening are very useful in the recovery process.
When these treatments do not improve the patient’s condition, it is because other more serious spinal problems are probably occurring (spinal stenosis, herniated disc, among others), which is why spondyloarthrosis should be addressed with injections in the lumbar area or surgery in cases of proving the existence of spondylolisthesis or narrowing of the spinal canal.
Risk factors for lumbar spondyloarthrosis
Lumbar spondyloarthrosis is not likely to show signs until the disease is sufficiently advanced. However, the consequences of not treating it in time or properly can cause severe weakness in the lower extremities (limitation and disability) due to the nerve compression left by this type of vertebral-disc degeneration.
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