What Is Lumbar Spondylosis
December 7, 2009 by Dr Arun Pal Singh
Filed under Lumbar Spine, Spine
Lumbar spondylosis is a type of spondylosis that occurs in lumbar spine. It describes bony overgrowths, also called (osteophytes), predominantly those at the anterior, lateral, and, less commonly, posterior aspects of the superior and inferior margins of vertebral bodies.
Likelihood of spondylosis increases with age and is considered an inevitable part of aging.
Lumbar spondylosis is the price of upright posture we have.
Etiology
Lumbar spondylosis appears to be a nonspecific aging phenomenon. As yet there has been found no relation to lifestyle, height, weight, body mass, physical activity, cigarette and alcohol consumption.
Obesity has been found to be a risk factor in some of populations.
Pathophysiology
The ostephytes are formed as a result of new bone formation in areas where the annular ligament is stressed.
Clinical Presentation
Per se, lumbar spondylosis produces no symptoms. Osteophytes may lead to pressure on the surrounding structures which produce symptoms.
Spondylosis is often an associated finding in patients of back pain and sciatica.
Investigations
- Radiographs
- CT scans
- MRI
Investigations need to be individualized and
Treament
Because most of patients would present with symptoms of backpain and/or sciatica, other causes of backpain should be ruled out.
Therapy is supportive and symptomatic and involves pain killers, rest, physiotherapy and surgery if required.
Related posts:
