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.
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About Dr Arun Pal Singh
can this straightening of the lumber spine be cured permanently because it shows marginal early osteophytes are seen along the L3 and L4
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@Meg Gifty Geraldo,
Usually not.
After delivery of my first child at 30yrs of age, I experience severe lower back ache. X ray showed staightening of lumbar spine. What is the cause of straightening and how can it be rectified.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
@kanika,
Spasm is the cause of straightening and relief of spasm can lead to reversal if the cause is not bony inn origin.
My wife suffers from staightening of lumbar spine. Dr. Arun Pal Singh has given very important information. I would like to know, how and where to get the investigation done to find cause of origin.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
@Uday,
Please visit a doctor in your vicinity who specializes in orthopedics or spine.