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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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.
I experienced severe pain in my lumbar area a few days ago that rendereed me immobile for a few days.
My xray result shows the following:
Osteophyte formation is noted along the opposing margins of L3/l4 disc space.
Vertebral height and alignment are preserved.
Likely a phlebolith along the left hemipelvis.
I’m presently taking muscle relaxant and neuropathic pain reliever. A maintenance dose of Vit. B12 is also prescribed.
could I seek your opinion on other ways of managing my conditon. I still experience some pain in the lumbar area
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 18th, 2010 at 6:30 am
@Rick sua,
Rest is most important part of the treatment. i hope you are doing that.
How are you now?
Rest in what way? I’m still doing office work on a managerial level. Although my work does not entail physical exertion, I still have to be in the office regularly. I still experience some heaviness in the lumbar area everytime I stand from a sitting position. My gait is also affected. I sometimes trip on the stairs.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 6:23 am
@Rick sua,
You would need to find your own strategy for that. Avoid prolonged sitting, bending and lifting weights.
Your doctor and physio would explain you the cautions on how to make movements with minimal stress on the spine like getting up or picking things from ground, how to maintain a good posture etc
you stated that spasm is the cause of straightening of spine and that relief from the spasm may lead to reversal if the cause is not bony in origin. please explain a little about what kind of spasm was meant here and what reversal would occur with relief from spasm. also, what was mean by bony origin. please give a little detailed explanation because my mother suffers from this condition with osteophytes. please let me know of the possible viable options without surgery and a lifetime of pill popping.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
November 7th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
@tessy,
Have you taken a professional opinion before?
i ve lumber spondylosis.can i live life as before. can i run dance?????
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
@mamta,
Did you see a doctor?
i am suffering from low back pain since 6 month back.last week my company doctor take xerox,check xerox after said i am suffering from Spondylolysis
i am 42 years old. now i am working in saudia arabia as a admin officer,my duty continue daily 12 hourse sitting.i take some pain killer medicine but not relife
please give me your advice
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 13th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@basavaraj reddy,
I think you mean xray when you say xerox. Prolonged sitting is known to cause back pain.
Break your sitting period. Take short breaks from continued sittings and follow your doctors advie
I am 41 and have recently developed pain in my lower back. Lumber X-Ray revealed that i had slight reduction between L1-L2 &L2-L3. Bone density etc is all fine. Report says it could be spondylosis. X-Ray also reveals some bony spurs in this region. My doc says that this is atleast 5 year old development. Then why is is hurting now ? Also i play tennis, golf and have no problem. After these exercises , I feel better rather. I also do back exercises but it does hurt initially as i have not done any back exercise ever or it may be due to the spondylosis. The pain is at times nagging and then goes away. I don’t have tingling problem in legs etc. However, at times i feel some pinching in my back too. Maybe it is because of spurs ?
Pls advise what could be done. Can this completely go away if i strengthen my back muscles ?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
May 28th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Rehan Munawar,
Pain in the lower back resulting from spondylosis is treated by analgesics and physiotherapy aimed at strengthening the back.
As you are otherwise fit, things should improve with these measures.
If they do not, get investigated further
radiating back pain from lower back to right leg increasing of pain during long time standing&sitting
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
August 5th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
@jayamma,
Okay! Any more info?