Lumbar Spondylosis: Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Pain

Lumbar spondylosis is a common degenerative condition that affects the lower spine. It’s often referred to as spinal osteoarthritis and is characterized by the wearing away of the disc and other spinal structures. This degeneration, often resulting from age or repetitive strain, can cause back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms associated with lumbar spondylosis. In some individuals, this condition may remain asymptomatic for years, only to surface when triggered by an injury or stress. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent lower back pain.
• Stiffness in the lower back, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Numbness or weakness in the legs.
• Reduced range of motion or flexibility in the back.

Causes and Risk Factors

Primarily an age-related condition, lumbar spondylosis is most common in adults over 60. However, other factors can also increase the risk:

• Obesity: Extra weight can increase your spine’s stress, leading to faster degeneration.
• Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive twisting and bending can contribute to early onset.
• Genetics: A family history of lumbar spondylosis or other spinal problems may predispose you to this condition.
• Previous injury: A prior injury to the spine can contribute to the development of lumbar spondylosis.

Diagnostic Procedures

At Pro Spine & Pain, our skilled doctors use various diagnostic tools to identify lumbar spondylosis. We start with a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These procedures help us determine the extent of your spinal degeneration and plan a suitable treatment strategy.

Interventional Pain Management: A Path to Relief

Our team of experts specialises in interventional pain management, a dynamic field that uses minimally invasive techniques to identify and treat pain at its source. This can be particularly effective for managing the discomfort associated with lumbar spondylosis. Here’s what you can expect:

• Epidural Steroid Injections: This treatment involves injecting anti-inflammatory medicine into the space around your spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Facet Joint Injections: Another common technique involves injecting a local anaesthetic into one or more of the small joints along the spine, providing pain relief.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: A more advanced procedure that uses an electric current to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, decreasing pain signals from that area.

Living with Lumbar Spondylosis: Lifestyle Changes and Prevention

Living with lumbar spondylosis can be challenging, but making certain lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Regular physical exercise can strengthen your back and core muscles while maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on your spine. Maintaining good posture and taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting can also be beneficial.

Embrace a Pain-Free Future

At Pro Spine & Pain, we believe in a world where chronic pain does not dictate your quality of life. Lumbar spondylosis can be debilitating, but with our expert guidance and innovative interventional pain management techniques, you can regain control of your life. Schedule an appointment with us today; together, we can navigate your path to relief.