LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
The spine contains about 31 vertebrae bones. Cervical (7), thoracic (12),Lumbar(5),Sacral(4),Coccyx (3). These bones lie on each other and separated from each other by cartilage containing fluid-filled substance called synovial fluid. This cartilage is found on the surfaces of each of the vertebrae bones articulating with each other in providing cushioning and serves as shock absorbers. It also prevents the bones from kissing each other, that may cause inflammation.
Lumbar spondylosis is described as all degenerative conditions affecting the lumbar spine. This degenerative conditions may be disc degeneration, disc herniation, osteophytes growth, foramina stenosis and other inflammatory conditions affecting the lumbar spine.
Lumbar spondylosis can affect persons as young as 20yrs.
It can be seen as a cascade -Anatomical changes of the spine occurs, which leads to more degeneration and changes combine to cause lumbar spondylosis and its symptoms. More often, lumbar spondylosis comes along with radiations. Pain radiates from the lumbar regions into the Lower limbs(Lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy). The body is wired with nerves. These nerves emanate from the spinal cord through a foramina created by two different vertebrae bones. The Sciatic nerve for instance, most often become compressed and this causes pain radiation from the lumbar into the Lower limb. It originates from the L4-S3 spinal vertebrae.
Lumbar spondylosis can simply be defined as, pain at the lower back as a result of degeneration of the articular cartilage between the vertebrae bones.
•CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
~Age. Aging happens to be a major contributing factor in the cause of the discussed condition. As one ages, there are changes on the body structures. Disc degeneration, herniation, Osteophytes formation may occur in the old ages and may trigger lumbar spondylosis depending on the vertebrae bone affected.
~Genetics.
Lumbar spondylosis may run through the family when one of the family members or parents has had it before. With that, there's increases risk of getting the condition.
~Back trauma and prolong sitting.
Injury to the back (lower back) can increase one's risk of getting lumbar spondylosis due to inflammation this may cause and injury to the surrounding soft tissues. Sitting for a prolonged period of time may put pressure at the lumber region which may increase the possibility of articular cartilage degeneration and causing lumbar spondylosis.
~Extreme talls
~Assuming bad postures such as bending over and twisting of trunk unnecessarily.
•DIAGNOSIS OF LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
<Lumbar spondylosis can be diagnosed by the prescription of X-ray, CT scan, MRI which may give images of the parts of exposure to any of these radiation devices. With the help of any of these, the doctor would know whether there's a fracture(#), disc herniation, foramina stenosis and articular cartilage degenerationthat may be causing the patient complaints.
During assessment by a physiotherapist, a special test would be performed to determine what is really causing the pain. Notable among these tests include Straight leg raising test. A positive result would be aggravation of pain and patient's symptoms during the test. This would then be combined with the findings of the X-ray report before it can be ascertained that, lumbar spondylosis is really the cause.
•CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
lumbar spondylosis may come with the following signs and symptoms.
~Pain in the axial spine
~neurological claudication which include;
-Low back pain
-Leg pain
-Numbnes in lower limbs when standing and walking.
•PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT OF LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
~A physical therapist remains the primary treatment for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Though, doctors prescribe medications that may reduce the pain but the effect of these medications are short compared to the effect the physical therapist intervention would give.
~Exercises below would help maintain the flexibility of the joints and also helps in the management ofSigns & symptoms of lumbar spondylosis.
-Knee -chest exx
-Bridging exx
-Gluteal stretch
-Side planks
-Half way straight leg raise exx
-Quadripled Arm/Leg raise exx
-Back Extension exx
-Ambulation
-Mini squats
-Stair case climbing exx
-Hot pack or hydro collar pack on the lower back (30mins)
-TENS(20mins)
-Massage with gel.
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