Content is medically reviewed by:
Shruti Bangera, Masters In Neurological Physiotherapy, Senior Physiotherapist & SME, Portea
People often wonder about what is lumbar spondylosis? When the spinal discs of the lower (lumbar) spine shrink, the condition is called lumbar spondylosis.
This condition occurs due to age-related wear and tear and weakening of bones. Some of the other causes include arthritis of the spine, bone spurs, bulging or herniated discs, or any other abnormalities in the spine. Genetic, obesity, having a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, etc. are also said to contribute. Lumbar spondylosis occurs mostly after the age of 50 years.
Lumbar spondylosis symptoms vary from people to people. In most cases, the symptoms occur when the nerves or the spinal cord itself becomes compressed. In mild cases of lumbar spondylosis, spine area may not experience any symptoms. Some of the most common signs and symptoms to look out for include:
There are certain categories of people who are affected more by lumbar spondylosis than others. Factors that increase the vulnerability of people include:
Lumbar spondylosis is diagnosed through a variety of tests that depend on your symptoms, severity of the condition, and general medical health. Some of the most common tests that are used include:
Lumbar spondylosis can become serious if not treated in time and lead to several complications. It may lead to severe pain in the back, loss of sensation, loss of coordination and balance, falls, restriction in movement, etc. In serious cases, untreated lumbar spondylosis may also lead to paralysis.
Since it is an age-related condition, lumbar spondylosis treatment involves managing its symptoms and minimising pain and discomfort. There is no permanent cure for this condition. Treatments are designed for you to maintain quality of life and prevent damage and degeneration to the spinal cord and nerves.
The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, your age, and general health and include:
Physiotherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of lumbar spondylosis. Some of the ways in which physiotherapy helps include:
Exercises that building strength and flexibility of the muscles and nerves and improve their range of motion are included in physiotherapy for lumbar spondylosis. Some of the most common lumbar spondylosis exercises include:
For people suffering from lumbar spondylosis, while physiotherapy plays a very critical role, an exercise program cannot be designed themselves. It is essential to have a professional and dedicated physiotherapist to design your treatment plan. The essential role played by a physiotherapist includes:
As one of the most credible healthcare companies in India that brings compassionate care into your home, Portea lets you access the services of world-class physiotherapists. Besides being treated in the comfort of your house, there are several other benefits that we bring to you:
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