What is Lumbar Spondylosis ?

Read about Lumbar Spondylosis Disease presented in simple easy to understand language

Diagnosis
Physical Examination: Initial method of diagnosis is by a thorough physical examination by a doctor taking into account the patients medical history as well as the symptoms reported by the patient. The doctor will look for extent of range of motion by measuring the degree to which a patient can perform some exercises. 

Neurological Evaluation: This assesses the patient’s condition by looking into symptoms like weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, muscle spasms etc with attention given to the extremities. 

Other Tests: Tests such as Blood tests, X-rays determine the presence or progression of the disease. Other tests include MRI, CT scan, for discovering evidence of neurological dysfunction, disc abnormalities and degenerative bone problems.

Treatment
Each patient is treated differently for arthritis depending on their individual condition. In the early stages lifestyle modifications or medicines are used for treatment and surgery is needed only if these measures are ineffective.

Some of the ways of Treating Lumbar Spondylosis are
• Modifying lifestyle including occupational changes if doing manual labor, losing weight and quitting smoking.
• Physical therapy which teaches the patient to strengthen the paravertebral and abdominal muscles which lend support to the spine. General exercises which help build flexibility, increase range of motion and strength
• A corset or a brace could be used to provide support; cervical collars may be used to alleviate pain by restricting movement.
• Rest combined with anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants and analgesics.
• More powerful anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids can also be injected into the joints to help control pain.
• Hot or cold packs on the affected area, ultrasound and electric stimulation are some of the other treatments which are used.
In more severe cases surgical methods are advised to improve pain and increase motion.  Read Previous