spondylosis lumbar symptoms and treatment

lumbosacral spondylosis symptoms

Lumbosacral spondylosis is a growing problem among the older generations now. It is an age-related spinal disorder that affects the neck (cervical spine), lower back (lumbar spine), and mid-back (thoracic spine). This kind of a problem is what most of us are going to face at some point in time or the other. This makes it as even more important for us to be aware of the symptoms that are indicative of Lumbosacral spondylosis. Over time, as we age, this problem could develop into a major issue. It may lead to pressure on the spinal cord, usually near the neck, which could prove to be a dangerous situation.

This degenerative disorder is most likely to occur with more severity, beyond the age of 60. Some of the basic reasons, this problem develops are:

• Past spinal injury
• Severe arthritis or a history of arthritis in the family
• Past neck injury that may not have healed completely

Just like any other bodily problems, Lumbosacral spondylosis has its own set of common symptoms that may help us identify its effects and presence in an individual or patient.

These are:

1. In the case of Cervical Spondylosis:

• Stiffness in the neck that worsens over time
• Neck pain, that eventually spreads over to the arm areas
• Temporary or permanent loss of sensations in the shoulder or upper arm region, or even feeling unusual sensations in the same
• Headaches experienced, usually at the back of the head
• Weakness in the arm and sometimes even in the legs

2. In the case of the middle back:

• Pain caused during forward or even backward movement of the spine
• Bending backward causes a sharp pain

3. In the case of the lower back:

• Experiencing stiffness or pain in the back, especially in the mornings
• Pains in the back region after sitting for a long period of time
• The increase in pain level, after tedious activities, usually like lifting something or even bending downwards

These are the major symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by people affected by Lumbosacral spondylosis. Other less common, yet frequently experienced symptoms among patients include loss of balance during movement or even in a stationary position and loss of bladder or bowel control.

The presence of a few of these symptoms for a temporary period may also be the cause of some injury or sprain. Though, presence, as well as chronic pain in the mentioned areas, may require a visit to the doctor or a specialist.

10 most effective treatments available today

If there is a disease most of the older population suffers from, there are sure to be a number of ways to cure them or at least suppress the symptoms and signs, so as to reduce pain and help patients resume their daily lives in a normal fashion.

Since it is an illness that is being faced by many of us during old age and also because it causes quite some discomfort and disruption of daily routines, we have come up with an accurate and up to date list of treatments and medicines that may help you control and repress your symptoms:

1. Acupuncture:

Acupuncture basically involves small needles that are pierced into your body lightly at a few predetermined places. These areas are the ones that involve pain or may help your relax. It is believed that acupuncture helps your body relieve you of chemical toxins that are harmful and release those in the body, that help fight the pain.

2. Homoeopathy:

Homoeopathy is an age old way of practicing medicine and it seems to have little or no side effects at all. Its effects are best when taken for a long duration of time. There a lot of homeopathic medicines that can be used by people who suffer from even normal back ache to serious problems like Lumbosacral spondylosis.
Some of them are listed as follows, along with their uses:

• Rhus Tox: – It is believed to be one of the best remedies for lumbar spondylitis. It is especially effective in getting rid of stiffness. Stiffness is most common during mornings after getting up, after a certain age. To help solve this problem, just take 3 to 5 globules of Rhus Tox in the morning after getting up.
• Silicea: – It helps get rid of pains due to lumbar spondylosis. In fact, it is basically helpful in fighting bone degeneration or tissue degeneration in bones.
• Nux Vomica: – Pains and sudden sprains due to lifting heavy objects, or even getting up after bending for a long time are the kinds of pains that Nux Vomica helps one get rid of. It is usually taken in the mornings, also to help reduce morning stiffness in joints and bones.
• Hypericum: – It works not only in the case of pains but also in the case of muscle spasms. This is mainly because Hypericum deals with the nervous system and helps in its better functioning.

3. Bed Rest:

When you’ve had a history of back or neck injuries and the areas of your old injuries start to pain again after having lifted something heavy or bending for too long, it is best to take rest. Rest over here refers to absolute and complete bed rest, where you get up only if absolutely necessary.

The spinal cord is a very important part of your body and sends nerve impulses from the brain to the rest of your body. Taking proper rest and giving it some time to heal and assume its regular functions with ease is also very important on your part.

4. Physical Therapy:

It is now a very sought after option for back pain, especially in the case of degenerative bone diseases like Lumbosacral spondylosis. It helps you keep your bone tissues strong and your muscles from degenerating.

You can now avail physiotherapy at home from Portea.

5. Using a Brace:

In the case of a kink in the spinal cord or pain in the back, using a brace is a good option. It is non-surgical method of relieving pain, and its main aim is to keep the back straight. Using a brace under or above your clothes is instrumental towards relieving back ache for some period of time.

6. Yoga:

As a form of exercise, yoga is one of the best ways of avoiding backaches for a lifetime, if practiced regularly and with all seriousness. Taking out around 20 minutes every day for some yoga may actually go a long way to preventing Lumbosacral spondylosis symptoms occurring, even at a very old age.

7. Steroid Epidural:

Though a temporary option, you could consider steroid epidurals for relieving pain. A medicated prescription will allow you to keep a check on the unwanted side effects as well. Though not advisable for a long time, steroid epidurals are effective in keeping the pain at bay and may be sought after as a last resort.

8. Chiropractic Attention:

Chiropractic is the practice of taking care of the human body with the help of massage, ultrasound therapy, relaxation, therapeutic care and lifestyle modification measures. It is one of the soundest ways of getting cured of chronic and extreme nervous system disorders like Lumbosacral spondylosis. There is no drugs or surgery involved, so it completely non-surgical and free of chemicals.

9. Muscle Relaxants:

Muscle relaxants help relieve the pain and allow some temporary solution to that crick in your back. These are, though, very temporary methods of relieving backache and may not be so effective in the long run.

10. Modifying your Lifestyle:

Better eating habits, lesser hours sitting and doing nothing, more hours of fitness training, yoga and exercise and also some more time with your therapeutic will allow you to have a pain-free and carefree life where you can stay fit and healthy even until a very old age.

A better lifestyle would actually not allow your bone tissues and nervous system to degenerate or fray as much and thus you will have lesser chances of developing back pains or serious disorders like spondylosis.

All in all, there are many short term and long term treatments to get rid of Lumbosacral spondylosis for a short or even a long period of time. Not all of them are surgical, and some of them are pretty easily available at close-by shops or pharmaceuticals. You may require some kind of prescription from your doctor or the specialist you are visiting, but you will always have the option of availing for some kind of quality treatment for such kinds of disruptive disorders of the human body.