Are you dealing with the chronic pain and discomfort of lumbar spondylosis? Dr. Calvert at the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine & Sports in Clifton, NJ, can help you find relief. With a wealth of experience and specialized training, Dr. Calvert offers personalized care tailored to your unique needs. The objective is to devise effective strategies to manage lumbar spondylosis, enhancing your overall quality of life. Don’t let back pain dictate your daily activities—reclaim your well-being with Dr. Calvert’s expert and comprehensive approach.
Take charge of your health and address your lumbar spondylosis. Call (973)-922-9515 during regular business hours to book an appointment with Dr. Calvert and start your journey towards a pain-free life.
Understanding Lumbar Spondylosis
What is Lumbar Spondylosis?
Lumbar spondylosis refers to the wear and tear of the lower spine, specifically the lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs. This degenerative condition is commonly associated with aging and can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The degeneration involves the intervertebral discs losing their hydration and elasticity, the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), and changes in the facet joints. These changes can cause spinal stenosis, nerve compression, and various symptoms affecting the lower back and legs.
Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis
- Aging: The most common cause, as the spine undergoes natural degeneration over time. With age, the discs lose moisture and shrink, and the bones and ligaments can develop bone spurs.
- Genetics: A family history of spinal disorders can increase the risk. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the rate of degeneration.
- Injury: Past trauma or injuries to the spine can accelerate degenerative changes. Injuries can disrupt the normal alignment and function of the spine, leading to accelerated wear and tear.
- Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or prolonged sitting can contribute to lumbar spondylosis. Occupational stress on the spine can lead to faster degeneration.
- Lifestyle: Obesity, lack of exercise, and poor posture are significant risk factors. Excess weight puts additional stress on the spine, while lack of exercise weakens the supporting muscles.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis
- Lower Back Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the lower back. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain.
- Stiffness: Reduced flexibility and difficulty in bending or twisting. Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity is common.
- Radiculopathy: Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating to the legs, often caused by nerve compression. Sciatica is a typical manifestation of this symptom.
- Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the legs due to nerve compression. This can affect mobility and the ability to perform daily activities.
- Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty in performing daily activities. Simple tasks like bending, lifting, or walking can become challenging.
Diagnosis of Lumbar Spondylosis
At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports, we utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to accurately diagnose lumbar spondylosis.
- Medical History and Physical Examination: A detailed evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to assess pain, mobility, and neurological function. This includes checking reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory perception.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI, and CT scans are used to visualize degenerative changes, disc herniation, and nerve compression. X-rays can show bone spurs and alignment issues, while MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of soft tissues, discs, and nerves.
- Electrodiagnostic Tests: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are performed to evaluate nerve function and identify radiculopathy. These tests measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves to determine if there is nerve damage.
Injection Therapies for Lumbar Spondylosis
At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports, we offer a range of injection therapies designed to provide pain relief and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from lumbar spondylosis.
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)
Epidural steroid injections are a common and effective treatment for lumbar spondylosis. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. The procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the epidural space under fluoroscopic guidance, followed by the injection of a corticosteroid solution. The benefits of ESIs include rapid pain relief, reduction in inflammation, and improved mobility. The duration of pain relief can vary, lasting from several weeks to months depending on the individual.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections target the facet joints, which connect the vertebrae and can become inflamed and painful due to lumbar spondylosis. These injections provide relief by delivering a mixture of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid directly into the affected facet joint. The procedure offers immediate pain relief, decreased inflammation, and improved joint function, with the relief typically lasting from a few weeks to several months.
Nerve Root Block Injections
Nerve root block injections are used to diagnose and treat pain originating from compressed or inflamed spinal nerves. During the procedure, a local anesthetic and corticosteroid are injected near the affected nerve root, guided by imaging techniques. This type of injection offers a significant reduction in pain, and decreased inflammation, and helps in identifying the specific nerve causing pain. The duration of relief can last from weeks to months, aiding in long-term pain management.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections
Sacroiliac joint injections treat pain originating from the sacroiliac joints, which can be affected by lumbar spondylosis. The procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture into the SI joint under imaging guidance. Patients can expect immediate and significant pain relief, reduced inflammation, and enhanced joint function, with relief typically lasting from several weeks to months.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections target specific areas of muscle tension and spasms that contribute to lower back pain. A small amount of anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected into the trigger point during the procedure, releasing the muscle knot and alleviating pain. Benefits include immediate reduction in muscle pain, improved mobility, and enhanced muscle function. The duration of relief varies, but repeated treatments can provide sustained benefits.
Advanced Injection Therapies
In addition to the standard injection therapies, we offer advanced options that utilize the body’s natural healing processes to treat lumbar spondylosis.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy harnesses the healing properties of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting them into the affected area. Benefits of PRP therapy include enhanced healing, reduced inflammation, and long-lasting pain relief. Patients may experience gradual improvement over several weeks to months.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy involves injecting stem cells into the affected area to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair. The procedure includes harvesting stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue, processing them, and injecting them into the lumbar spine. This advanced therapy offers regeneration of damaged tissues, reduced inflammation, and long-term pain relief, with patients often seeing significant improvements within a few months.
Conclusion
Lumbar spondylosis can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, patients can achieve significant pain relief and improved quality of life. At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports in Clifton, NJ, we are committed to offering the highest standard of care for lumbar spondylosis. Whether through non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, or advanced regenerative therapies, our goal is to help you regain your mobility and live a pain-free life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of lumbar spondylosis, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free spine.