Struggling with chronic lumbar spondylosis pain and discomfort? Leveraging extensive experience and specialized training, Dr. Calvert offers individualized care designed to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to create effective management strategies for lumbar spondylosis, ultimately improving your quality of life. Don’t let back pain control your daily routine—regain your well-being with Dr. Calvert’s expert, comprehensive care.
Take proactive steps towards better health and manage your lumbar spondylosis effectively. Call (732)-123-4567 during regular business hours to schedule an appointment with Dr. Calvert and begin your journey to a pain-free life.
Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis
Lumbar spondylosis is a condition that affects the lower spine and is primarily caused by the natural aging process, where the intervertebral discs and joints in the lumbar spine undergo degenerative changes. Several key factors contribute to the development of this condition:
Age
As individuals age, the spinal discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, lose hydration and elasticity. This loss of hydration causes the discs to shrink and become less flexible, leading to disc degeneration. The body responds by forming bone spurs (osteophytes) around the deteriorating discs to stabilize the spine, which can cause stiffness and pain.
Genetics
A family history of spinal conditions can increase the likelihood of developing lumbar spondylosis. Genetic factors can influence the rate of disc degeneration and the development of bone spurs. If your parents or siblings have had spondylosis, you may be at higher risk.
Occupational Hazards
Certain jobs and activities that involve repetitive bending, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting can accelerate spinal degeneration. For example, construction workers, nurses, and office workers are more prone to developing lumbar spondylosis due to the physical demands of their jobs. Repeated stress on the spine can hasten the wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints.
Injury
Previous injuries or trauma to the spine can contribute to the development of spondylosis. Even minor injuries that occurred years ago can weaken the spinal structures and lead to premature degeneration. Fractures, sprains, and strains can all increase the risk of developing spondylosis later in life.
Lifestyle Factors
A sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking can exacerbate spinal degeneration. Lack of physical activity weakens the muscles that support the spine, while obesity places additional stress on the spinal discs. Smoking reduces blood flow to the discs, depriving them of essential nutrients and accelerating degeneration.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis
The symptoms of lumbar spondylosis can vary widely, depending on the severity and the specific spinal structures affected. Common symptoms include:
Lower Back Pain
Chronic pain in the lower back is the most common symptom of lumbar spondylosis. This pain is often described as a dull ache or sharp pain that can worsen with activity or prolonged periods of inactivity. The pain may radiate to the buttocks and legs if there is nerve involvement.
Stiffness
Reduced flexibility and stiffness in the lower back are common, especially after periods of inactivity such as sleeping or sitting for long periods. This stiffness can make it difficult to bend, twist, or move the lower back.
Nerve Pain
If degenerative changes compress or irritate the spinal nerves, pain can radiate from the lower back into the buttocks, thighs, or legs. This condition, known as sciatica, can cause sharp, shooting pain along the path of the affected nerve.
Numbness and Tingling
Sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet can occur if the nerve compression is severe. These symptoms are often accompanied by a loss of reflexes and muscle strength in the affected areas.
Muscle Spasms
Involuntary muscle contractions in the lower back can occur as the body attempts to stabilize the spine. These muscle spasms can be painful and limit movement, further contributing to stiffness and discomfort.
Diagnosing Lumbar Spondylosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of lumbar spondylosis. At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports, our diagnostic process includes:
Medical History and Physical Examination
A thorough review of the patient’s medical history helps identify potential risk factors and previous injuries. During the physical examination, the doctor will assess pain levels, flexibility, and nerve function. They may also check for signs of muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, and areas of tenderness along the spine.
Imaging Studies
Advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are used to visualize the extent of spinal degeneration and identify specific areas of concern. X-rays can reveal bone spurs and disc space narrowing, while MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of the spinal structures, including discs, nerves, and soft tissues.
Nerve Conduction Studies
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are used to evaluate nerve function and detect any nerve damage or compression. These tests measure the electrical activity of muscles and the speed of nerve signals, helping to identify areas of nerve dysfunction.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
In some cases, additional diagnostic tests such as discography or myelography may be recommended. Discography involves injecting a contrast dye into the spinal discs to assess their integrity, while myelography uses a contrast dye and X-rays or CT scans to visualize the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Accurate diagnosis of lumbar spondylosis allows for the development of a personalized treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of each patient.
Injection Therapies for Lumbar Spondylosis
At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports, we offer a range of injection therapies tailored to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the quality of life for patients with lumbar spondylosis. These minimally invasive treatments are designed to target specific areas of pain and discomfort.
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are a common treatment for lumbar spondylosis. The procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Patients often experience significant pain relief within a few days, with corticosteroids decreasing inflammation around the nerve roots, reducing pressure, and irritation. This alleviation of pain can enhance mobility and function.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections target the small joints located between each vertebra in the spine, which can become inflamed and cause pain due to degenerative changes. This procedure involves injecting a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid directly into the facet joint. The benefits include localized pain relief, reduction of inflammation within the joint, alleviating pain and stiffness, and providing enhanced diagnostic clarity by confirming the facet joints as the source of pain.
Medial Branch Blocks
Medial branch blocks involve injecting an anesthetic near the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. This procedure serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, helping to identify the source of pain and provide temporary relief. Benefits include pinpointing the specific nerves contributing to pain, providing immediate relief, and allowing patients to participate in physical activities with reduced discomfort. This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
The sacroiliac (SI) joints, located at the base of the spine, can also be a source of lower back pain. Sacroiliac joint injections involve injecting a corticosteroid and anesthetic into the SI joint to reduce inflammation and pain. Benefits include targeted pain relief directly addressing pain originating from the SI joint, reduced inflammation and swelling within the joint, improved functionality, enhanced mobility, and reduced pain during activities.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger points are tight, painful areas within muscles that can contribute to lower back pain. Trigger point injections involve injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, directly into the trigger point to relieve pain and improve muscle function. The benefits include easing muscle tension and pain in the lower back, reducing muscle stiffness, enhancing flexibility, and providing immediate results through a simple and quick outpatient procedure.
Conclusion
Lumbar spondylosis can significantly impact your quality of life, but effective treatment options are available. At the Institute of Orthopedics, Spine, & Sports in Edison, NJ, we specialize in injection therapies that provide targeted pain relief and improve function. If you’re experiencing symptoms of lumbar spondylosis, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our injection therapies can help you regain your quality of life. Call us at (973)-922-9515 for booking appointments.