Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative disorder in the lower-back region of the spine. Since the lumbar spine is responsible for bearing most of the body’s weight, as well as performing a full range of bending and twisting motions, it is extremely common for spondylosis to occur in this area. When we’re young, our bodies naturally keep the discs and soft tissue between our vertebrae moist and springy, so that they can stand up to the stress and strain we place on them. A thick coating of lubricating cartilage keeps the joints between our vertebrae moving smoothly. However, when we get older, our body chemistry changes. Soft tissues dry up, lose their elasticity, and wear away. This leads to a bevy of problems as our discs deteriorate, ligaments and tendons wear out, and cartilage erodes. These may include: • Ruptured discs • Bulging discs • Spinal stenosis • Foraminal stenosis • Spondylolisthesis • Bone spurs • Arthritis of the Spine As with most spinal conditions, the pain from spondylosis is mostly caused by nerve compression as the structures of the spine become abnormal, or by joint stiffness as cartilage erodes. The most common lumbar spondylosis symptoms include: • Lower back pain and stiffness • Pain that is worse in the morning, and improves with exercise • Shooting pains that start in the lower back and travel down the legs (sciatica) • Loss of coordination or difficulty walking
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 16:36:21 +0000
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