LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

Definition Lumbar spondylosis is a condition characterized by wear and tear on the discs and joints of the spine, leading to degenerative changes.

Pathology

1. Degeneration of intervertebral discs → loss of disc height
2. Osteophytes formation → bone spurs
3. Joint space narrowing → loss of joint space
4. Facet joint hypertrophy → thickening of facet joints
5. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy → thickening of ligaments
6. Neural foraminal stenosis → narrowing of neural canals

Types

1. Degenerative spondylosis → most common type
2. Traumatic spondylosis → caused by trauma
3. Inflammatory spondylosis → caused by inflammatory diseases
4. Infection-related spondylosis → caused by infections

Causes

1. Aging
2. Trauma
3. Poor posture
4. Repetitive strain
5. Obesity
6. Genetics

Clinical Features

1. Lower back pain
2. Radiating pain to legs
3. Limited mobility
4. Muscle spasm
5. Neurological deficits (in advanced cases)
6. Scoliosis
7. Kyphosis

Investigations

1. X-rays → show degenerative changes
2. CT scans → show detailed images of spine
3. MRI scans → show soft tissue changes
4. EMG → show nerve damage
5. Nerve conduction studies → show nerve conduction speed

Complications

1. Spondylosis → leading to spondylolisthesis
2. Spondylolisthesis → leading to spinal stenosis
3. Spinal stenosis → leading to neurological deficits
4. Osteoporosis → leading to vertebral fractures

Management

1. Conservative treatment → pain management, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications
2. Surgical treatment → decompression surgery, spinal fusion surgery

Homoeopathic Therapeutics

1. Arnica montana → for pain and inflammation
2. Rhus toxicodendron → for stiffness and limited mobility
3. Hypericum perforatum → for nerve damage and pain
4. Calcarea carbonica → for degenerative changes and osteoporosis
5. Natrum muriaticum → for stress and anxiety related to spondylosis