Many people aged 55 to 60 begin to suffer from pain and limitation of the lumbar spine, which is known from the medical point of view as lumbar osteoarthritis. This is a frequent alteration within the group of rheumatic diseases.
It occurs at a mature age, more frequently in women than in men, and is characterized by limitations when performing some movements, such as touching the tips of the toes with the fingers of the hands.
For more information, continue reading this article by FastlyHeal, in which we explain what lumbar osteoarthritis is, its symptoms, and treatment.
Table of Contents
What is lumbar osteoarthritis
Lumbar osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that occurs due to the cartilage lesion belonging to the lumbar spine joint.
Cartilage is a smooth surface on which the bones of the joints slide, and the wear and tear of the articular cartilage cause lumbar osteoarthritis.
Causes of lumbar osteoarthritis
The confluence of a group of factors gives rise to the appearance of this alteration; among them, the following can be mentioned:
- Age: after 50 years, people are more likely to suffer from this alteration.
- Sex: the female sex has a greater tendency than the male to this condition.
- Genetics: lumbar osteoarthritis can be the product of a hereditary disease that causes the deterioration of the lumbar region. In this sense, arthritis can cause cartilage damage early, giving rise to the appearance of osteoarthritis.
- The excessive practice of some sports or the overuse of some work instruments can generate osteoarthritis in the lumbar region.
- Work activity: the constant repetition of movements can overload the lumbar region, thus causing osteoarthritis in the area.
- Menopause: the hormonal changes that become evident during this stage, such as decreasing estrogen levels, increase the risk of suffering it.
- Obesity: overweight or obesity aggravates existing lesions as a consequence of lumbar osteoarthritis.
- Trauma: fractures and injuries in the lumbar spine are triggering factors for this condition.
Lumbar osteoarthritis: symptoms
The symptoms that accompany lumbar osteoarthritis are:
- The pain appears with movement due to an overload of the lumbar region or radiating towards the buttocks, pelvic area, and thighs.
- Morning stiffness of the spine is relieved as the day goes by and with physical activity.
- Functional limitation of the spine to bend over and even walk.
- Loss of strength in the legs.
- Deformity or deviation of the lumbar spine due to alteration in the alignment of the lumbar vertebrae.
- Inflammation and atrophy of the muscles that are continuous to the lumbar region.
Lumbar osteoarthritis: treatment
The treatment of lumbar osteoarthritis aims to eliminate pain and improve the quality of life of the sufferer. For this, the doctor will be in charge of indicating the treatment according to the symptoms you present:
- Pharmacological treatment: it is based on achieving analgesia of the lumbar area; for this, they indicate analgesics, such as paracetamol, with which it is possible to eliminate pain, and the indication of anti-inflammatories to remove the swelling.
- Interarticular therapies or infiltrations: Place substances with an anti-inflammatory effect inside the joint can immediately improve the alteration. The infiltration of a glucocorticoid or hyaluronic acid can greatly help cases where pain does not subside with conventional treatments.
- Surgical treatment: in cases where osteoarthritis is in the initial stage, its progress can be slowed by performing an osteotomy or by remodeling the joint through arthroscopy.
When lumbar osteoarthritis is very advanced, that is, without improvement with the treatments above, the idea is to place a prosthesis that allows restoring the spine’s mobility, obtaining excellent results and a better quality of life.
Lumbar osteoarthritis: natural treatment
In addition to medical treatment, it is essential that if you suffer from lumbar osteoarthritis, you take into account the following recommendations :
- Healthy and balanced diet in which you consume all the primary groups of nutrients. In the following articles, you can see good foods for osteoarthritis.
- Perform daily exercise according to your age and physical condition. In the following article, you can see the recommended practices for osteoarthritis .
- You should avoid being overweight and obese, both of which aggravate the symptoms of this disease.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects or performing work activities where you have to make a more significant effort than you are used to.
- Use comfortable shoes with a thick sole; avoid wearing very high heels; low or flat heels are preferable.
Because this disease affects adults around 60 years of age, it is essential to consider specific recommendations to avoid suffering from this alteration in adulthood. For this reason, it is necessary to consult your doctor at the slightest symptom that you suspect of the presence of this alteration; with this, you will avoid pain and functional limitation.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Lumbar Osteoarthritis: what it is, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.