Arthritis, a broad term that refers to a number of conditions that can cause painful joints, and spondylosis is one of them, that affects the joints in your spine. Osteoarthritis — this is the most common type of spondylosis. Actually, spondylosis is a form of arthritis—spinal osteoarthritis to be exact.
Therefore, arthritis or spondylosis is one of the common problems that affect your spine. The term “spondylosis” refers to degenerative changes in the joints, discs, and bones that occur in your spine as you age.
The spine is divided into five sections — the cervical spine (upper), thoracic spine (middle), lumbar spine (lower), sacrum, and coccyx (tail bone). When this arthritis condition affects your lower back, i.e., lumbar spine, it is called lumbar arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common reasons for lumbar arthritis. In OA, the cartilage lining between the joints gradually breaks down.
Many people around the world are experiencing lumbar spine arthritis (lower back arthritis). Older people are more likely to experience lumbar spine arthritis, however, it may also occur in people who work hard and overuse the spine .
Lumbar spine arthritis typically occurs in the vertebral joints. Each vertebra is separated by a cushion-like structure called a spinal disc and all the vertebrae are connected by the facet joints. The facet joints along with your spinal disc, assist in certain spinal movements like bending forward, twisting, or arching your back etc.
Facts
- Among the many forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis has the greatest tendency to affect your spine.
- Usually, the lower back and neck areas are more prone to arthritis, but it can develop anywhere across the spine.
- The most common symptoms caused by spinal arthritis are pain and stiffness.
- In most cases, the exact cause of spinal arthritis is not known other than osteoarthritis, usually caused by wear and tear.
- Spinal arthritis can be treated in different ways based on the severity. It includes pain relievers, steroid injections, physical therapy and in severe cases surgery is the last resort.
Arthritis vs Arthrosis
Arthritis and arthrosis might sound similar but there are some differences. Both of these conditions can affect your bones, ligaments, and joints. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition whereas Arthrosis is a non-inflammatory degenerative condition related to ageing. However, they share some similar symptoms like joint stiffness and pain.
But in generally both the words are used interchangeably and some times also known as spondylosis changes
Signs & symptoms of Lumbar Arthritis/Arthrosis
Experts say that osteoarthritis is normal with increasing age. However, the pain and stiffness caused by lumbar arthritis can restrict a person’s ability to do his daily activities, particularly when it comes to bending and stretching.
Lower back pain is the main & most common symptom of lumbar arthritis.
In most cases, back pain might last around a week. If it lasts for a long time, it’s considered chronic back pain, which can be caused by arthritis/ arthrosis
Most of your body weight is supported by your lower back, so both inactivity and movement can exacerbate your symptoms.
Pain may become more severe if you sit or stand upright for a long time. Bending to your side or back might also result in pain.
People may experience pain in the centre of their lower back due to lumbar arthritis/arthrosis. The pain may radiate to the side of the buttocks or the pelvic area. Further, it may spread to the thighs but rarely reaches the knees. This often is called sciatica.
