The artrosis lumbar It occurs on those occasions in which there is an injury or degeneration of the cartilage of the joints of the lumbar spine.. The latter is made up of a total of five vertebrae., located on the back, between the pelvis and the ribs. The union between the contiguous vertebrae is produced through different joint surfaces that are covered by cartilage.. By the time that cartilage wears down, is when a artrosis lumbar.
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Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine
The symptoms of artrosis lumbar there are several, the most obvious being rigidity, pain and limitation of movement. The most frequent symptoms in lumbar osteoarthritis have to do with pain of mechanical characteristics, that is to say, that takes place when some kind of movement is made; and lumbar overload; and this pain goes less as you rest.
In general, the pain lies located in the lumbar spine, but it could also cause localized pain in the areas near, as is the case of the thigh, on its back and sides, or on the buttock.
The osteoarthritis in the spine can also be asymptomatic, that is to say, without producing any symptoms. In these cases, it can be diagnosed by chance at the time of performing some type of lumbar X-ray., casually, when performing these tests for other reasons.
Generally, some of the main symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine are the following:
- Pain in the back or spine
- Loss of flexibility in the spine
- Spinal stiffness
- Increased pain with activity or after standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Numbness or restlessness radiating to the extremities.
Origin of osteoarthritis in the spine
The main cause of osteoarthritis It is given by different factors, both generic and environmental.; and on some occasions it can be determined that there is a clear cause, as it is on those occasions when we meet a trauma previous, an infection or birth defect. In seven types of cases it is considered that we are facing a secondary osteoarthritis, since it is a consequence of the process.
Nevertheless, In most occasions, we are faced with osteoarthritis in the spine that is given without there being a clear cause that can justify it. Thus, in these types of cases, it is understood that its origin is the result of the sum of different environmental and genetic factors.
Some of the factors to take into account that may be key in the origin of osteoarthritis in the spine are the following:
Aging
From the 30-40 years of age, it is common for radiology to show initial signs of vertebral osteoarthritis at some level of the spine, Whether you are in pain or not. What's more, increases exponentially as the thresholds are exceeded. 50 years.
Sex
The osteoarthritis in the spine It is more prevalent in women, Since this disease mainly affects women older than 55 years, and coincides with menopause and lower estrogen levels
Genetics
The osteoarthritis in the spine It can also be a hereditary disease.
Work activity
Repeat joint movements due to work activity, can end up drifting, long-term to joint overload.
high physical activity
Elite athletes are the most likely to suffer from a problem of osteoarthritis in the spine.
Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weaker muscles in your abs and back, which are not able to support the spine during movements or by retractions of paravertebral muscles
Obesity
It does not seem to participate in the development of osteoarthritis but it can be aggravated in certain joints such as the knees
Trauma
Injuries and fractures can cause the appearance of this disease.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis in the spine
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis in the spine takes place after examining the symptoms that the patient explains when going to a specialist, such as suffering from pain, stiffness and limitation of movement, as well as by the examination itself carried out by the rheumatologist, in which both pain and limitation of movement by the lumbar spine usually stand out.
The complementary tests that are carried out most frequently to be able to determine the suffering of a osteoarthritis in the spine is to undergo simple x-rays of the lumbar spine. Thanks to them you can see some typical signs. In general, it is not necessary to carry out other imaging tests such as a lumbar CT or an MRI, unless an associated complication is suspected. What's more, A blood test is not required to make the diagnosis..
Treatment of osteoarthritis in the spine
The goal of treatment for osteoarthritis in the spine is to improve the pain and improve, usually, quality of life. For this reason, there are different alternatives to handle for the treatment, how can they be physical measurements, surgery and drugs.
The usual pharmacological treatment consists of the use of conventional analgesia, like paracetamol, and if it's not enough, can be combined with anti-inflammatories during the water phase of pain.
In patients in whom the use of the latter is contraindicated, Opioid analgesic drugs such as tramador may be used. What's more, muscle contracture is considered to be of great importance, and can be supplied muscle relaxants during the acute phase. Sometimes, those patients with osteoarthritis in the spine suffer some type of neurological complication.
Is prevention possible??
Patients who are at risk for osteoarthritis in the spine It is recommended that you follow a healthy and balanced diet; in addition to performing physical exercise in moderation and avoiding activities that involve overexertion, as well as obesity.