Lumbar spondylosis refers to the degeneration of the lumbar vertebrae, impacting the discs, associated joints, muscles, cartilage, and bones in the lower back. This condition is progressive with age, causing chronic lower back pain, and is often inflammatory, including pain, stiffness, tenderness, weakness, and numbness in the back, arms, and legs.
As individuals age, the bones and structures in the spine naturally undergo wear and tear, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Certain activities and work, such as bending, lifting heavy objects, twisting, or maintaining non-neutral postures for prolonged periods, can contribute to degenerative changes in the spine’s bones, ligaments, and cartilage.
Pain is typically localized to the lower back region. Also, Compression of the spinal nerves can lead to numbness, especially when standing or walking, due to reduced circulation and nerve interference. Over time, untreated symptoms can lead to further complications such as sciatica or ankylosing spondylitis. The diagnoses should be based on clinical presentation, an appropriate objective assessment, which includes inspections, palpation and relevant imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan and X-ray.
Herbal medications and therapies are used in the Ayurvedic treatment of Lumbar spondylosis to relax the muscles, alleviate inflammation in the surrounding tissues and strengthen the nerves and muscles. A few treatments adopted are:
- Abhyangam
- Nadi Sweda
- Podikizhi
- Patra pinda sweda
- Pizhichil
- Kati Basti
- Kati lepa
