Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment in Dallas

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Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative spine condition that affects the discs and vertebrae of the lower back. The age-related changes to the lumbar spine are also known as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. Lumbar spondylosis treatment will depend on the underlying causes and symptoms and aim to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.

What is Lumbar Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a broad term that encompasses various age-related structural changes within the spinal column. It is a progressive condition that can eventually cause spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal cord. Lumbar spondylosis develops between the L1 and S1 vertebrae and can lead to bone spur formation in the lower back.

What Causes Lumbar Spondylosis?

There is no single cause of lumbar spondylosis. It is a common spinal condition associated with advanced age and the natural wear and tear on intervertebral discs of the lower back.

The following factors may increase the probability of developing lumbar spondylosis:

Family history of spondylosis
Age 50 and older
Repetitive strain on the lumbar spine
Obesity
Previous trauma or surgery to the lower back

Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis

The primary symptom of lumbar spondylosis is back pain and stiffness that is more intense after periods of inactivity. The pain may be localized or radiate to the hips and buttocks.

Other symptoms may include:

Numbness and tingling in the low back
Reduced flexibility and range of motion
Sciatica
Weakness in the leg or foot in the case of nerve compression
Muscle spasms in the lumbar region

If the lumbar spondylosis is advanced, patients may find it challenging to enjoy normal daily activities. In addition, as the arthritic changes continue, spondylosis of the lower back can cause spondylolisthesis.

How Is Lumbar Spondylosis Diagnosed?

Dr. David Barnett will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to get a comprehensive understanding of pain triggers. Imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs may be ordered to confirm a lumbar spondylosis diagnosis.

Lumbar Spondylosis Surgery & Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spondylosis

Non-surgical treatment for lumbar spondylosis almost always focuses on physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles in conjunction with corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Short courses of muscle relaxants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed.

Surgery For Cervical Spondylosis

When conservative treatment fails to provide relief or nerve compression continues to worsen, minimally-invasive spine surgery may be indicated.

Dr. Barnett will determine which lumbar spondylosis surgery is appropriate:

Lumbar Microdiscectomy and Fusion: microscopic tools are used to remove bone spurs and relieve pressure on nerve roots, and the damaged segments of the lower spine are fused.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy and Disc Replacement: The damaged lumbar disc material is removed and replaced with a prosthetic to restore mobility.

A personalized spondylosis treatment plan will be developed to help patients find relief and achieve their goals.

Dallas Lumbar Spine Spondylosis Specialist

Dr. Barnett is a renowned neurosurgeon and spine specialist with nearly 30 years of experience. To learn more about non-surgical and minimally-invasive treatment options for lumbar spondylosis, schedule your appointment with a Dallas neurosurgeon today.

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From start to finish, Dr. Barnett and his staff were always informative and professional. Dr. Barnett performed my neck surgery and lower back surgery all during a pandemic and everything worked out perfect. Highly recommend Dr. Barnett. Top notch.

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