Lumbar Spondylitis
It is a degenerative condition of the vertebrae in which there is narrowing of the space between adjacent vertebras which results in compression of the nerve fibers which are raised from that affected segment of the spinal cord. The symptoms like pain in lower back , altered sensation, feeling of numbness or weakness in the legs.
The inflammatory changes occurs which results in increased sensitivity of the nerves. From mild and episodic to aggressive and painfully chronic symptoms occurs. The common joints affected by Spondylitis are spine's joints; thoracic (mid back), the facet joints in the cervical (neck), low back or lumbar spine.
It is also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis. It commonly occurs after an age of 30 years. it cause wear and tear of cartilage and bones in cervical spine found in neck. only few people will experience these diseases but in some cases it leads to chronic condition. People with low bone density and less calcium diet are prone to this diseases.
Lumbar spondylosis occurs mainly at the last two vertebrae of lumbar spine i.e. L4 and L5 and first vertebra of sacral spine (S1).
Many causes are there for lumbar spondylitis example: Genetic abnormality in which bones become weak, Aging, accident previous injury to spine, heavy weight lifting, physical exertion, excess exercise, bending more in forward direction, prolonged sitting especially in front of computer, driving two wheeler in excess, abnormal sleep posture and inappropriate bed usage for sleeping are some of the causes of lumbar spondylitis.
Some of the associated conditions of lumbo-sacral spondylitis are herination of disc, disc bulging , osteoarthritis and bone spur. These all spinal abnormalities are common risk factor that extend into the spinal canal and exert pressure on the spinal nerves. At L5 and S1 vertebrae, the Sciatic nerve gets often compressed leading to Sciatica.
Signs & Symptoms
- Numbness, pain, tingling sensation, or weakness in the neck, arm, shoulder, or hand.
- Pain in the lower back that radiates the both knees or thighs.
- Tingling sensation & numbness around the genitals or anus.
- Difficulty in controlling bladder function or bowel movements.
- Pain occurs while raising legs, straining, or coughing.
on prolonged standing or travelling the level of pain increases .
on lifting weight and bending the pain gets Worsen due to excess movement of spine.
Psychological symptoms like sleeplessness, fatigue and anxiousness are also asspociated with lumbar spondylitis.
CAUSES
- Bone spur: the extra bone grown by body to provide extra strength presses the soft and delicate areas of spine arises painful condition.
- Dehydrated spinal disc- the disc between the spinal cords are thick like soft cushioned pads taht absorbs shock and jerks. the gel gets dry with time which cause rubbing of discs.
- Herniated disc: due to any crack there is laekage of gel material, which presses over spinal cord and nerve and cause numbness and sciatica.
- Injury
- Overweight
- Smoking sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Accident
- Stiffness of ligament
- Heavy lifting or excess physical movement
Risk factors related to Lumbar spondylitis are mentioned below
- Obesity: Excess weight in the body causes exertion on discs in the lower back.
- Genetics: Most of the people inherit a herniated disc that is the reason for a slipped disc.
- Occupation: People with prolonged sitting jobs, pushing or pulling heavy weights are at higher risk of developing herniated discs.
AYURVEDA VIEW
In Ayurveda, it is due to vitiation of Vata dosha that causes pain, inflammation, & stiffness in the body. So to balance vata dosha is necessary. In ayurveda it is related with kati Vata which is a subtype Sandhigatavata. Kati Shula or Prishta Shula or Kati Graha are terms of back pain.
In Ayurveda there is aggravation of Vata which is responsible for pain and causes degeneration of the lumbar spine. Exposure to cold, intake of cold products, stale food, dry, sleepless nights, intake of excess amount of grams, peas ,potatoes are some of aggravated factors of vata dosha which worsen the lumbar pain.
Diagnosis
- physical examination
- test reflexes
- check muscle weakness
- range motion of neck
OTHER
Nerve conduction study
In Ayurveda, the basic treatment is to balance the vitiated Vata Dosha. All the Herbal medicines and Panchakarma PROCEDURES and some of Upakarmas or External therapies are done to relax the muscles, to get rid of nerve inflammation and the tissues surround it.
In Ayurveda, the nerve damage is healed and muscles are strengthened. Basically Ayurveda provides nourishment to the muscles and nerves and thus rejuvenates the degenerated vertebral disc.
Apart from treatment which is given internally and externally one should also manage diet and lifestyle. Practice some yoga postures for better and fast relief.
AYURVEDA THERAPIES FOR LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
Kati Basti
On the lower back, there is the retention of medicated oil to lubricate the degenerated disc. A small hole is constructed down the low back with a dough of black gram. The warm medicated oil is poured into the hole and retained for 30 - 45 minutes duration. Reheating of oil is done to maintain the warmth whenever required.
Abhyanga
Localized full body massage helps in toning up muscles and improves the circulation of blood. During the abhyanga stretching method is adopted which acts as traction which reduces the narrowing of the disc by increasing intervertebral space.
Swedana
Fomentation by patra pinda sweda (Fresh herbal bundle massage), Bashpa sweda (Steaming), nadi sweda (Steaming using a pipe) or churna pinda sweda (Powder bundle massage). Swedana reduces pain and stiffness in ligaments, relieves muscle spasm and improves blood circulation. It is specially advised in musculoskeletal disorders.
Basti
Enemas with medicated oil and herbal decoction. According to Ayurveda large intestine is considered as vata stana (a place where vata resides), hence basti plays a major role in controlling the vitiated vata of lumbar spondylosis. Also, basti provides nourishment to the bones and muscles and helps in faster recovery from severe pain.
Taila or Dhanyamla Dhara
Medicated oil or fermented gruel is poured on the localized area in a slow and rhythmic way. This activates the nerves, rejuvenates the muscles and improves circulation and thus reduces stiffness, pain, and numbness.
Upanaha and Lepanam
Application of medicated paste or poultice on the affected area, to relieve pain, stiffness, and numbness. The warmth of the lepa and upanaha provides good blood circulation.
Also, basti provides nourishment to the bones and muscles and helps in faster recovery from severe pain.
Taila or Dhanyamla Dhara
Medicated oil or fermented gruel is poured on the localized area in a slow and rhythmic way. This activates the nerves, rejuvenates the muscles and improves circulation and thus reduces stiffness, pain, and numbness.
Upanaha and Lepanam
Application of medicated paste or poultice on the affected area, to relieve pain, stiffness, and numbness. The warmth of the lepa and upanaha provides good blood circulation.