Lumbar spondylitis is spinal osteoarthritis, which causes symptoms such as severe back pain, usually caused by joint wear and tear. It is not always curable, but pain can be reduced by using painkillers, physical therapy and regular exercise.
Treatment options include surgery, in which all bone structures and the intervertebral disc can be realigned. But because this is not always possible and most people with this type of disability are elderly, healing is not always possible and, as a result, becomes a chronic disease. For example, it is advisable to invest in treatments that improve physical capacity and quality of life, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy.
- Possible causes of lumbar spondylathylatosis are trauma.
- Such as a fall to the ground or a car accident.
- But they can also be caused by natural joint wear and tear due to age.
- Osteoporosis or family history.
Lumbar spondylitis can be classified as follows
This classification is based on the severity of the disease, after imaging and is important because treatment can vary from one to another.
Symptoms may include:
These symptoms tend to worsen if the individual sits for a long time, goes to bed or does physical exertion and usually decreases when placing a hot water bag in the area, allowing them to act for a few minutes.
Diagnosis can be made by the orthopedist based on symptoms and testing such as X-rays and MRIs that help identify osteoarthritis and its type.
The most appropriate treatment is daily physical therapy. If significant improvement is not possible with physical therapy, surgery may be used to place a joint or disc prosthesis, or to remove osteophytes, which are a kind of bone lime that forms in the spine, causing pain and discomfort.
In addition, it is important to
If an individual’s work is one of the causes of lumbar spondylitis, he or she should leave work indefinitely and, as the case may be, may even retire.
People with lumbar spondylitis may benefit from exercise when the pain is less disabling. But it is important for the physical educator or physical therapist to know the type of injury that the individual must indicate with proper exercises, which bring benefits and do not aggravate the injury.
Discover some home strategies for relieving back pain
Physical therapy is always indicated and manages to reduce symptoms, improving the quality of life of the person, but it must be prescribed in person because there is no one-time treatment that can be followed by all. Treatment options that may be listed include:
1. Heat use
Using surface heat with a hot water bag helps relax the most superficial muscles, increases blood circulation and therefore relieves pain. The thermal bag should be stored comfortably for 20 minutes, twice a day.
Deep heat can be done using physiotherapy equipment and is useful for combating chronic inflammation. A good option is the short-wave device, especially suitable for the elderly as it is more comfortable and relieves symptoms more quickly and sustainably.
2. Electrotherapy
Electrical stimulation devices such as tension, ultrasound may be indicated in case of spinal osteoarthritis because they help with analgesia and healing of injured tissues.
3. Kinesitherapy
Back stretching and abdominal strengthening exercises may be used in physical therapy. To combat back pain, Pilates clinical exercises are an excellent option, being indicated when the person is painless.
Initially, the most appropriate exercises are the contraction of the perineum and abdominal transverse at the same time. Other exercises can then be introduced to strengthen the muscles and stabilize the spine, combating back pain and preventing their recurrence. See some Pilates exercises for back pain by clicking here.
Hydrotherapy and RPG exercises are also excellent for the treatment of lower back pain, but should be prescribed individually.