Lumbar spondylosis treatment in Mumbai

Lumbar spondylosis is the general term for age-related changes in the lower spine. The discs lose water and height, the small facet joints at the back of each vertebra develop arthritis, bony spurs form, and ligaments thicken. Almost everyone shows some of these changes on X-ray or MRI after middle age.

Many people with spondylosis on a scan have no pain at all. In others, the worn facet joints become inflamed, a degenerated disc becomes a source of pain, or the narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve exits (stenosis) starts to squeeze the nerves. Each of these produces a slightly different pattern of pain, and each is treated differently.

Exercise and physiotherapy are central: back and hip strength, flexibility, posture and staying active. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines are used for flare-ups. For persistent pain, doctors often offer facet joint or epidural steroid injections.

Surgery, such as decompression (laminectomy) for stenosis or spinal fusion for instability, is considered when nerve symptoms are severe or the spine has slipped and become unstable. For pain from worn joints and discs without severe nerve compression, surgery is rarely the first answer.