Risks Associated with Lumbar Spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis is an acute condition affecting the normal curvature of the lower half of the spine. Each of the minute joints of the lumbar vertebrae occupying the lower part of the spine can be afflicted by spondylosis causing acute pain and restriction of movement. The condition is degenerative in nature and the normal curvature of the vertebral column cannot be restored completely  in most cases. Lumbar spondylosis is also known to be associated with extra growth of the bone as well as the formation of bony spurs.

While the actual cause for lumbar spondylosis cannot be pinpointed on a specific reason alone, a number of factors have been found to be associated with the condition. The prominent risk factors associated with the disease are:-

Age- The natural healing powers of the body are reduced considerably with age and the progression of this arthritis like condition becomes rapid as one crosses the threshold of forty.

Overweight- Persons who lead an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle often suffer from this debilitating condition as well. Additional body weight leads to extra pressure on the lumbar region of the body as the vertebrae of this region helps to bear the maximum weight of the body leading to lumbar spondylosis.

Posture- Sitting stooped over a work desk or computer can prove to be harmful in more ways than one. While the hunch back posture creates an abnormal position of the lumbar vertebrae, it also puts undue pressure on the small bony joints of the body as well. Consequently, a person accustomed for sitting for long hours at a stretch often develops lumbar spondylosis.

Injury- Old injuries of the spine have a tendency of flaring up now and then in form of acute back pain. This often happens to sportsmen or individuals who accidentally  hurt their spinal region while playing or exercising  or even lugging heavy weights in the course of their work. The injured vertebrae of the spine fails to regain its normal structure leading to lumbar spondylosis instead.

Heredity- Medical statistics reveal that a majority of patients suffering from lumbar spondylosis also have a family history of either the same condition or of other arthritic ailments.