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Holistic Treatments for Lumbar Spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative condition in which the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on nerves in the lumbar region. Lumbar spondylosis is usually caused by osteoarthritis or other degenerative diseases. According to the article "Spondylosis" by the NYU Medical center at www.med.nyu.edu, symptoms of lumbar spondylosis can include pain, inflammation, disc herniation, sciatica and even numbness. Holistic treatments for lumbar spondylosis usually include rest, immobilization, ice, heat, supplements, massage and exercise.

  1. Considerations

    • Older people are more likely to use holistic treatments for lumbar spondylosis because surgery is often not recommended. At a certain age, it is unlikely that lumbar spondylosis can be cured. It is sometimes mutually decided that a treatment be designed to alleviate symptoms to make the patient more comfortable. Hence, holistic treatments can become a viable alternative to surgical procedures.

    Types of Treatments

    • Rest, immobilization, ice and heat are usually the first steps for treating lumbar spondylosis holistically. Physical activity is often curtailed until inflammation is under control during flare-ups. Back braces for the lower back can be used to prevent further injury. During the first 48 or 72 hours after the onset of pain, ice can be used to reduce the initial swelling and inflammation. Ice is known for causing vasoconstriction, which minimizes inflammation and consequential pain by restricting the flow of blood to the back. Once any flare-up in the lumbar region is under control, heat can be used to promote blood flow and assuage muscle spasms from lumbar spondylosis. At this point, alternating heat and ice can be an effective treatment for pain relief.

    Other Types of Treatments

    • Massage, accupuncture and pain-killing supplements are some other types of holistic treatments that can be used to relieve lumbar spondylosis symptoms. Massage can relax the nerves and muscles caused by stenosis (restriction) of the spine in people with lumbar spondylosis. According to the article "What Is Acupuncture? What Are The Benefits Of Acupuncture?" by Medical News Today, the largest independent online health & news resource at Medicalnewstoday.com, accupuncture can be used effectively for lower back pain by those who do not what to take medication. Moreover, certain herbs such as cayenne pepper (capsaicin), camomile and burdock can help alleviate pain symptoms. Capsaicin is a recognized pain treatment among mainstream medical practitioners.

    Effects of Exercise

    • One of the most effective holistic treatments for lumbar spondylosis is exercise. Simple movement such as pressing the lower back to the floor or pulling knees to the chest can loosen up tight muscles in the lower back. This promotes blood flow which can help relieve pain symptoms.

    Time Frame

    • There is no set time frame for overcoming lumbar spondylosis pain. Those who are more proactive in their holistic treatments will likely have more success in alleviating their pain more quickly.

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