Joints and arthrosis
Lumbar arthrosis
What is arthrosis?
Arthrosis is chronic wear of the cartilage in a joint associated with an imbalance between the production and degradation of bone cells.
Arthrosis is a complex phenomenon involving physical and metabolic factors.
In a joint, the cartilage covers the end of the bone and plays a role in the mobility of the joint with minimal friction. The cells are replaced at the same rhythm as they are destroyed. The joint thus preserves all its mobility capacities.
When the cells are replaced more slowly than they are destroyed, and/or the physical constraints, such as shocks or repeated friction, are too significant, the metabolic balance of the joint becomes deregulated. Wear of the cartilage then starts with cracks which gradually deepen until actual holes are formed (ulcerations). The bone can be completely bare in places and the bone surfaces come into direct contact with each other.
The phenomenon tends to auto-amplify. It results in a painful limitation of joint mobility: the joint becomes stiffer and stiffer.
The pain associated with arthrosis occurs when the joint is used and calms down when at rest. Certain inflammatory forms are nevertheless also painful at night.
Arthrosis can affect all the joints in the body but is most often seen in the knees, hands, spinal column and hips. It is favoured by physical or hereditary factors, by age or by obesity.
What is lumbar arthrosis?
Lumbar arthrosis is chronic wear between the lumbar vertebrae (at the level of the posterior articular apophyses) that is, it is situated at the base of the back.
The wear is most often the result of an abnormal posture (hyperlordosis or scoliosis) or a repeated bad position when practicing a sport or working. The wear can also be associated with degeneration of the intervertebral disk.
Lumbar arthrosis is generally localised at the level of the 5th lumbar vertebra (L5) because it is at this point of the back that the mechanical constraints are the strongest.
The pain increases with movement and physical exercise. When the vertebrae rub together, this can provoke temporary pain associated with the compression of the nerves (sciatica, cruralgia) or the intervertebral disks (herniation).
Lumbar arthrosis is the "backache" that everyone is familiar with. It is the most common form of arthrosis.
It is also known as "lumbarthrosis" or "lumbar spine arthrosis".
Orthopaedic treatment
The orthopaedic solution has two aims: to decrease the pain and maintain the back in a good position.
During the acute periods, wearing a
standard or made-to-measure immobilisation brace for the vertebrae allows the musculature to rest and keeps the back in a good position.
After an episode or in the course of professional or leisure activities, wearing a lumbar support belt increases the level of vigilance (helps to avoid false movements) and decreases the constraints that are exerted on the vertebrae.
A lumbar support belt that is perfectly adapted to your morphology allows you to continue your daily activities. There is a wide range of belts available to fit in with your lifestyle.
Contrary to popular opinion, wearing a lumbar support belt does not increase the risk of muscle loss (abdominal and dorsal muscles).
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
