Spondylosis refers to the degeneration of spinal structures that include the vertebrae, intervertebral disc, ligaments and joints. Vertebrae are the 33 bones stacked one above the other from the neck downwards. Between every two vertebrae, lies an intervertebral disc. The intervertebral discs are fibro cartilaginous cushions that act as shock absorbers whenever stress is felt in the spine. The spine is divided into cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal regions starting from the top. When the degeneration affects the lumbar spine (lower back), it is referred to as lumbar spondylosis. This condition is also known as spinal osteoarthritis. Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis offer very effective treatment.
Homeopathic Medicines for Lumbar Spondylosis
To start with, Homeopathic medicines provide symptomatic relief to the patient with lumbar spondylosis. Next, they halt the degenerative process in the spine that is causing or in some cases, worsening the lumbar spondylosis. The ideal Homeopathic medicine for lumbar spondylosis is selected based on the symptom presentation in each case. Some Homeopathic medicines that are prominently indicated for lumbar spondylosis include – Rhus Tox, Bryonia Alba, Aesculus Hippocastanum, Phosphorus, Cobaltum Metallicum, Colocynthis, Magnesium Phos and Gnaphalium Polycephalum.
1. Rhus Tox – Top Grade Medicine for Lumbar Spondylosis
Rhus Tox is one of the top grade Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis. The major symptoms for using Rhus Tox in lumbar spondylosis are pain and stiffness in the lower back. Movement and walking may bring relief. In some cases, hard pressure provides relief from pain. Use of Rhus Tox is also recommended in cases of lumbar spondylosis following injury. Rhus Tox is also one of the best Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis or lower back pain from overuse or lifting of heavy weights.
2. Bryonia Alba – Where Movement Worsens Back Pain
Bryonia Alba is a most wonderful Homeopathic medicine for lumbar spondylosis where lower back pain worsens from the slightest movement. Walking or even turning in bed aggravate the lower back pain. Absolute rest brings relief. Stooping, too, worsens the back pain. Stiffness in the lower back is also observed in such cases where Bryonia Alba will work as one of the most effective Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis and show great improvement. Stiffness gets worse on standing and sitting.
3. Aesculus Hippocastanum – For Lumbar Spondylosis where Rising from a Sitting Position Worsens Pain
Aesculus Hippocastanum is one of the most suitable Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis cases where rising from a sitting position worsens the pain. The person in this condition needs to make several attempts before he can rise from his seat. Weakness, lameness in the low back is also felt. Walking and stooping worsen the back pain.
4. Phosphorus – For Lumbar Spondylosis with Back Pain and Burning in Spine
In lower back pain cases where the pain is attended with burning sensation in the spine, Phosphorus is the choice among Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis that will show greatest improvement. The back feels as if it would break from pain. Weakness in the back is also observed.
5. Cobaltum Metallicum – Where Sitting Worsens Back Pain
Cobaltum Metallicum offers much help in treating low back pain from lumbar spondylosis where sitting worsens pain. Walking provides relief. In some cases, lying down also brings relief. Pain from the lower back may radiate down the legs and feet in such cases where Cobaltum Metallicum will prove the most efficient Homeopathic medicine for lumbar spondylosis.
6. Colocynthis – For Lumbar Spondylosis where Pain Radiates down Left Leg
Colocynthis is one of the most effective Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis where pain from lower back radiates down the left leg. The pain may be cramp-like, shooting, drawing or tearing in nature. Pressure over painful area provides relief. Lying on the left side also helps to relieve the pain. In some cases, heat application on the leg brings relief. Colocynthis is rated among the best Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis for the above symptoms.
7. Magnesium Phos – Where Pain from Lower Back Radiates down Right Leg
One of the most well indicated Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis where pain in the lower back radiates down the right leg is Magnesium Phos. The pain radiating down the leg may vary from sharp, cutting, stabbing, lightening-like in nature. The pain appears intermittently or in paroxysms. Hard pressure or warm application over the painful part brings relief.
8. Gnaphalium Polycephalum – For Pain and Numbness in Legs
Gnaphalium Polycephalum is one of the most highly recommended Homeopathic medicines for lumbar spondylosis where symptoms include back pain radiating down the legs and numbness in legs. Resting on the back brings relief from back pain. Flexing the thigh on abdomen also provides relief.
What causes lumbar spondylosis?
Lumbar spondylosis is largely a result of wear and tear of the spinal structures with age. However, it can be caused by injury to the spine. Overuse of the spine in physical activities like gymnastics, weight lifting or even postural disorders from a sitting job or working long hours on a computer can make one prone to lumbar spondylosis.
Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis
Lumbar spondylosis may not show any overt symptoms. However, where symptoms do arise, the major among them are discomfort or pain in the lower back. In addition to this, stiffness and lack of mobility in the lower back may also be felt. In some cases, pain from the lower back may radiate down the leg. Other accompanying symptoms are numbness, tingling sensation and weakness in the legs.