Lumbar Spondylosis and Your Patients

lumbar spondylosis. communication, patient

In the “spine business”, we know that the term lumbar spondylosis is rather a broad one. While it’s often used to describe osteoarthritis that occurs in the spine, it’s also a more general descriptive term that refers to just about any kind of degeneration of the spine, particularly that which causes pain. In other words, it really doesn’t pertain to a particular diagnosis.

Nonetheless, it is a term spine professionals use fairly often and one that is likely to be thrown out there every now and then in regards to a diagnosis. That means it often reaches the ears of the patient. And, sadly, the patient may become frightened or overact when they hear the term. Think about it. When you say “lumbar spondylosis”, it sounds like something pretty serious, doesn’t it? So, it’ll be your job to relieve the patient’s fears and carefully explain to them what’s happening in their lumbar region.

You may need to explain the particulars of disc degeneration including how a disc loses some of its function and how this problem can cause low back pain, neck pain, or even pain in the arms or legs. You may have to give the particulars of facet joint osteoarthritis and inform the patient as to why they experience pain during certain activities or after a long period of inactivity. Or perhaps you’ll find yourself explaining spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, and why it often creates leg pain for the patient.

Whatever you determine the problem to be, you’ll find that most patients are seeking a clear explanation of their lumbar spondylosis and will expect you to take the time to explain their problems. And you should! It’s part of the service you provide to your patients, and demonstrating that you have a solid knowledge or their problem helps them build confidence in you as a doctor.

The best way to demonstrate the particulars of lumbar spondylosis is with a precise model of the spine, and the best spine models on the market are the 3D models manufactured by Dynamic Disc Designs (DDD). At DDD, owner and designer Dr. Jerome Fryer created his models with patient education in mind, determined to fill a gap. Fryer understood that posters, drawings, and static models just weren’t doing the job when it came to explaining complicated (and not-so-complicated) spine issues to his patients, so he designed realistic models that have now become the go-to education tool for spine professionals around the world.

The models are simple to use and easy for the patient to decipher. They look and move like the real thing and help the patient understand why they’re feeling pain. In addition, these models can also allow you to demonstrate what you’ll do to fix the problem and what they can do to stay healthy. They’re a confidence creator and a stress reliever all in one and you’ll find that your using the models again and again to create that “aha” moment for your patients.

I use the spinal disc model daily to educate my patients. The dynamic nature of this model conveys the importance of proper movement patterns and disc mechanics.”
Dr. Douglas J. Taber, DC, DAAPM, FAASP, FAAIM, FABDA, author of The Back Pain Solution: Unlocking the Spinal Code

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