Lumbar Spondylosis

Lower Back Pain

A dull ache or mechanical pain in the lower back that may fluctuate throughout the day.

Morning Stiffness

Stiffness after waking or after prolonged sitting that usually improves with gentle movement.

Pain After Standing

Symptoms may increase after standing or walking for prolonged periods.

Difficulty Bending

Bending forward, twisting, or lifting may become uncomfortable.

Reduced Spinal Mobility

The lower back may feel less flexible during everyday movements.

Buttock Pain

Pain may spread into one or both buttocks without extending below the knee.

Muscle Tightness

Tightness in the lower back, hips, or hamstrings may accompany symptoms.

Reduced Endurance

Walking, gardening, or exercise may become more tiring due to pain or stiffness.

Disc Degeneration

With age, the lumbar discs gradually lose water content and become less resilient.

Facet Joint Changes

The small joints at the back of the spine can develop age-related changes that contribute to stiffness and pain.

Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)

Extra bone growth may develop around the joints. These changes are common with ageing.

Ligament Thickening

Supporting ligaments can thicken over time, occasionally contributing to narrowing of the spinal canal.

Previous Back Injuries

Past injuries may accelerate degenerative changes in some individuals.

Genetics

Inherited factors influence how the lumbar spine ages.

Natural Ageing

Degenerative spinal changes are a normal part of ageing and do not automatically mean damage.

Adults Over 40 Years

Age is the strongest predictor of lumbar degenerative changes.

Manual Workers

Frequent lifting, bending, twisting, and heavy physical work.

Office Workers

Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity may contribute to symptoms.

Drivers

Extended periods of sitting and whole-body vibration.

People with Previous Back Injuries

A history of spinal injury may increase the likelihood of symptomatic degeneration.

Individuals with a Family History

Genetics play a role in disc degeneration and osteoarthritis.

Clinical Assessment

Medical History

• Pain location
• Morning stiffness
• Walking tolerance
• Aggravating and relieving activities
• Previous back injuries
• Leg symptoms
• Occupation
• Exercise habits

Physical Examination

• Lumbar range of motion
• Walking pattern
• Functional movements
• Muscle strength
• Neurological examination
• Flexibility
• Balance

Special Tests & Imaging

Special Tests

• Lumbar movement assessment
• Neurological examination
• Straight Leg Raise (if leg pain is present)
• Slump Test (if nerve involvement is suspected)
• Hip screening

No single test confirms lumbar spondylosis. Diagnosis is based on your history, examination findings, and imaging when appropriate.

Imaging

X-rays may show disc space narrowing, osteophytes, and facet joint changes. MRI may demonstrate disc degeneration, facet arthropathy, foraminal narrowing, or spinal stenosis. Many people without back pain have these findings. Routine imaging is not recommended for uncomplicated lower back pain.

Education

Understanding lumbar spondylosis and staying active are key components of recovery.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise is considered the first-line treatment. Programmes focusing on strength, mobility, endurance, and aerobic fitness improve pain and function.

Manual Therapy

Spinal mobilization or manipulation may provide short-term pain relief for selected individuals when combined with exercise.

Lifestyle Modification

Maintaining a healthy body weight, improving sleep, stopping smoking, and staying physically active support spinal health.

Medication

Pain-relieving medication may be appropriate under medical supervision for short-term symptom management.

Injections

Selected individuals with persistent pain related to specific spinal structures may be considered for injection therapy after specialist assessment.

Surgery

Surgery is generally reserved for conditions involving significant nerve compression, spinal instability, severe spinal stenosis, or persistent disabling symptoms.

Target: Core activation and lumbar mobility

Repetitions: 10–15 × 2 sets

Target: Lumbar mobility

Repetitions: 10–15

Target: Core stability and spinal control

Repetitions: 8–12 each side

Target: Gluteal muscles and posterior chain

Repetitions: 10–15 × 2–3 sets

Target: Functional lower-body strength

Repetitions: 10–15 × 2 sets

Target: Endurance and spinal health

Duration: Start with 10–20 minutes and progress gradually

Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain spinal health.

Strengthen Your Core and Hips

Strong trunk and hip muscles improve spinal support and function.

Avoid Long Periods of Sitting

Take movement breaks every 30–60 minutes during desk work or long drives.

Lift Safely

Use appropriate lifting techniques and avoid sudden twisting under heavy loads.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

Reducing excess body weight may decrease loading on the spine.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is associated with poorer disc health and slower tissue healing.

Low Back Pain

Sciatica

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Degenerative Disc Disease

Facet Joint Syndrome

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Spondylolisthesis

Osteoarthritis

Cauda Equina Syndrome (Medical Emergency)