Lumbar Spondylosis: Symptoms, Treatment & Long-Term Management

Lumbar spondylosis is a condition characterised by degeneration within the lower spine. It usually affects the facet joints and/or intervertebral discs. The spine reaches skeletal maturity at a relatively young age, often before the age of 18. Therefore, it is not uncommon to start seeing degenerative changes from your 20s onwards.

Common Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis

Symptoms are typically characterised by persistent low back pain that can flare up from time to time. Many patients report:

• Pain and stiffness when getting out of bed in the morning

• Increased pain after periods of inactivity

• Difficulty mobilising after sitting for prolonged periods

• Back stiffness after standing or remaining in the same position for too long

• Intermittent flare-ups of more severe pain

  
  

In some cases, surrounding muscles can become tight and inflamed. This may further contribute to discomfort and reduced mobility.

Why Does Lumbar Spondylosis Occur?

Unfortunately, we currently do not have the technology to reverse the ageing process within the spine. Degenerative changes naturally occur over time and can be influenced by various factors, including:

• Genetics

• Previous injuries

• Poor posture

• Repetitive strain

• Reduced physical activity

• Occupational loading

  
  

Spondylosis can occur throughout the entire spine. This can cause thoracic back pain, mid-back pain, neck pain, and low back pain. Treatment is therefore focused on managing symptoms, improving function, and slowing progression where possible.

Exercise & Rehabilitation

First-line treatment for lumbar spondylosis includes exercises designed to improve flexibility, mobility, and core strength. Regular movement and strengthening exercises can help:

• Improve spinal support

• Reduce stiffness

• Improve posture

• Reduce the frequency of flare-ups

• Enhance long-term function

  
  

You can visit the Elite Joint Solutions YouTube Channel for exercises designed to help manage lumbar spondylosis long-term.

Recommended Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LWiw1JmqLY

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• If you find some exercises difficult or painful, it is always advisable to seek expert advice. This will help assess both your technique and the suitability of exercises for your specific condition.

Acupuncture for Lumbar Spondylosis

At Elite Joint Solutions, we also offer acupuncture for lower back pain, mid-back pain, and neck pain to help manage long-term pain associated with lumbar spondylosis. Acupuncture may help by:

• Reducing muscular tension around the lumbar spine

• Stimulating local blood flow

• Helping reduce inflammation

• Promoting relaxation and pain relief

  
  

A course of treatment is usually recommended initially. Once symptoms are under better control, treatments can often be reduced to maintenance sessions every 1–2 months, depending on symptom severity.

Physiotherapy, Massage & Chiropractic Treatment

We also offer a combined approach involving:

• Back Physiotherapy

• Sports massage

• Chiropractic treatment

  
  

These treatments are designed to improve:

• Spinal mobility

• Flexibility

• Muscle function

• Overall movement patterns

  
  

Improving mobility within the spine can significantly help manage symptoms over the long term. Similar to acupuncture, a course of treatment is usually recommended initially before gradually reducing to monthly or bi-monthly maintenance sessions.

These approaches have been clinically shown to help manage symptoms associated with lumbar spondylosis. However, it is important to emphasise that no treatment can guarantee that flare-ups will never happen again.

Managing Acute Flare-Ups

During acute flare-ups, symptoms can become quite debilitating. During these periods, I generally recommend:

• Temporarily reducing or stopping exercises

• Resting relative to pain levels

• Using medication to help manage symptoms

• Short courses of hands-on therapy or acupuncture

  
  

Most flare-ups settle within 10 days to 6 weeks. If medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are not helping, at Elite Joint Solutions, we may be able to prescribe stronger medication options where clinically appropriate, including:

• Weak opioids

• Neuropathic pain agents

• Anti-inflammatory medication

  
  

Interventional Treatments

Surgery is now rarely considered for lumbar spondylosis due to limited evidence supporting its effectiveness for general degenerative back pain. However, if the facet joints are identified as the main source of pain, procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be considered. Radiofrequency treatment has been shown to provide temporary relief for some patients suffering from facet joint-related back pain.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If your back pain is persistent, worsening, or impacting your quality of life, it is important to seek professional assessment. This will ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. If you would like to discuss your lumbar spondylosis in more detail, please contact:

Elite Joint Solutions Contact Page