Lumbar Spondylosis
Lumbar spondylosis is the gradual wear and tear of the lower spine that occurs with age. Often described as the spinal equivalent of osteoarthritis, it affects the intervertebral discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. As these structures naturally degenerate over time, the discs lose hydration and height, the joints become arthritic, ligaments may thicken, and bone spurs can develop.
These age-related changes can narrow the spaces within the spine, placing pressure on nearby spinal nerves and leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, or nerve-related pain in the legs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis can range from mild to more severe, depending on the extent of the degenerative changes. Common symptoms include:
Lower back pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest (mechanical back pain)
Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity or in the morning
Reduced flexibility or range of motion in the lower back
Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs if nearby spinal nerves become compressed
In more advanced cases, difficulty walking or reduced balance due to nerve compression
Non-Surgical Management
Many patients with lumbar spondylosis can successfully manage their symptoms without surgery. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and slowing the progression of symptoms through a combination of lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and targeted pain management.
Treatment options may include:
Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the spine
Lifestyle changes, including weight management, regular low-impact exercise, and smoking cessation
Physical therapy to improve flexibility, core strength, and spinal stability
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications to help manage symptoms
Facet joint injections to relieve pain originating from the spinal joints
Medial branch blocks to help diagnose and treat facet joint pain
Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves
Intracept® Procedure for appropriately selected patients with chronic vertebrogenic low back pain
Surgical Management
Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide lasting relief or when significant nerve compression, spinal instability, or spinal deformity is affecting your quality of life. The most appropriate procedure depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms and your overall spinal health.
Surgical treatment options may include:
Lumbar decompression surgery (laminectomy or foraminotomy) to relieve pressure on compressed spinal nerves
Spinal fusion surgery to stabilize the spine when instability or severe facet joint degeneration is present
What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive treatment used to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves. By delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, these injections can help relieve pain, numbness, and tingling caused by conditions such as radiculopathy, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
For many patients, epidural steroid injections provide enough relief to improve daily function, participate more comfortably in physical therapy, or delay or avoid surgery.
✓ Outpatient procedure
✓ Image-guided for precision
✓ Minimally invasive
✓ No general anesthesia required
✓ Typically completed in less than 30 minutes
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're seeking a second opinion or exploring treatment options, our fellowship-trained spine specialists are here to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and learn about the treatment options that are right for you.