LUMBAR ARTHRITIS
If you’re suffering from Lumbar Arthritis, please schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is Lumbar Arthritis?
Lumbar arthritis affects the joints in the lower back and develops when cartilage in the facet joints wear down over time. These joints guide movement and keep the spine stable. When cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the lower back.
The lumbar spine carries most of the body’s weight and supports bending, lifting, and twisting. This constant stress leads to gradual wear with age. As the condition progresses, patients notice increasing discomfort, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.
What Causes Lumbar Arthritis?
Lumbar arthritis develops when ongoing stress damages the joints in the lower spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Common causes include:
- Aging: Cartilage naturally thins with age, reducing joint cushioning and increasing friction.
- Repetitive strain: Frequent bending, lifting, or twisting accelerates joint wear.
- Previous injuries: Past trauma can disrupt joint alignment and speed degeneration.
- Excess body weight: Extra weight increases pressure on the lumbar spine.
- Poor posture: Improper posture places uneven stress on the lower back.
Symptoms of Lumbar Arthritis
Lumbar arthritis develops slowly, and symptoms begin as mild lower back discomfort that becomes more noticeable over time. Pain often worsens with movement, standing, or prolonged sitting. Reduced flexibility makes bending and twisting harder. Some patients notice a grinding or clicking sensation, along with muscle tightness as the body stabilizes the joints.
As Lumbar Arthritis progresses, inflammation may irritate nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or thighs. Some patients experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Severe leg weakness, loss of coordination, or changes in bladder or bowel control require urgent medical attention.
Treatment Options for Lumbar Arthritis
Orthopedic spine specialists and neurosurgeons often treat lumbar arthritis by reducing pain, improving mobility, and slowing progression. They usually begin with conservative care.
Non-surgical treatments may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to strengthen core and support the spine
- Low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming to maintain mobility
- Stretching routines to reduce stiffness
- Hot or cold therapy to ease inflammation and muscle tension
- Weight management to reduce spinal pressure
If conservative care fails, corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation around joints or nerves. In advanced cases, surgery may be considered to stabilize the spine and relieve nerve pressure.
When to Seek Professional Care for Lumbar Arthritis
If lower back pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens, or interferes with daily activities, see a specialist immediately. Pain that limits walking or standing despite rest should not be ignored. Evaluation is also important if symptoms spread into the hips or legs, or if numbness, tingling, or weakness develops. Immediate care is needed if severe leg weakness, loss of coordination, or bladder or bowel changes occur, as these may signal serious nerve involvement.