Lumbar Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lumbar Spondylosis?
A primary care doctor often does the first evaluation of lumbar spondylosis. An orthopedic doctor, a bone and joint doctor, or a neurosurgeon, a nerve surgeon, may help if it is severe. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is lumbar spondylosis?
When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it is known as spondylosis. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints.
Spondylosis is a wear-and-tear disorder that can cause loss of normal spine shape and function. When it affects the lower back, called the lumbar spine, several vertebrae, the bones of the spine, are usually involved.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck or low back.
- Pain or morning stiffness that lasts for about 30 minutes due to inactivity.
- Pain that worsens throughout the day due to activity.
- Limited motion.
Activity or long periods of inactivity can both trigger symptoms. Sitting for long periods, lifting, or bending may increase pain.
Pressure on nerve roots in the lower spine may cause leg pain or numbness.
Causes and who gets it
Aging is the primary cause, but the location and rate of wear varies per person. Spondylosis can wear down the discs and cause bone spurs. These can pinch nearby nerves.
Causes include:
- Age.
- Heredity.
- Being overweight.
- Joint injury.
- Too little physical activity.
As spondylosis worsens, bone spurs may narrow the spaces in the spine. This is called spinal stenosis. It puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors can usually make the diagnosis from your symptoms, a careful exam, and x-rays. On occasion, an MRI, a scan that makes detailed pictures, may be ordered to see how much damage is in the spine. An MRI can show damaged cartilage, loss of joint space, or bone spurs.
Treatment
Treatments without surgery are the mainstay, or main approach, for arthritis, including arthritis of the spine. They include:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines, most often ibuprofen or similar NSAIDs, to ease swelling and pain.
- Cortisone shots into the epidural space, which may be prescribed to help reduce swelling. This treatment often provides temporary pain relief that can last several months.
- Physical therapy or set exercises, which may help steady the spine, build endurance, and make you more flexible.
- Keeping a healthy weight, which is crucial to managing arthritis.
Surgery for spondylosis is uncommon. It may be needed if the narrowing gets severe and causes muscle weakness or numbness. Surgery may be advised if therapy and medicines do not end the pain, and the pain greatly limits daily life. Follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions.
Arthritis is a long-lasting condition. A primary care doctor typically does the follow-up.
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor if your pain does not improve after a few weeks. See a doctor also if back pain comes with weakness, pain, or numbness in your legs, fever, or weight loss that you did not intend. See a doctor too for back pain after a fall or injury.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you cannot pass urine or cannot hold it, or have numbness between your legs or over your buttocks. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine your back, order imaging, start nonsurgical care, and track your symptoms.
Common questions
Is lumbar spondylosis the same as arthritis of the spine?
Yes, spondylosis is the name for osteoarthritis of the spine.
Does lumbar spondylosis need surgery?
Usually not. Surgery for spondylosis is uncommon.
What treatments help lumbar spondylosis?
Treatments without surgery are the main approach. They include anti-inflammatory medicines, exercise therapy, and a healthy weight.
Can lumbar spondylosis cause leg pain?
Yes, it can. Pressure on nerve roots in the lower spine may cause pain or numbness in the legs.
Who should I see first for lumbar spondylosis?
Most people see their primary care doctor first.
Sources
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons - Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis)
- NIAMS - Back Pain
- OrthoInfo (AAOS) - Cauda Equina Syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
