Lumbar spondylosis is a fancy term for arthritis. Just like knee and hip joints, the joints in the back can wear out and become inflamed--arthritis. The facet joints in the spine are the spine joints in question. These joints can become very painful and refer pain into the legs or buttocks. Facet joint pain is usually worse when you are standing and feels best when sitting.

Annular tears in the disc can be very painful and also cause inflammation. This type of disc pain is worst when bending forward or sitting for long periods of time. Disc pain is releaved when the disc pressure is unloaded with inversion, traction or just lying down.

As you can see it is important to match your picture (MRI findings) with your story to determine the most likely cause of the back pain. Understanding the mechanics of back pain is the key to treatment. 

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

johnbdoin

11/11/09 8:32am

Thank you Dr.Lasich, for explaning this for me.I have one more Q for you if you dont mind. It says that there is a small pseudoarthrosis on the left transverse process of s1 and s2 moderate disc degeneration is present throughout the lumbar spine.the changes are most prominent at L5-S1 bulging disc material and spondylosis is present at all lumbar levels.Is this the reason for the extreme back pain I am in and what kind of treatment will I be getting for this? Thank you J.B.D.  

Christina Lasich, MD

11/11/09 3:42pm

You are welcome. Disc degeneration by itself does not cause back pain. Disc degeneration leads to other things like annular tears and arthritis that cause back pain. Personally, I am a huge believer in rehabilitation of the spine with a good physical therapist. You can find a good therapist with the AAOMPT locator.

 

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

johnbdoin

11/11/09 4:43pm

Thanks again,Dr.lasich I do have an annular tear and bulging disc also formaminal stenosis on the left side can you explain?