Spondylosis, Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disc Disease - what does that all mean?
Lower back pain is a common issue that affects millions of people. For many, the underlying cause is spondylosis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease (DDD)—age-related conditions that result from stress and strain on the spine. These conditions can sound daunting, but understanding them can empower you to manage your symptoms and maintain a better quality of life.
What do all these words mean?
Spondylosis
This is a general term for the natural aging changes in the spine. When it occurs in the lower back, it’s called lumbar spondylosis. Over time, the joints, discs, and ligaments of the spine wear down, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and sometimes nerve irritation.
Osteoarthritis
A form of arthritis, this condition occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints in your spine gradually breaks down. Without this cushion, bones rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and the potential growth of bone spurs, which can press on nearby nerves.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
The discs between your vertebrae are like shock absorbers. With age, they lose water content, become thinner, and can develop small tears. This can cause pain, reduced flexibility, and even nerve compression if the disc bulges or herniates.
What causes these conditions?
These conditions are mainly caused by aging, but other factors can speed up the process, including:
Repetitive stress: Physical labour, heavy lifting, or high-impact sports can strain the spine over time.
Injuries: Trauma or accidents can damage the discs or joints, accelerating wear and tear.
Genetics: If these conditions run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them.
Lifestyle factors: Obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to the progression of these conditions.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of these conditions can vary depending on the severity, but common signs include:
Lower back pain: This can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain, especially during movement.
Stiffness: Many people feel stiff in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
Reduced mobility: Activities like bending, twisting, or lifting can feel more difficult.
Nerve symptoms: If the spinal nerves are compressed, you may experience pain, tingling, or weakness radiating into your legs (commonly known as sciatica).
How can these conditions be treated?
Managing these conditions often involves a combination of approaches, and can either be conservative (non-operative), or surgical.
Conservative treatments (non-operative)
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage inflammation and discomfort. In some cases, your GP may prescribe stronger medications.
Physiotherapy: This is often the first line of defence for improving mobility, reducing pain, and strengthening the spine’s support system.
Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and incorporating regular low-impact exercise can significantly reduce stress on the spine.
Heat therapy: Applying heat can relax tight muscles, can reduce inflammation, and reduce acute pain.
Surgical options:
If symptoms are severe or don’t respond to conservative treatments, surgical options may be necessary. These might include:
Discectomy: Removing a damaged portion of a disc that’s pressing on a nerve.
Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebra to create more space for the spinal cord or nerves.
Spinal fusion: Permanently connecting two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
How can physiotherapy help with lower back pain?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing spondylosis, osteoarthritis, and DDD. Here’s how:
Pain relief techniques: We can use hands-on treatments, such as massage or joint mobilization, to ease discomfort and reduce stiffness.
Strengthening exercises: Building strength in the core and back muscles helps support the spine and reduce stress on affected areas.
Stretching and mobility: Targeted stretches can improve flexibility, making everyday movements easier and less painful.
Posture retraining: Learning posture techniques during sitting, standing, and lifting can prevent further stress and strain.
Customised exercise plans: We can design a program tailored to your specific needs, helping you stay active without aggravating your symptoms.
Staying Active Safely: While rest is important during flare-ups, staying active is equally crucial for long-term management. Low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, or walking are excellent options to keep your spine healthy without overloading it.
When should I seek help for lower back pain?
If your pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms like leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition.
Living with spondylosis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite activities. With the right combination of treatments—including physiotherapy—you can manage symptoms, improve your mobility, and get back to living your life.
If you’re struggling with back pain, book a session today. We at First Line Physio will create a personalised plan to help you feel better and stay active.
This advice is meant to guide and educate but is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.