Lumbar osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the cartilage of the vertebrae of the lower back. It is a normal aging process that does not always cause symptoms. When they occur, the most common symptoms are discomfort, stiffness, pain or numbness in the back or in one leg. These symptoms may increase when standing, bending backwards, or during a movement that puts a lot of strain on the back muscles. You might feel more stiffness in the morning.
Exercises often help reduce symptoms, but too much effort can have the opposite effect. A physiotherapist will help you find the right dosage to relieve pain and limit the progression of your osteoarthritis.