Lumbar Spine Arthritis What is lumbar arthritis?
Arthritis is a common problem of the lumbar spine that can lead to a number of different symptoms. Lumbar spine arthritis is most commonly seen in older patients, but can be seen in all age groups. Patients who are at higher risk for developing lumbar spine arthritis include: • older patients • obese individuals • heavy laborers • those with previous injuries to the spine Where does arthritis occur in the spine? Arthritis of the lumbar spine is a problem that occurs in the joints that connect each spinal segment, or vertebrae. The vertebrae are connected in three places. In front of the spinal cord, the vertebrae are separated by a cushion-like spinal disc. Behind the spinal cord, the vertebrae are connected by two small joints called facet joints. These facet joints, together with the spinal disc, allow movements of the spine including forward bending, arching your back, or sideways twisting. When the facet joints become arthritic, these spinal movements become painful and stiff. Lumb
