What are the symptoms of lumbar spondylosis?

Some people have changes in the lower spine without symptoms. When symptoms occur, the back may feel sore after prolonged sitting, standing, lifting, or turning, with stiffness after rest. Pain can spread into the buttock or leg if nearby tissues irritate a nerve; this may feel burning, tingling, or electric and may include numbness or weakness. Narrowing around spinal nerves can make leg discomfort or heaviness worse with standing or walking and better with sitting or leaning forward. Lumbar spondylosis can overlap with disc disease, sciatica, or spinal stenosis, so examination matters.

Arrange an assessment when back or leg symptoms persist, recur, or interfere with movement, work, or sleep. Keep gently active within your limits and avoid long periods in one position; a physiotherapist can guide mobility, trunk strength, and activity pacing. A clinician may discuss medication after checking your health and other medicines. Imaging is not always needed immediately and is interpreted alongside the examination, especially when nerve symptoms are present.

Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs or genitals, or rapidly worsening weakness in both legs. Get urgent help for severe back pain after significant trauma, or back pain with fever and feeling very unwell. Prompt review is also needed for progressive leg weakness or difficulty walking.

Do my symptoms suggest nerve irritation or narrowing around the spine? Which movements should I continue, and what should I temporarily modify? What changes would require urgent review?