When is physiotherapy recommended for lumbar spondylosis?

Lumbar spondylosis refers to age-related changes in the lower spine that can affect joints, discs and surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include aching, stiffness after rest or pain that travels into a leg when a nerve is irritated. A physiotherapist assesses spinal movement, hip flexibility, trunk and leg strength, balance and the activities that aggravate symptoms. Treatment may combine graded strengthening, mobility work, posture and lifting advice, and strategies for returning to walking or work. The exercise choice should reflect your examination rather than an imaging finding alone.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms persist, recur, or make sitting, walking, sleep or work difficult. Keep moving within a tolerable range and change position regularly instead of staying in bed for long periods. Note whether bending, lifting or prolonged sitting changes your symptoms. Read about [Lumbar Spondylosis](/conditions/lumbar-spondylosis/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs or groin, worsening weakness in a leg, or difficulty walking. Prompt assessment is also needed with fever, unexplained weight loss, severe night pain, or back pain after significant injury.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest nerve irritation, which activities should be modified, whether imaging is needed, and how strength and walking ability will be monitored.