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Musculoskeletal291 papers

Osteoarthritis of spine

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Spinal osteoarthritis, also known as spondylosis, is a degenerative condition affecting the facet joints and intervertebral discs of the spine. It is a common cause of chronic low back pain, particularly in older adults.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnostic testing is not indicated for the majority of patients with low back pain 1.
  • Recommendations are provided for various diagnostic tests including roentgenograms (x-rays), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography, and electromyography 1.
  • Management

  • No management information was provided in the abstracts.
  • Special Populations

  • No information on special populations was provided in the abstracts.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Diagnostic testing is not indicated for the majority of patients with low back pain 1. (Evidence: Strong)
  • Recommendations are given for diagnostic tests such as roentgenograms, MRI, computerized tomography, and electromyography 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
  • References

    1 Hegmann KT, Travis R, Belcourt RM, Donelson R, Eskay-Auerbach M, Galper J et al.. Diagnostic Tests for Low Back Disorders. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2019. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Diagnostic Tests for Low Back Disorders.Hegmann KT, Travis R, Belcourt RM, Donelson R, Eskay-Auerbach M, Galper J et al. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine (2019)

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