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Osteoarthritis of lumbar spine

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Lumbar spinal osteoarthritis (LSO) is a degenerative joint disease affecting the facet joints and intervertebral discs of the lower spine. It is a common cause of chronic low back pain, particularly in older adults.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is typically based on clinical presentation and imaging findings 1.
  • Imaging (e.g., X-ray, MRI) may reveal joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and subchondral sclerosis 1.
  • Management

  • Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, is a management option for low back pain 1.
  • Co-management and treatment management by doctors of chiropractic are supported 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Doctors of chiropractic are well-suited to diagnose, treat, co-manage, and manage the treatment of patients with low back pain 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
  • References

    1 Globe G, Farabaugh RJ, Hawk C, Morris CE, Baker G, Whalen WM et al.. Clinical Practice Guideline: Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics 2016. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Clinical Practice Guideline: Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain.Globe G, Farabaugh RJ, Hawk C, Morris CE, Baker G, Whalen WM et al. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics (2016)

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