What is lumbar degenerative change?

Lumbar degenerative changes are a natural physiological process that occurs with aging, primarily involving gradual aging and alterations of tissues such as the lumbar intervertebral discs, ligaments, facet joints, and surrounding spinal muscles. It is not a disease but rather a progressive process, more commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Key features of degeneration include: 1. Disc degeneration: Reduction in disc water content and decreased elasticity, potentially leading to narrowing of the intervertebral space. 2. Bone spur formation (osteophyte formation): Extra bone may grow along bone edges to cope with pressure and friction, forming bone spurs. 3. Facet joint arthritis: Wear and tear of joint surfaces, causing arthritic symptoms such as pain and stiffness. 4. Ligament laxity: The ligaments supporting the lumbar spine become thinner and looser, affecting spinal stability. 5. Spinal stenosis: Due to the above changes, the space within the spinal canal may decrease, compressing nerve roots. These changes may be asymptomatic, but in certain cases, such as when nerves are compressed, they can cause symptoms including low back pain, numbness in the lower limbs, and muscle weakness. If symptoms occur, timely medical attention is advised.