Most commonly, it involves the L4 slipping over the L5 vertebra.

Specific movements, such as sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting or bending, may increase pain.ĭegenerative spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra over another) is caused by osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Because the lumbar spine carries most of the body's weight, activity or periods of inactivity can both trigger symptoms. When spondylosis affects the lumbar spine, several vertebrae are usually involved. Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord or on nerve roots branching out from that area may cause pain or numbness in the legs. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord may produce pain or numbness in the shoulders and arms. The narrowing can affect a small or large area of the spine. When this compression occurs, it can cause impaired function and pain. This can lead to disc degeneration and bone spurs (also known as osteophytes), which can pinch nerves that are near the discs or spurs.Īs spondylosis worsens, progressive narrowing due to osteophyte growth may cause spinal stenosis - a narrowing of spaces in the spine that results in pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Spondylosis can affect the cervical, thoracic and/or lumbar regions of the spine, with involvement of the intervertebral discs and facet joints. Although aging is the primary cause, the location and rate of degeneration varies per person. Spondylosis is a degenerative disorder that can cause loss of normal spinal structure and function. When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it is known as spondylosis. It serves as a kind of 'shock absorber,' helping to reduce friction in the joints. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints. It most commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, lower back and neck. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints and can occur in almost any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects middle-aged or older people most frequently. Osteoarthritis | American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Left hip xray normal vs arthritis