What does having mild lumbar spondylosis with disc space narrowing at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels mean for an adult patient?

What Your X-Ray Results Mean

Your X-ray shows normal age-related wear and tear in your lower back (called "mild lumbar spondylosis"), which is extremely common and does not require surgery or aggressive treatment.

Understanding Your Findings

The Disc Changes

• Disc height loss at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1: Think of the discs between your vertebrae as cushions that naturally flatten over time, like old couch cushions 1, 2
• This is present in approximately 77% of women over age 40 and is considered a normal part of aging 2
• The "endplate irregularities and sclerosis" simply means the bones have adapted to these changes by becoming slightly denser—this is your body's natural response 1

The Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)

• The "anterior marginal osteophytes" are small bone spurs that form as your spine stabilizes itself 3, 2
• These are extremely common and usually do not cause symptoms 3
• Research shows these bone spurs alone are not associated with increased pain or disability 3

The Facet Joint Changes

• "Mild facet joint arthropathy" means mild arthritis in the small joints of your spine 1
• This is found in most people over 40 and typically does not require treatment 2

What This Means for You

The good news:

• No fractures or dislocations 1
• Normal alignment of your spine 1
• Normal bone density 1
• No acute (emergency) findings 1

Important context:

• These findings are present in 60-80% of people without any back pain 4
• The severity of x-ray changes does not predict how much pain you will have 3, 2
• Most people with these findings live normal, active lives 4, 2

What You Should Do

If You Have No Pain or Minimal Pain:

• No treatment needed 4
• Stay physically active—this is better than rest 4
• Continue normal activities 4

If You Have Back Pain:

• Start with conservative management for at least 6 weeks 4
• Physical therapy focusing on core strengthening and flexibility 4
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen 4
• Heat or cold therapy 4
• Stay active—bed rest makes things worse 4

When to See a Doctor Urgently:

• New weakness in your legs 4
• Loss of bowel or bladder control 4
• Numbness in the groin/inner thigh area 4
• Progressive numbness or tingling in both legs 4

Common Misconceptions to Avoid

• Myth: "Degeneration means my spine is falling apart"

  • Reality: This is normal aging, like gray hair or wrinkles 2

• Myth: "I need surgery to fix this"

  • Reality: Surgery is rarely needed for these findings alone 5, 6

• Myth: "I should avoid physical activity"

  • Reality: Staying active is the best treatment 4

• Myth: "These changes will definitely cause pain"

  • Reality: Most people with these x-ray findings have no pain 4, 3

Bottom Line

Your x-ray shows normal age-related changes that are found in the majority of adults over 40 2. These findings alone do not require treatment, surgery, or significant lifestyle changes 4. If you develop symptoms, conservative treatment (physical therapy, staying active, pain management) is highly effective in 60-80% of cases within 6-12 weeks 4.