Non-Operative — Lumbar Spondylosis / Degenerative Changes (Non-Operative)

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; lumbar support and assistive device for ambulation if indicated Phase I

Key Restrictions

Avoid prolonged sitting, bending, lifting, and repetitive twisting; lumbar support Phase I; assistive device if indicated; frequent position changes; reduce/D/C lumbar support Phase II; return to gym Phase III

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Phase I (0-6 wks, 6-8 visits — lumbar support, STM, joint mob, cat/camel, local TA/MF core, modified bridge, sit-to-stand, aquatics/NuStep/recumbent bike/treadmill), Phase II (6-12 wks, 6 visits — dead bug, bird dog, closed chain: squats/lunges/step-ups, anti-rotation, clamshell, balance, thread the needle), Phase III (12-16 wks, 2-4 visits — squat/carry progressions, single-leg pulldowns, PNF diagonals, progressive cardio), Phase IV (16+ wks, optional — sport/recreational specific with gradual loading)

Notes

January 2025; for lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc changes; similar structure to stenosis but without forced extension precaution; Oswestry Questionnaire; FABQ and STarT Back Tool for chronic cases; discharge: pain-free ranges of all lumbar motions and pre-injury performance without pain. [Archived copy — original Massachusetts General Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2026-05-10.]

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine

Published

January 2025