Lumbar Spondylosis  

Information for Veterans and First Responders

Living with persistent back pain or stiffness can take a toll on anyone, particularly veterans who have faced physically demanding roles during their service.  

Lumbar spondylosis, also known as spondylosis in the lumbar spine, is a degenerative condition of the lower spine, often leading to chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and challenges in daily life. 

At Provocatus, as a veteran owned and operated company, we personally understand the unique health challenges that veterans face. This page is designed to provide an overview of lumbar spondylosis, its symptoms, treatment options. 

What is lumbar spondylosis? 

Symptoms of lumbar spondylosis 

Common symptoms of lumbar spondylosis include: 

  • Chronic lower back pain

  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion 

  • Numbness or tingling in the legs 

  • Muscle weakness 

  • Difficulty walking or maintaining balance 

In some cases, individuals may also experience cervical and lumbar spondylosis symptoms, which can include pain or stiffness radiating from the neck or lower back, depending on the affected spine region. Symptoms may vary in severity and can worsen with prolonged activity or ageing. 

Diagnosis and treatment of lumbar spondylosis 

Diagnosis 

Diagnosing lumbar spondylosis involves an appointment with your preferred GP, thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.  

These assessments help identify the extent of spinal degeneration and rule out other potential causes of symptoms. 

Treatment for lumbar spondylosis may include: 

  • Conservative approaches 

  • Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles 

  • Medications like NSAIDs for pain relief 

  • Lifestyle changes, including improved posture and weight management

  • Surgical interventions (for severe cases) 

  • Decompression surgeries to relieve nerve pressure 

  • Spinal fusion for structural stability 

Learn more about how Provocatus supports veterans with chronic conditions such as lumbar spondylosis through the Veteran Access Scheme™. 

For veterans, the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) program offers a valuable pathway to access treatment while their claims are being processed. Learn more about how PAMT works.

Treatment Options

Nicole, Customer Care Lead at Provocatus

“The healthcare journey for veterans can be very daunting, Provocatus is committed to understanding and supporting the veteran and their families.”

Veterans with lumbar spondylosis 

Veterans often face a higher risk of lumbar spondylosis due to the rigorous physical demands and heavy lifting associated with military duties.  

Recognising this, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides support for veterans diagnosed with service-related lumbar spondylosis. 

Veterans may also access treatment through programs like the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) while claims are processed. 

At Provocatus, we take pride in addressing the unique health challenges faced by veterans. Explore the Pillars of Care that guide our approach. 

Resources and support

For more information on Lumbar Spondylosis visit: 

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA): Comprehensive details on accepted conditions and compensation. 
Learn more about DVA Compensation claims and services

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT): Access treatment while your claim is being processed. Explore PAMT benefits 

DVA clinical resources for spondylosis: Information on lumbar, cervical, and thoracic spondylosis.

Looking for additional insights?  

Read our latest blog post on the DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program and get more information through our DVA claims guide on veteran health topics. 

FAQ’s

  • You should contact your GP to discuss treatment options. If you do not have a GP, please contact us and we will assist you with finding a GP in your local area or book a telehealth consultation if you live in a rural area where a GP is unavailable.

  • In relation to your claim, contact the DVA directly and they will advise you on the next steps. If you are looking for treatment options, speak to your GP or contact us to put you in touch with a GP local to you.

  • The DVA RAP SOP listing provides the most current information and guidance, prepared by a DVA contracted medical adviser, on confirming a diagnosis, applying a SOP correctly, establishing clinical onset, assessing clinical worsening, applicable ICD codes; and changes made in the most recent versions of the SOPs, as detailed in SOP bulletins that were issued at the time of the changes. 

    Currently (as at November 2024) Lumbar Spondylosis is classified under Thoracolumbar Spondylosis N004  

At Provocatus, our clinical team understands the challenges of managing conditions like lumbar spondylosis. We are here to provide personalised care, guide you through treatment options.

Contact us today to take the first step toward relief and improved wellbeing.