What does low back arthritis feel like?

I was dealing with severe lower back stiffness and a deep, gnawing pain that made getting out of bed in the morning a nightmare. After consulting a physiotherapist and starting gentle core-strengthening exercises, my mobility has improved so much. Getting a proper MRI and professional medical guidance is the best way to tackle this.

For me, it feels like a constant tightness in my lower spine, and sometimes the pain shoots down to my buttocks when I sit for too long. Does anyone else also feel extremely stiff in the morning, almost like your back is locked? I am quite worried and have booked a specialist appointment for this week.

It usually feels like a heavy, dull ache and a scary amount of stiffness when you try to stand up straight. I always end up overthinking and imagining the worst spinal issues whenever my back hurts like this, but a quick doctor's visit usually calms me down. Please don't stress, just show it to a specialist to get the right treatment plan.

From what my orthopedic specialist explained, lower back arthritis involves the wearing down of the facet joints in the spine, leading to localized pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. The discomfort typically worsens with prolonged inactivity or bending backwards, and can sometimes cause nerve compression. It is highly recommended to consult a doctor for an X-ray or MRI to get an accurate assessment.