It is characterized by enlargement of the posterior spinous processes of the lumbar spine, with normal intervertebral disc height and neuroforamina.

The reason it is referred to as kissing spine is because the posterior spinous processes 'kiss' and touch one another as the individual goes into lumbar extension, for example when flat on their stomach.

Osteophytes are coarse calcifications at the edges of bone that form due to repetitive stress and trauma.

If there are related symptoms, however, therapeutic options include chiropractic care, physical therapy and nerve block injections.

As a last resort, decompressive laminectomy may be attempted to relieve pain symptoms and remove the abnormally enlarged portions of bone.