What Are Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis In The Spine
The primary signs of spinal osteoarthritis include lumbar spine and neck stiffness and pain.
Your symptoms are usually worse in the morning, subsiding during the day, only to worsen at night and potentially disrupt your sleep. The discomfort may radiate into your buttocks, hips, and thighs.
You may also experience:
Tenderness when the affected joint is pressed
Pain that worsens with movement
Reduced flexibility
A crunching feeling or sound
You may also experience numbness, tingling, or pinching sensations if the inflammation compresses part of your spinal cord or a peripheral nerve that extends out into your body.
This may cause sciatica pain or even cervical radiculopathy depending on what nerves are being compressed.
When the cartilage starts to wear away resulting in painful bone-on-bone contact it can also cause the bone to weaken and break, creating spinal fractures.
How Will I Know If I Have Lumbar Arthritis
If youre experiencing lumbar arthritis, you may have already been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. In most cases of psoriatic arthritis, a diagnosis of psoriasis will precede any arthritis symptoms that occur.
If youre experiencing stiffness, creaking, and lost range of motion in your lower back and have never been diagnosed by a doctor with arthritis, see your doctor. They will perform a physical exam to check for inflammation and swelling at the site of your pain.
If your doctor suspects that you have arthritis, you will probably need to have an X-ray. X-rays can show any issues with bone density, cartilage loss, and bone spurs that may be causing your pain.
X-rays can also be useful in tracking your arthritis and assessing whether your recommended treatment is preventing further damage to your joints.
Your doctor will also order a blood test to determine what kind of arthritis you have.
You may be referred to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in joint pain, for further testing.
Osteoarthritis Of The Back/spine
Spinal OA can make it hard to get around. Treatment can ease your back pain.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects the back. It can occur anywhere along the spine. Usually the low back and sometimes the neck are affected.
In OA, the cartilage that pads the ends of the bones wears down. In spinal OA, this occurs in the facet joints small joints located between and behind vertebrae.
When you move, the bones rub together painfully. Bony growths form in the joints. These spurs can press on nerves, causing more pain.
Causes of Back/Spine OA
The cause of OA is unknown. Some common factors that play a role in OA include:
- Age: The older you are the greater your chance of having OA.
- Weight: People who are overweight are more likely to have OA.
- Stress: Repeated joint stress from work or sports can increase your risk.
- Injury: A back injury can lead to OA.
- Genetics: Some people have a family history of OA.
Symptoms of Back/Spine OA
Symptoms usually start slowly and get worse as time goes by. Pain and stiffness may be worst when you first wake up or after sitting for a long time. Pain can also get bad after being very active.
- Stiffness and a loss of flexibility: Turning your neck or straightening your back may be tough.
- Pain: Your low back is the most common site of pain.
- Crepitus: You may have a feeling of grinding when moving.
- Tenderness and swelling: Your back along the affected joints may be sore to the touch.
Diagnosing Back/Spine OA
Non-Drug Treatments
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Reducing Your Risk Of Spinal Arthritis
You cant change your gender, race or genes, but there are other ways you may be able to lower your risk of spinal arthritis. These include:
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Getting regular low-impact exercise to strengthen back and core muscles
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Getting enough calcium and vitamin D to prevent or slow osteoporosis
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Sleeping on a firm mattress and using a supportive chair at work
If you have a family history of inflammatory spinal arthritis or if you have osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about additional ways you can manage your risk of developing arthritis of the back.
Treating Arthritis Of The Spine
If you have been diagnosed with spinal arthritis, form a close partnership with your doctor and commit to conservative treatment. A combination of treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , hot and cold therapy, regular exercise, a healthy diet and therapeutic massage help a large number of patients effectively manage this condition and live an active lifestyle. Spine surgery is almost always considered a last resort treatment, but it can offer the best chance of relief for some if conservative treatments have been exhausted and symptoms remain severe.
Learn more about USA Spine Cares minimally invasive outpatient spine surgery by reaching out to our dedicated team today. Our board-certified surgeons+ can access the spine to treat conditions such as arthritis of the spine with a less than 1-inch incision.
Find out if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures by asking for your free MRI review.*
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What Are The Symptoms
Facet joint degeneration can be painless until an event triggers symptoms. There are several symptoms that indicate a personâs pain is coming from the facet joints. The pain is often a diffuse, dull ache in the low back directly over the spine that can spread to the buttocks. In the neck it can be felt in the shoulders and back of the skull.
Movements such as bending backwards or twisting sideways towards the affected joint will cause pain. Standing or periods of inactivity may worsen the pain. Activities that take the weight off the joint such as sitting, leaning forward, or changing positions may ease the pain. Facet joint symptoms may also mimic the pain of a disc herniation. Pain may be felt down the arms or legs if bone spurs form and press on the spinal nerves. The pain may be chronic, or come in periodic flare-ups.
Treatments For Spinal Arthritis
Overtime the spine can develop a degenerative spine condition called spinal arthritis. Several factors can increase the risk of its development such as abnormal weight gain. This causes excruciating symptoms such as pain, numbness and stiffness. Through the help of a physician, there are several treatments that are available to a person who has developed arthritis in the spine and is suffering from certain symptoms.
Often the first step to treatment is to remove unwanted pressure on the joints, and increase strength and flexibility. However, this condition could also lead to other painful results such as
bone spurs and pinched nerves. Hence, treatment can possibly include medications and injections. Treatment can be classified to into two: conservative and surgical treatment.
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Physical Therapy Guide To Osteoarthritis Of The Spine
Read Time:
Osteoarthritis of the spine is a condition that usually occurs with aging and is typically diagnosed after age 50. Its causes include injury to the spine, wear and tear on the discs of the spine , or an inherited tendency to develop OA. Sometimes the cause is unknown. OA of the spine may cause pain and stiffness, and make it difficult to bend over, perform weight-bearing activities, such as walking, and accomplish daily tasks such as dressing and bathing. Your physical therapist will help you manage your condition, lessen your discomfort, and get moving again.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
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Treatments For Arthritis Of The Spine
Relieving the symptoms caused by arthritis of the spine can often be achieved through conservative measures, such as taking anti-inflammatory or pain medication, therapeutic massage, physical therapy, facet joint injections and hot/cold therapy. If, after weeks or months of doctor-guided treatment, symptoms do not improve or they suddenly worsen, you may be referred to a specialist for a surgical consultation. In this case, be sure to research all of your options. At USA Spine Care our minimally invasive spine surgery is a safer and effective alternative to traditional procedures, offering a streamlined outpatient experience. Contact our caring team today to learn more.
We can help you receive a no-cost MRI or CT scan review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.
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What Happens If Spinal Osteoarthritis Is Left Untreated
In many people, spinal osteoarthritis is mild and does not interfere significantly with their daily lives. No treatment may be needed. But if the pain or other symptoms become severe enough to limit your ability to work or participate in other activities you enjoy, it may be a sign that treatment is required.
Left untreated, spinal osteoarthritis can progress to a point where it causes spinal stenosis: narrowing in the spine that can compress the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This condition may require more intensive treatment and sometimes even surgery.
It’s always best to see a spine doctor early whenever you have pain or stiffness that is not getting better or may be getting worse. You should seek medical attention right away if you experience:
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling, including discomfort that travels down into your buttocks, hips, and legs
- Difficulty walking or balancing
Take Control Of Your Health
Arthritis isnt an entirely preventable disease. Some of us are always going to be more susceptible to it than others. We may have a genetic pre-disposition, we may have to work at a desk all day, or we may simply be getting older.
Dont let this discourage you. There are so many ways you can take control of your own health and take steps to relieving your arthritis symptoms.
Maybe you havent developed arthritis yet, and maybe you never will. But these are still great tips and great measures you can take to keep your body healthy and functioning properly.
Eating well, exercising regularly, avoiding injury and visiting your doctor are all great ideas regardless of whether or not you think you might be developing arthritis. By following these steps, youll soon be well on your way to a healthier you.
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How Is Spinal Arthritis Diagnosed
Your doctor may use some or all of the following diagnostic methods to confirm spinal arthritis:
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Medical history and physical exam
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Blood tests for genetic markers and/or RA antibodies
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X-rays of the spine to locate the arthritic joint
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MRI, CT scan, myelography, bone scan and/or ultrasound to zero in on the damage, detect nerve and spinal cord involvement or rule out other causes
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Joint aspiration: testing of the synovial fluid inside a joint
To pinpoint the painful joint, your doctor may numb it with an injection and check whether the pain goes away.
Surgery For Spinal Arthritis
Surgery may be recommended for spinal arthritis if other treatments dont sufficiently relieve pain. The goals of the surgery may include:
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Stabilizing the spine by fusing several segments together in a procedure called spinal fusion
These surgeries can be performed as open procedures or with a minimally invasive approach. There are pros and cons to each method. The surgeon will review and discuss the options before the operation.
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What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes chronic spine inflammation. Ankylosing spondylitis inflames the sacroiliac joints located between the base of the spine and pelvis. This inflammation, called sacroiliitis, is one of the first signs of AS. Inflammation often spreads to joints between the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column. This condition is known as spondylitis.
Some people with AS experience severe, persistent back and hip pain and stiffness. Others have milder symptoms that come and go. Over time, new bone formations may fuse vertebrae sections together, making the spine rigid. This condition is called ankylosis.
How Is Arthritis In The Spine Diagnosed
The physicians at OrthoNeuro provide thorough exams and tests to diagnose the different types of arthritis in the spine, including osteoarthritis.
After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will perform a physical exam to evaluate your overall health, musculoskeletal status, nerve function, and reflexes.
Your physician will also look for problematic vertebrae.
They will test your range of motion to determine how your pain and stiffness affect your daily activities that require bending, twisting, and reaching.
Your doctor may also ask you to walk around the office or perform some simple exercises.
You may need X-rays to help your doctor identify the damage or bone spurs. MRIs and CT scans also provide information about your bone health.
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Related Conditions That Cause Tingling Numbness Or Weakness
Osteoarthritis can stimulate muscle spasms, the growth of bone spurs, or other degenerative changes that cause the spinal cord or its nerve roots to become compressed. When the spinal cord or a nerve root is squeezed, the entire area it travels to can be affected.
Osteoarthritic-related conditions that affect the spinal nerve roots include:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis, which occurs when the size of the bony opening for a spinal nerve root in the lower back is reduced. Lumbar spinal stenosis causes the affected nerve root to become irritated or compressed as it exits the spine. A person may experience tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks, thighs, leg, and/or foot. When nerve roots between L4 to S3 in the lumbar spine are affected, the symptoms and signs are often referred to as sciatica.
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Read When to See a Surgeon for Spinal Stenosis on Spine-health.com
In most but not all cases, the symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis come and go, becoming worse and more frequent over months or years. If back pain comes on suddenly, it is more likely to be caused by a strained muscle or other trauma or condition, and not by spine osteoarthritis.
Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate treatment can dramatically slow or eliminate the progression of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Read more about Osteoarthritis Symptoms and Signs
Exceptional Multidisciplinary Care For Spinal Arthritis
The UH team of spine specialists have the expertise and experience to provide patients with the highest level of care for spinal arthritis. In fact, our spine program is one of only 20 programs in the country to be designated a Center of Excellence by the National Spine Institute.
We draw upon the expertise of a wide variety of clinical specialists to devise personalized treatment plans for each patient who comes to us for care. Your team may include:
- Orthopedic surgeons
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How Is Osteoarthritis Of The Spine Diagnosed
The best way to confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis is by X-ray. The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam to see if the person has pain, tenderness, loss of motion involving the neck or lower back, or if symptoms are suggestive, signs of nerve involvement such as weakness, reflex changes, or loss of sensation.
The doctor may order certain tests to aid in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the spine. These tests include:
- X-rays to look for bone damage, bone spurs, and loss of cartilage or disc however, X-rays are not able to show early damage to cartilage.
- Blood tests to exclude other diseases
- Magnetic resonance imaging to show possible damage to discs or narrowing of areas where spinal nerves exit
What Is The Prognosis For People Who Have Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms may gradually worsen as you age. The condition is rarely disabling or life-threatening. Still, symptoms like joint pain may interfere with your ability to do the things you love. Early interventions can ease inflammation and pain. A combination of physical activity and medications can help.
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Treatment For Arthritis Of The Spine
Arthritis of the spine usually presents pain or stiffness, like most other kinds of arthritis. Often, its worse in morning or at night and movement of the body can really help relieve pain.
There are many treatments, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and others. Sometimes, treatments for arthritis of the spine can include injections or surgery, but every persons case is different.
How To Treat Oa Of The Spine
Theres no cure for osteoarthritis of the spine, and the condition isnt reversible. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and to improve the mobility of the affected joint. Your doctor can discuss possible treatment options with you. Mild cases of OA of the spine may respond to over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen . Take this medication as directed to avoid liver damage. You can also relieve pain and inflammation with ibuprofen and naproxen sodium . Side effects of these medications include upset stomach, bleeding problems, and organ damage, so its important to take as directed.
If symptoms dont respond to over-the-counter medication, your doctor may suggest antidepressants used to treat chronic pain. Another option is a corticosteroid injection directly into affected joints. Surgery isnt a common treatment for OA of the spine, but in severe cases you doctor may recommend a procedure to replace damaged discs in your spine.
Other therapies for treating and coping with osteoarthritis of the spine include:
- gentle exercises to reduce pain and improve range of motion in the remaining cartilage
- heat or cold therapy
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