Spinal Arthritis
Painful Joint Disease in the Neck and Back
Facts and Information About Spinal Arthritis
-
There are several types of arthritis that affect the spine. Some are due
to aging and
wear and tear. Others result from an
overactive immune system, an infection, or are
inherited.
-
All forms of arthritis cause a breakdown of cartilage, the hard and slippery tissue that cushions the ends of bones where they
form a joint.
Contact National Spine & Pain Centers to
schedule an appointment with an affiliated pain specialist for Spinal Arthritis treatment today.
What is Spinal Arthritis
In the spine, arthritis usually affects:
-
The small facet joints found between the backbones, causing soreness and stiffness in the neck
and back that increases with inactivity.
To read more,
click here.
-
The large sacroiliac joints that connect the spine to the pelvis, causing a dull ache in the buttocks,
groin, or the back of the thigh.
-
The
sites where ligaments and tendons attach to the backbones, leading to
painful bone spurs. Bone spurs can put pressure on a nerve (pinching the nerve) and create
shock-like pain or numbness.
Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis
Although the symptoms of spinal arthritis may differ from person to person,
they usually include:
-
Neck and back pain (especially in the lower back)
-
Headaches (if there is arthritis in the neck)
-
Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the spine - people may have trouble straightening their back or turning
their neck
-
A feeling of “grinding” when moving the spine
-
Pain, swelling, and stiffness in other body areas (arms, legs)
- Weakness and fatigue
-
Shock-like pain and numbness in the arms or legs if a bone spur pinches a nerve
80% of adults will experience back pain in their lifetime.
Take the FREE back pain risk assessment to understand your risk factors, and aid in preventing complications in
the future.
The Most Common Types of Spinal Arthritis
In the spine osteoarthritis is the most common type, followed by rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Osteoarthritis - Arthritis caused by
wear-and-tear. Although common in the elderly, it can affect younger people if their joints are under strain (obesity
or repetitive sports such as running).
-
Rheumatoid arthritis - This is a disorder where the
immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and other tissues. It is more common in women. In addition to joint pain,
people often experience fatigue, fevers, weight loss, and eye problems.
To read more,
click here.
Less Common Types of Arthritis Involving The Spine
-
Ankylosing spondylitis - An autoimmune type of arthritis that causes backbones to fuse, making
the spine stiff. This condition may be inherited and it usually affects
men. There are other problems such as painful eye inflammations and heart
abnormalities.
-
Joint infections - A skin or a urinary tract infection spreads through the bloodstream
to infect joints. May also start after a wound becomes infected or after
drug injections.
-
Psoriatic arthritis - Joint pain in people who have psoriasis, a condition that causes the
appearance of an itchy, scaly rash. The small joints in the fingertips
and the spine are commonly affected.
-
Reactive arthritis - Joint pain and swelling triggered by an infection in another part of
the body, such as the intestines, genitals, or the urinary tract.
Diagnosing Spinal Arthritis
Your doctor may use the following measures to find out if you have spinal
arthritis:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Blood tests can show antibodies (used in Rheumatoid Arthritis) and other
markers that signal inflammation
- X-rays to find the arthritic joint
-
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerized tomography),
myelography, bone scan, or ultrasound to detect arthritis in the spine and to rule
out other causes for the neck/back pain
- Joint aspiration where joint fluid is removed and tested to find the type
of arthritis
- Numbing injections used to find the painful joint(s)
