Arthritis of the Spine

Arthritis is derived from the Greek word ā€œarthrosā€ meaning a joint and its attachments, and ā€œ-itisā€ means inflammation. The word “arthritis” refers to a condition of the body that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in joints. There are many different kinds of arthritis and fifty million Americans live with some form of it.

It is so common, approximately 90% of people fifty five years and older have some kind arthritis.Ā By 2020, it’s estimated that at least sixty million people will suffer from arthritis.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

This is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is derived from ā€œOsteoā€ meaning bone and the disease targets the weight-bearing joints in the body, including your spine. The sliding joint is one of the most common joints in the body and is located in between the individual vertebrae of the spine.

A joints contact area (known as the articular surface) is covered by cartilage and uses thick synovial fluid as lubricant. This removes friction and allows the joints to move with ease. However, natural deterioration in the joint eventually wears out the surrounding cartilage. After that happens, the joints start rubbing against each other more causing inflammation, bone spurs, and significant pain. The synovial fluid can also thin out over time, which can also cause inflammation.

Why The Spine Is at Greatest Risk

Due to the significant day-to-day strain that is placed on the spinal joints, the spine is at greater risk for arthritis and will experience degeneration over time.

Arthritis in the spine takes hold in the facet joints or vertebral joints. These joints are responsible for connecting the vertebrae and are located at the base of the spine. They are also allow for movements such as bending and twisting. Overtime, degeneration leads to osteoarthritis of the spine.

The pain produced by this disease can range from minimal to severe. In more severe cases, impacted nerves can produce pain in other parts of the body such as the buttocks and upper thighs. At more advanced stages, arthritis will cause more frictional pain. This produces additional back pain and stiffness which decreases motion and flexibility.

Spinal osteoarthritis can sometimes be mistaken for DDD (degenerative disc disease). DDD is the gradual deterioration of the spine discs found in between individual vertebrae that serve as cushions and shock absorbers for movements in the spine. These two conditions usually occur together, but it is important to note that they are different conditions.

What Causes Osteoarthritis in the Spine?

Osteoarthritis in the spine has several underlying causes and risk factors. This condition is irreversible, but you can take steps to protect yourself through lifestyle adjustments and healthy living overall.Ā 

Generally, spinal arthritis is caused by the gradual wearing down of the cartilage in the facet joints. These joints permit adjacent vertebrae flexing and extending. Once the cartilage wears down, inflammation and stiffness start to set in.

Bone spurs and osteophytes can develop due to the friction between the bones. This can narrow the spinal cord and cause painful nerve compression. The following are all common causes and risk factors for osteoarthritis in the spine:

Getting Older

The sad truth is that this is the most common cause of spinal arthritis. Deterioration of the joint cartilage increases as one grows older especially between the ages 30-50.

Your Gender

Gender does play a role when it comes to arthritis of the spine. Studies have shown that women, specifically post-menopausal women, are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Obesity

Excess weight is a direct cause of arthritis in the spine. That extra weight puts extra stress on theĀ weight-bearing joints and speeds upĀ cartilage deterioration in the facet joints.

Diseases That Impact Your Immune System

Specific diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and certain infections can cause arthritis in the spine. These impact your immune system and hamper your body’s ability to self heal.Ā 

Your Own Genetics

If there is a history of osteoarthritis in your family, then you will be at greater risk for developing this type of disease. Anyone who does have this type of medical history should be wary and speak to their doctor about ways to reduce other risk factors in their life.Ā 

Your Occupation or Career Path

Certain occupations will end up putting excess stress on the joints in the spine. If you work in construction, nursing or landscaping, you should take note and take better care of your back to avoid back pain.

Even our surgeons must be wary of this.Ā 

A job that requires repetitive bending and lifting will put excess stress on the joints and this can eventually trigger spinal osteoarthritis.Ā 

Spinal Trauma or Injury

Significant trauma on the spine (such as being in a car accident) puts stress on the joints and can put you at greater risk for spinal arthritis.Ā 

Poor Posture

Poor posture will increase the strain and stress on the joints. If you are struggling with your posture, then you should consider seeing a chiropractor or related medical professional. They can help improve your posture and eliminate this risk factor from your life.

Smoking

Smoking is an unhealthy habit for a myriad of reasons, but not many people realize that it also puts them at greater risk of developing arthritis in their back. If you needed another good reason to quit smoking this year, here you go!

Bone Deformities

Certain bone deformities can cause spinal arthritis. This may not even be something that produces noticeable symptoms. You should double check to be sure that your family doesn’t have a history of defective cartilage or related complications.Ā 

Symptoms of Spinal Osteoarthritis

The following are common symptoms from spinal osteoarthritis:

  • Stiffness or spontaneous feeling of joint locks
  • Pinched nerves
  • Inflammation
  • Localized pain or throbbing when the joint remains motionless
  • Radiating pain that arises from the back and to other extremities
  • Contact of bone to bone like crunching
  • Numbness
  • Tingling sensation
  • Decreased flexibility

Bone Spurs

If bone is damaged, it will work to repair itself by generating more bone. This is effective, but the new bone may have a different structure. Degeneration and additional friction in the facet joints and vertebrae can produce irregular bone growths overtime. These bone spurs are typically red flags for spinal arthritis, because the disease causesĀ increased friction in those joints.Ā 

How to Prevent Osteoarthritis of the Spine?

Research has shown evidence that genetics play an important role as the trigger for the onset of this disease. That being said, there are still steps one can take in order to prevent further deterioration (you can’t stop the aging process) and lower your risk of developing spinal arthritis.Ā 

Here are some steps you can take this year:

1) Strategic Weight Management

Remember that we mentioned obesity as a leading risk factor. So, managing oneā€™s weight is one of the best ways to limit unwanted stress on the facet joints in the spine. If you are overweight, we recommend working on a manageable diet and exercise plan.Ā 

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

In addition to helping maintain a healthy weight, a balanced, healthy diet will provide the body with the needed nutrients it needs to stave of deterioration and keep the joints in better working condition. Ā 

3. Low-Impact Exercises

Low-impact exercises can help keep the joints healthy. These types of workouts can target the muscles responsible for supporting your body weight and remove some of the pressure from the weight-bearing joints in the spine.

4. Maintain a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Overuse of the joints can also cause arthritis in the spine. Hence, balance is key to maintaining healthy joints. Swelled joints need more time to rest in order to heal. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule will help delay the development of arthritis in the joints.

5. Avoid Smoking and Abusing Alcohol

As you can see, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent arthritis from developing in the spine. Smoking is bad for the bones and it releases toxins in the body that can keep the spine from receiving certain nutrients. Abusing alcohol can leave your body dehydrate, which is also bad for your joints. The answer is simple, quit smoking and don’t abuse alcohol.Ā 

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.

Conservative Treatment Methods

Spinal arthritis may not require surgery to treat. Mild cases can often be corrected with more conservative treatments. There are several conservative treatment options and combining some of these may also possible depending on the patientā€™s circumstances.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on relieving the joints of the spine from unwanted tension and strain. Patients are made to undergo certain exercises in order to provide better circulation in the affected area.

It also focuses on strengthening core muscles to better distribute weight support in the body thereby, decreasing the load in those weight bearing joints. Physical therapy sessions may also include lessons in proper lifting techniques and other proper body mechanics.

Exercises for Arthritis

This will help increase the spineā€™s mobility and flexibility. It is important to do low-impact exercises such as walking and light stretching when starting out.

Spinal arthritis exercises will increase mobility and flexibility. Exercises such as swimming, walking and biking are example of low-impact exercises that can help the body remain active and healthy.

Medications for Arthritis

Usually, over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen is suggested to reduce inflammation, pain and other excruciating symptoms. This can however be harsh on the stomach. If a patient cannottake NSAIDs, then another over-the-counter medicine is prescribed ā€“ acetaminophen. Unlike the NSAIDs, it wonā€™t treat the inflamed part, but it will help lessen the pain from the arthritis. This however, will not be good for those who have liver problems and will have to be monitored for its intake.

Injections

In some cases, the physician may advise the use of corticosteroid injections. These are directly administered in the affected joints. This will reduce pain and inflammation and increase lost mobility. However, repeated injections are not advised since it can also damage the joints. Treatments then are mostly limited to a few times per year.

Rest

Are you getting enough sleep in your everyday life? Sometimes, adequate rest is enough to reduce the pain and inflammation from the affected joint.

Alternative Treatments for Arthritis of the Spine

There are also several alternative treatments that may be considered in addition to more conservative approaches. We do recommend working closely with your physician when trying an alternative method of treatment. This way, you can ensure that the treatment you’re receiving Ā is from a licensed practitioner.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an eastern medicine that utilizes thin needles which are inserted at specific points across the body. Evidence does suggest that acupuncture can provide relief from conditions like arthritis of the spine.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care works by realigning the spine. Evidence does suggest that chiropractic treatment can provide relief from the excruciating symptoms of spinal arthritis.Ā 

Herbal Medicines

Herbal medicines or plant-based remedies produced from items like flax, turmeric and ginger may be able to provide relief from arthritis symptoms. Be sure to discuss any herbal medicines with your doctor before incorporating into your treatment plan.Ā 

Surgical Treatment for Spinal Osteoarthritis

Open Spine Surgery

There are two types of open spine surgery that can be performed in Florida. The first one is called decompression surgery. This procedure is used to Ā relieve excruciating pain by removing impacted bone tissue, part of a disc, or other part of the spinal anatomy. This will help alleviate the pressure causing nerve compression.

The second type of surgery is spinal fusion. During this type of procedure, a bone graft or other material is placed so that two or moreĀ vertebrae can grow together. Spinal fusion provides more support and stability for the patient.Ā 

Note that there are also several cons to open spine surgery.

  1. It requires a large incision in the back or other parts in order to reach the affected area.
  2. The loss of blood, risk of infection and muscular disruption is much higher.
  3. It also requires a longer recovery period, which can potentially be more difficult.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

With advancements in surgical technology and procedures, minimally invasive spinal surgery can now be used to treat a wide range of spinal conditions. The procedure requires much smaller incisions, through whichĀ a series of dilating tubes are introduced. Visualization technology and micro-instruments are run through the tubes and the entire procedure can be performed without the need of exposing the entire impacted area.

After this procedure is done, the tubes are removed and the incisions are closed. Unlike traditional open spine surgery, this can be done as an outpatient surgery. Additional benefits include a shorter recover period, less chances for infection and loss of blood. However, this may not be favorable if there are multiple procedures to be performed in the spine.

Recovery Time Following Spine SurgeryĀ 

Patients are provided with specific instructions for their recovery period following spinal surgery.Ā Be sure to follow these instructions carefully. Traditional open spine surgery should take more time to heal from compared to a minimally invasive surgery, but the recovery period can differ per patient.Ā 

Here are some recovery tips from our surgical team at Florida Surgery Consultants:

  • Avoid applying excess stress on the spine by limiting weight lifting activities.
  • Don’t stay in one position for extended periods of time.Ā 
  • Avoid driving if you have taken pain medications.
  • Keep your bandage dressings from getting wet.
  • Contact your doctor if constipation occurs.

After a while, the patient will be able to do certain exercises that will help strengthen spine. Just make sure that you don’t over exert yourself and follow your physicianā€™s instructions closely.

There are recommended exercises depending on the part of the spine that was operated on.

If a cervical procedure was conducted then exercises may include the following:

  • Diaphragmatic breathing
  • Abdominal bracing
  • Cervical mobility flexion and extension
  • Cervical rotation
  • Shoulder shrugs

If a lumbar procedure was conducted then the following exercises may be introduced:

  • Diaphragmatic breathing
  • Abdominal bracing
  • Shoulder presses
  • Gluteal seats

Exercises that are more intensive in nature may eventually be introduced depending on the need of the patient and their overall condition.Ā 

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Our Spine Surgeon Team

Spine Surgeon

Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD

Board Certified Neurosurgeon Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Florida Surgery Consultants New Neurosurgeon Dr. Donna Saatman

Dr. Donna Saatman, MD

Board Certified Neurosurgeon – Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

What type of conditions do our Board Certified Spine Surgeons Treat?