Arthritis in the spine, also known as spinal arthritis, or arthritis in the back or neck, is inflammation that occurs in the spine, causing stiffness and lower back pain.
Spinal arthritis can be caused by the general wear and tear on the spine as a person ages, infection, or other conditions. While there are many different types of arthritis in the spine, osteoarthritis of the spine is the most common form. Osteoarthritis in the spine develops as the cartilage between the joints slowly breaks down, leading to inflammation and pain. People with osteoarthritis in the spine feel it most when they bend or twist their back.
The pain and inflammation associated with spinal arthritis can be life altering, causing difficulty performing day-to-day activities. If you or a loved one are struggling to manage pain caused by spinal arthritis, you can rely on our team of providers at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Interventional Pain Medicine to help you find relief.
What are the symptoms of spinal arthritis?
Spinal arthritis is usually marked by pain and stiffness in the back, but there are other symptoms associated with the condition. Some common symptoms of spinal arthritis may include:
- Back or neck pain that is often worse in the morning.
- Warmth or swelling in one or more joints that is more pronounced when the weather changes
- Tenderness in the affected area of the spine.
- Limited flexibility in the affected joint.
- Pinching, tingling, or numbness in a nerve in the spinal cord.
- Feeling fatigued or tired often.
Depending on the location of your spinal arthritis, you may experience symptoms of pain in other areas of the body such as the legs or buttocks.
What causes spinal arthritis?
As a degenerative joint disease, spinal arthritis typically is caused by the gradual wear and tear associated with aging. However, there are other causes for developing spinal arthritis. Some common causes of spinal arthritis include:
- Aging: Damage to cartilage over time causes spinal joints to have less protection, leading to spinal arthritis.
- Injuries: Spinal injuries or accidents such as fractures can cause joint damage that leads to spinal arthritis.
- Overuse: Repetitive stress to the spine can lead to the development of spinal arthritis.
- Conditions: Some inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders can lead to the development of arthritis in the spine.
Who’s at risk for spinal arthritis?
While anyone can get arthritis in the spine, some people are more likely than others. Some risk factors may include:
- Age
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Demanding occupations
- Being female
- Previous injury
- Autoimmune disorders
How is spinal arthritis diagnosed?
To diagnose your spinal arthritis, your provider will likely perform a physical exam along with some imaging tests. For the physical exam, your provider will check the range of motion you have in your back, as well as the pain associated with different movements. Once the physical exam is complete, you will likely have imaging tests performed to determine the exact location of your issue. Some of these tests may include:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
How is spinal arthritis treated?
Your NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine specialist will work with your other providers, such as your primary care doctor and orthopedist, to develop a comprehensive pain management plan. Treatments will vary depending on your level of pain, the severity of your arthritis, and your personal goals.
Nonsurgical treatments include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These pain medicine treatments help reduce pain and swelling.
- Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxants can help reduce spasms and tension associated with spinal arthritis.
- Corticosteroid injections: Injections of a corticosteroid into the affected joint can help relieve inflammation and pain caused by spinal arthritis.
- Physical therapy (PT): PT can help improve your range of motion and back strength.
- Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, stopping smoking, or correcting your posture can help reduce the stress on your back.
Your care team will often recommend a multi-treatment approach, such as NSAIDs, in combination with PT and lifestyle changes.
If nonsurgical treatments are not effective, you may need surgery to treat spinal arthritis. Your NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine specialist will work with the team at NGPG Orthopedic Surgery to manage your pain before and after surgery.
Choose NGPG for Spinal Arthritis Treatment
At NGPG we understand how pain caused by spinal arthritis can interfere with your day-to-day activities and function. If you or a loved one are experiencing back pain caused by spinal arthritis, you can rely on our team at NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine to provide you with advanced and effective pain management options.
Our team of providers are dedicated to treating acute and chronic pain caused by conditions like spinal arthritis. With our board-certified physicians and access to the latest advancements in pain management, NGPG Interventional Pain Medicine provides the care you need to get back to your life pain-free.