Types of Spinal Arthritis

Degenerative Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the Spine

• Degenerative arthritis of the spine is a common condition related to “wear and tear” or degeneration of the bones and soft tissue of the spine. Arthritis most often occurs due to natural ageing process but may occur with rheumatoid arthritis and sometimes due to hereditary factors.
• Symptoms of degenerative arthritis may be mild or in severe spinal arthritis may be disabling. The symptoms are pain and stiffness of the involved area of the spine. There may be popping and catching with motion and often the motion is limited in the spine. Also symptoms of numbness and weakness of the extremities may be related to inflammatory swelling pressing on the nerves to the arm or leg.
•  If you have been diagnosed with spine arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and have tried other therapies with no success, it may be time for you to consider a minimally invasive procedure as a treatment option? The spine arthritis treatment page demonstrates how minimally invasive techniques work to treat symptoms caused by arthritis of the spine. Contact us today to receive a free MRI or CT scan review,

Cervical Spine Arthritis

Neck Arthritis

• Cervical spondylosis is a common condition affecting the neck that results from degeneration (osteoarthritis) of the bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae). It often occurs related to natural aging process but can be due to hereditary conditions. Symptoms of cervical spinal arthritis may range from mild to disabling. Symptoms of cervical arthritis may be pain and throbbing in the neck, catching or popping sensations, Limited range of motion, and sometimes a feeling of bone rubbing on bone. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation.
• If you have been diagnosed with cervical spine arthritis or cervical rheumatoid arthritis and have tried other therapies with no success, it may be time for you to consider a minimally invasive procedure as a treatment option? The spine arthritis treatment page demonstrates how minimally invasive techniques work to treat symptoms caused by arthritis of the spine. Contact us today to receive a free MRI or CT scan review, and ask us how we can help you restore your activities of daily living.

Cervical Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine

• The neck is the most common site for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. It is not know why the neck is more commonly targeted by the disease. It is caused by swelling and inflammation of the facet joints at multiple levels in the neck. It is more common in women and there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The primary environmental risk factor is smoking.
• Rheumatoid arthritis causes symptoms of stiffness and pain and may or may not have associated arm pain from radiculopathy from nerve compression by swollen joints.
• Despite the more severe joint deterioration with rheumatoid arthritis, the same conservative treatments as degenerative arthritis are used for rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally medications such as Methotrexate, Prednisone, and biologic disease modifying agents for rheumatoid disease (DMARD’s) are most effective.
  •  Exercise to strengthen the neck muscles
  • Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory injections
  • Chiropractic therapy
  • Massage

Lumbar Spine Arthritis

Arthritis in the Lower Spine

• Low back arthritis is the most common source of low back pain and symptoms. This condition is related to degenerative changes of the facet joints and degenerative disc disease. While it is considered a natural part of getting older, the pain and stiffness of spine arthritis can greatly limit one’s ability to lead a carefree, active lifestyle, so those who have this condition are often searching for the most effective treatments available.
• Symptoms of lumbar spine arthritis are pain and stiffness of the low back. These symptoms may be associated with pain of the buttock and leg that is sciatica or radiculopathy.
• Cause of lumbar spine arthritis symptoms may be prolonged sitting or standing or increased strenuous activities. Your doctor may recommend you avoid such activities until comfortable again.
• Treatment options include several ways for treating symptoms of the disease. Some of these options include weight loss, exercise, chiropractic therapy, and massage. More severe arthritis can require spinal injections, prescription medications, or physical therapy. If conservative treatment methods fail to provide relief of symptoms, surgery is an option.
• If you have been diagnosed with lumbar spine arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and have tried other therapies with no success, it may be time for you to consider a minimally invasive procedure as a treatment option

The spine arthritis treatment page demonstrates how minimally invasive techniques work to treat symptoms caused by arthritis of the spine.  Contact us today to receive a free MRI or CT scan review, and ask us how we can help you restore your activities of daily living.

Spinal Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine affects the joints of the spine particularly the two joints called facet joints at each level of the cervical thoracic and lumbar spine Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s immune system – which normally protects from colds and flu attacks the body’s tissues such as the joints of the spine.
• The facet joints in the spine (like other joints in the body) are coated with a thin lining of tissue called the synovium, or synovial membrane. Cells in the synovium constantly produce synovial fluid which lubricates the facet joints. Spinal rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the synovium in the facet joints, causing the membrane to become inflamed and thick. As the facet joints swell, it also can lead to damage of cartilage on the joints. Without the lubrication and protection of synovial fluid and cartilage, facet joints become stiff, swollen, painful, and damaged. Spinal muscles and ligaments also might weaken as the arthritis progresses.
• Rheumatoid arthritis also can lead to spinal stenosis. This means the open spaces in the spinal column that allow nerves to travel to other parts of the body become constricted due to arthritic inflammation primarily of the involved facet joints, exerting painful amounts of pressure on the nerves.
• Spinal rheumatoid arthritis is not as common as the more usual osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis is in general more debilitating.

Symptoms of spinal rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Fatigue
• Warm joints in the back causing pain
• Fever
• Deformity of the spine scoliosis kyphosis
• Swelling and tenderness
• Trouble walking
• Ankylosis or stiffness

Doctors are not sure what causes spinal rheumatoid arthritis, but there may be a genetic factor involved. After your doctor has used a full physical and imaging to arrive at a diagnosis of spinal arthritis, you may find that rest, gentle massage, light chiropractic work, and anti-inflammatory medications help relieve your symptoms. . Additionally medications such as Methotrexate, Prednisone, and biologic disease modifying agents for rheumatoid disease (DMARD’s) are most effective.

Unfortunately, as the symptoms of this disorder become more severe, conventional treatments will prove less efficacious. If you are considering surgery, you may find information under treatment of spinal arthrits that describes our minimally invasive procedures that may be able to help you rediscover a life without pain. Contact us now to find out more, and to receive a free review of your MRI or CT scan.