Arthritis usually affects any joints in the body and that includes the spine. Spinal arthritis actually happens in facet joints. These joints are the one that keeps the vertebrae and this is usually found in the rear part of the spine. Facet joints are the one responsible for movement in the spine which includes stretching, twisting and bending. Just like any joints in the body, facet joints are prone to thicken as well as harden with advance in age which leads to arthritis.
If one is diagnose as having spinal arthritis this actually means there has been breakdown in the cartilage in facet joints which results to mild to severe pain. This pain is not just exclusive in one part of the body or the affected area but it can spread out to other parts of the body like the upper thighs or buttocks. Facet joints can become irritated and inflamed and join degeneration can progress resulting to more frictional pain. Back pain can certainly lessen back motion and flexibility while walking, sitting or even standing.
Spine Arthritis Causes
Causes of spine arthritis can vary from one person to another. To better understand the cause of arthritis, it is important to know the two types of arthritis that can affect the spine. The two types of arthritis that affects the spine are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the thin layer or membrane that covers the cartilage and joints. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the white blood cells to attack this membrane which can then lead to inflammation of the joints. There is no known cause of RA but several researchers believe that bacterial or viral can trigger it. This condition usually occurs in middle age and common in women than men.
Osteoarthritis on the other hand is a degenerative disease which is often associated with aging and is the most disabling kind of spine arthritis. Most of osteoarthritis does not have a known cause at all but there are risk factors which includes gender, injury, obesity, heredity and age.
Spine Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms differ depending on the location of the spine that is affected and the general health as well as the lifestyle of the individual. Generally the most common symptoms of spinal arthritis are the following – neck and back pain, stiffness of the joints and numbness or tenderness of the neck. Other symptoms may include crunching feeling of bone that is rubbing against each other, difficulty in bending and limitation in movement. These symptoms are often worst in the morning or after a long time of rest or inactivity.
Spinal arthritis can happen in any part of the spine and the location of the area affected determines the symptoms. Like for example if it affects the upper portion of the spine then it is usually refer to as Cervical spine arthritis and symptoms include numbness and pain in the arms and neck and can even spread to the hands, shoulders, arms and fingers. Lumbar spine arthritis affects the lower part of the spine thus causing numbness or weakness of the legs and also the pelvic area, buttocks and lower back.
Spinal Arthritis Treatment
Spinal arthritis is definitely a painful condition and oftentimes can limit your capacity to travel, work and enjoy the simple pleasure of life but the good news is even if there is no known cure for this condition still there are number of treatment options to manage the symptoms. Its goal is to slow or if possible stop the progress of the disease, improves joint flexibility, lessens the symptoms and preserves the ability to move.
Your doctor will be the one to assess your condition and considering factors like your overall health and age, your doctor can now design a treatment plan that will fit you. Most of these symptoms are manage well using the conservative methods like taking of medications, ice and heat applications, weight loss, massage, rest or exercise. If your case is in advanced stage then it may need spinal injections to reduce pain and restore mobility, chiropractic treatment or physical therapy. If all the conservative method mentioned above fails then your doctor may recommend surgery.
Make sure to explore all surgery options available for you if you decide to undergo surgery. Discuss everything with your doctor and know all there is to know for you to make the right decision.
Many people thinks that arthritis can only affect those who are advance in age but the truth is children can get affected and what is worst they can go on for years without being diagnose or rather they are being overlooked since most parents might just associate it as more of growing pains. Robert Warren, MD commented that plenty of children have arthritis of the spine for years but has been left untreated. It is important that they are diagnose early so that medications and therapy can be started early too and have relief of symptoms and prevent any disability in later life ( Texas Children's Hospital, 2005 ).