Spinal Arthritis

Arthritis affecting the spine develops in the facet joints, connecting vertebrae in the back. The spinal column consists of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and cartilage lining the vertebrae joints. At its core, the spinal cord is covered by the spinal column. The facet joints, lined with cartilage, and the discs filled with a gel-like substance support the spine. As spinal discs dry up and cartilage degrades from wear and tear, the cushioning diminishes, resulting in bone-on-bone contact, leading to arthritis. The most prevalent type is osteoarthritis of the spine, with the risk increasing with age, making older individuals more susceptible.

The primary sign of spinal arthritis, typically progressing gradually, is low back discomfort. Those affected may also experience stiffness and a limited range of motion. Treatment focuses on joint mobility and pain control, often involving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with low-impact exercise and physical therapy. Surgery is usually not necessary, but untreated conditions worsen, hindering daily activities due to pain or restricted movement. Inflammatory spinal arthritis may lead to spinal abnormalities and bone erosion.

Types of Spinal Arthritis:

There are numerous arthritis types affecting the neck or back, categorized as inflammatory and noninflammatory. 

Common types include:

Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition attacking the synovium, damaging the spine, particularly the cervical area, more common in women.

Osteoarthritis: The most prevalent kind, affecting the lower back due to gradual cartilage degradation from wear and tear, exacerbated by mechanical injury.

Spondyloarthritis: An inflammatory category affecting joints and areas where ligaments and tendons connect to bones, distinct from rheumatoid arthritis. Risk factors include excessive weight, menopause, diabetes, heredity, past injuries, and repetitive strain.

Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis:
Symptoms vary but may include neck and back pain, stiffness, swelling, a grinding sensation with spine movement, discomfort, edema, and stiffness in other bodily parts, weakness, exhaustion, pain or numbness in limbs, headaches, and eye inflammation in some types.

Causes of Spinal Arthritis:
Spinal arthritis often results from years of wear and use, causing deterioration in the joints and cartilage throughout the spine. The exact cause remains unclear. Risk factors include spinal trauma, family history of osteoarthritis, age, jobs causing repeated stress on the back, gender (females more prone), obesity, and other health conditions.

Diagnosing Spinal Arthritis: Diagnosis involves a physical examination, medical history, blood tests for antibodies and genetic markers, spine X-rays, and imaging techniques like MRI, CT scan, myelography, bone scan, or ultrasound. Joint aspiration and injections may be used for diagnosis and monitoring. 

Treating Spinal Arthritis: Treatment aims to relieve pain, maintain spinal mobility, prevent abnormalities, and slow disease progression. Non-surgical options include medications, hot/cold compresses, physical therapy, corticosteroids, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be considered if conservative therapy fails, including spinal cord decompression or fusion surgeries. In summary, spinal arthritis encompasses various types, each demanding personalized care based on factors like age, severity, and individual health.

About the Author:
Dr. Roshan Kumar is a distinguished Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon based in Secunderabad, recognized for his outstanding proficiency in pediatric orthopedic care. With an extensive background in the field spanning over 21 years, he has solidified his position as a prominent figure in pediatric orthopedics. Dr. Roshan Kumar is particularly known for his expertise in advanced techniques in pediatric orthopedic surgery in Secunderabad.