2. Spinal arthritis – or more properly termed, spinal
osteoarthritis – is the gradual deterioration of the
cartilage that lines the facet joints of the spine, which are
the hinge-like structures on either side of each vertebra
that allow these bones to articulate and move freely. As
the cartilage wears away over time – this is a natural
process that accompanies the aging process – a patient
may experience reduced joint movement or reduced
range of motion in the spine. Spontaneous joint lockage
and joint instability are not uncommon. The bones of the
facet joints may also grind against each other, creating an
uncomfortable sensation of friction called crepitus.
3. The Difference between Spinal
Osteoarthritis and
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Whether you call it degenerative spinal arthritis, spinal osteoarthritis, or wear-and-
tear arthritis, this condition should not be confused with rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that involves the body attacking the
synovial membrane surrounding the joint, causing it to produce an excessive amount
of synovial fluid. If you don’t exhibit any of the following symptoms,
you are likely not experiencing rheumatoid arthritis, though you
should always see your doctor for a proper diagnosis:
• Warm or hot pain
• Swollen or deformed joints
• Tender joints
• Arthritic symptoms in other joints of the body
4. Conservative Treatment Options for
Spinal Osteoarthritis
Degenerative spinal arthritis is much more common than
rheumatoid arthritis. While the progression of spinal
osteoarthritis can be accelerated by a traumatic injury,
obesity, or long periods of immobility, it is primarily a
condition that affects people in their fifties and older, but
it can affect young adults, too. Most individuals will be
able to treat their arthritic discomfort conservatively.
Common pain relief techniques include non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs, heat therapy, ice compresses, gentle
stretching, nerve block injections, and behavior
modification.
5. Alternative Treatment Options for
Spinal Osteoarthritis
While mainstream medical professionals consider conservative
methods the first step in treating a variety of health issues,
some patients choose to explore alternative, or holistic,
treatment methods. Treatments like therapeutic massage,
chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, yoga, and others may
help some patients find relief from spinal arthritis symptoms.
Before starting any alternative treatment plan, it is
recommended that patients consult not only with their
doctors, but also with complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) professionals. This can help ensure that
patients are not in danger of inadvertently worsening their
symptoms.
6. Surgical Intervention
Surgery only becomes an option for those individuals whose spinal arthritis
symptoms have persisted or worsened despite three or more months of
conservative treatment. The patient that requires surgery typically exhibits
advanced facet joint degeneration, which may be causing dysfunctional
joint movement and lockage. In these cases, surgical intervention often
takes the form of spinal fusion, a procedure that involves bone grafts, rods,
screws, and support cages to effectively fuse two vertebrae in a motion
segment together. This surgery aims to permanently halt joint movement,
which should also ease the related symptoms. There are other surgical
approaches available, however. The most popular alternative to spinal
fusion is endoscopic spine surgery.
Patients should obtain several other medical opinions before consenting to
any spinal arthritis surgery.
