Causes of Arthritis of the Spine
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints is worn down as a result of wear and tear, aging, injury or misuse. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, also includes loss of cartilage, overgrowth of bone and the formation of bone spurs. This causes the bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion of the joint. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint but most often occurs in the hips, knees, hands or the spine.
Osteoarthritis in the spine is anatomically divided into 2 sections of the spine:
- Lumbar Spine (lower back) osteoarthritis, sometimes called lumbosacral arthritis, which produces stiffness and pain in the lower spine and sacroiliac joint (between the spine and pelvis)
- Cervical Spine (neck) osteoarthritis, sometimes called cervical spondylosis (spondy-implies the spine, and -osis is an abnormal condition), which can cause stiffness and pain in the upper spine, neck, shoulders, arms and head.
Osteoarthritis usually develops over time. Early on, a person may only experience joint aches after physical work or exercise, which fades and then returns as the affected joint is used or overused. As the cartilage between the bones gradually thins, the pain often becomes steadier, making it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Joint pain and stiffness can begin to occur after long periods of inactivity, such as sitting for an extended length of time. With advanced osteoarthritis and increased friction between bones, the pain often becomes substantial even at rest or with very little movement. With progressive osteoarthritis, a single joint may at first be affected but, with time and further activities, many joints of the body may be affected-in the base of the neck, or in the knees, hips, hands and/or feet. Although less common, some patients may experience severe deformities of certain joints over time.
Osteoarthritis differs from systemic forms of arthritis because it only affects joints (although it may lead to an entrapment of a nerve at any level in the spine or the spinal cord in the neck) and does not affect organs or soft tissue areas of the body.
The following are some causes that contribute to the development of arthritis:
- Aging: steady and advanced aging of spinal structures, beginning in the 30's, often work-related
- Gender: osteoarthritis being more common in post-menopausal women (although below age 45, it is more common in males)
- Excess weight: causing more stress on weight-bearing joints and the spine
- Genetics: having a family history of osteoarthritis or congenital defects of joints, spine, or leg abnormalities
- Associated diseases: the presence of other associated diseases, infections, diabetes, and various other forms of circulating arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- Overused joints from work or sports related activities
LSI treats pain caused by arthritis of the spine through a minimally invasive procedure called a facet thermal ablation. The acclaimed staff at LSI has performed this procedure hundreds of times, offering their patients freedom from back pain and the ability to lead a healthier more active lifestyle. Please take a moment and view a few of our previous patient testimonials to see for yourself what kind of an impact we have had on their lives.
If you still have questions after reading through our website, or would like to know how we can help you start to live life free of pain, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
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