Spinal arthritis is a disorder of the back where the cartilage that is supposed to cushion and secure the upper part of the bones starts degenerating or wears down. This condition is extremely severe and the patient suffers from swelling of the joints as well pain that is medically termed as spinal arthritis pain.
Divided in two broad categories, spinal arthritis is of two types namely:
● Spinal Rheumatoid Arthritis
Spinal Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis also known as RA in brief, is a chronic medical condition where joints on both sides of the body like hands, wrists and knees degenerates and are inflamed. This condition causes warmth, pain, swelling and redness within joints and is extremely uncomfortable for the patient.
According to Scott Zashin, MD, spokesperson for the American College of Rheumatology and a practicing rheumatologist, ‘Being diagnosed with RA is a life-changing experience’. This condition not only wears out the joints but also has quite drastic adverse effects on lungs, skin, eyes, heart, nerves and even blood. The general symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are swelling in joints as well pain, stiffness as well as fatigue.
Usually spinal arthritis diagnostic process starts with a full medical checkup as well as study of the symptoms. Doctors also order certain tests to diagnose the problem. These tests include:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
- Creatinine Test
- Complete blood count test
- Rheumatoid Factor Test
Spinal Osteoarthritis
This is also a degenerative joint disease and just like RA this condition also causes swelling and pain. Spinal osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in the discs and joints in the neck as well as lower back breakdown. This condition also produces osteophytes or bone spurs that puts pressure on the nerve leaving the spinal canal.
Spinal Arthritis Diagnosis
There is no one specific test to spinal arthritis diagnosis. Doctors usually start with a medical checkup as well as study of the symptoms. Specialist can also order certain tests to aid the diagnosis namely:
- X-ray
- Blood Test
- CT -scan