Also known as the degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is a medical condition where the cartilage which protects and cushions the upper part of the bones wears down or degenerates.
This condition causes the patient a lot discomfort in the form of swelling and pain just like in the case of spinal arthritis. The patient also suffers from arthritis spine pain and spinal osteoarthritis also causes development of bone spurs medically known as osteophytes.
Spinal osteoarthritis is disorder of the back where the cartilage of the joints and discs in the lower back and nerve break down. When this condition produces spurs it starts to put a lot of pressure on the nerves which in turn causes pain and weakness in arms and legs.
Spinal osteoarthritis can be caused by a variety of reasons like an injury or trauma or a genetic defect.
Spinal Osteoarthritis Symptoms
- This condition can cause symptoms that include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck as well as back
- Muscular weakness
- Numbness in the legs or arms
In severe cases spinal osteoarthritis can also cause severe physical disability.
Spinal Osteoarthritis Diagnosis & Treatment
The specialist usually starts with a physical examination and a complete medical history. The doctor also studies all the symptoms like pain, tenderness, and signs of injury as well as loss of motion. The doctor may also order imaging tests like X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as CT scan.
Usually the treatment for spinal osteoarthritis is started with conservative treatment options and is focused on relieving symptoms of pain as well as to increase range of motion. Conservative treatment options include physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, medications as well as epidural injections.
Surgery like laminectomy as well as spinal fusion is only considered when conservative treatment fails to provide relief to the patient.