Osteoarthritis of the spine, also known as degenerative arthritis of the spine, is a condition that results in the breakdown of cartilage in the joints and discs of the neck and lower back. This degeneration can sometimes lead to the formation of bone spurs, which put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column, causing pain and weakness in the arms or legs.
Causes & Risk Factors
Spinal osteoarthritis is often referred to as the "wear and tear" disease because it develops over time due to cartilage deterioration. Several factors contribute to its onset, including:
- Aging: The risk of degenerative arthritis of the spine increases with age.
- Gender: Women are more prone to osteoarthritis, though the reason remains unclear.
- Joint Injuries: Injuries from accidents or sports can elevate the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
- Obesity: Excess body weight adds stress to the joints, increasing the likelihood of osteoarthritis.
- Repetitive Joint Stress: Jobs or sports that require repeated joint movements can contribute to joint degeneration.
- Metabolic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes or hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body) can heighten the risk.
- Genetics: Some individuals inherit a predisposition to osteoarthritis.
- Bone Deformities: Congenital joint abnormalities or defective cartilage can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis.
Symptoms & Signs of Spinal Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis vary, with some individuals experiencing mild discomfort and others facing severe disability. Common signs include:
- Stiffness or pain in the neck or back
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Spinal cord involvement in severe cases
- Little to no symptoms in some individuals, while others experience significant interference in daily life
Treatment Options for Spinal Osteoarthritis
Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, treatments can help improve quality of life and manage pain effectively.
Medications
Medications are often the first step in treating spinal osteoarthritis and can provide pain relief, including:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Helps with mild to moderate pain relief.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Options like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help reduce inflammation and pain. However, long-term use can cause stomach issues, cardiovascular concerns, and kidney damage.
- Topical NSAIDs: Gels applied to the affected area may relieve pain with fewer side effects than oral medications.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Originally an antidepressant, it is also effective for chronic osteoarthritis pain management.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing spinal osteoarthritis by improving mobility and strengthening muscles. Some effective physiotherapy techniques include:
- Exercise Therapy: Strengthens muscles surrounding the affected joints.
- Occupational Therapy: Helps individuals adapt to daily tasks that may have become challenging.
- Advanced Physiotherapy Techniques: Myofascial release, manual therapy, IASTM, dry needling, and kinesiology taping can significantly improve mobility and pain relief.
If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, medical procedures or surgery may be necessary:
- Cortisone Injections: Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Lubrication Injections: Hyaluronic acid injections offer cushioning to the joints, although their effectiveness varies.
- Osteotomy (Realigning Bones): In cases where one side of the joint is more damaged, realignment can help shift body weight away from the affected area.
- Joint Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty): In severe cases, joint replacement surgery replaces damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. While effective, it carries risks such as infection and potential future replacement.
