Arthritis of the Spine
Arthritis is a condition where the slippery joint surfaces of two bone ends
is lost. This can be due to previous injury, age or other musculoskeletal issues.
The spine is composed of 26 bones known as “vertebrae.” Between
each vertebrae is a disc. Each vertebrae forms 3 joints with the vertebra above
it and 3 joints with the vertebra below it. Any or all of these joints can
lose their articular cartilage lining and develop arthritis.
Symptoms of spinal arthritis include pain usually located anywhere in the back,
flank or buttocks. The pain may radiate down an arm or leg. Diagnosis
can be made with a plain x-ray but may include an MRI (magnetic resonance
image) or myelogram. A myelogram is an injection of contrast material (dye)
into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) which occurs in the sac surrounding
the spinal cord. These exams can tell us if spinal cords are under pressure
or if nerve roots have become entrapped.
Treatment includes an exercise program to strengthen the back muscles and
stabilize the spine. A medical doctor may try a course of anti-inflammatories
or steroids may be injected into the spinal fluid to decrease pain and inflammation.
Sometimes braces, abdominal binders or girdles are used in conjunction with
the previously mentioned treatments. End stage arthritic disease may require
surgery to decompress the spinal cord and nerve roots and to stabilize the
spine.
