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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.