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Spinal Osteoarthritis – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Spinal osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints of the spine, causing pain and reduced mobility. It is one of the most common disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

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Things worth knowing about "Spinal Osteoarthritis"

Spinal osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints of the spine, causing pain and reduced mobility. It is one of the most common disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

What is Spinal Osteoarthritis?

Spinal osteoarthritis (also known as spondylarthrosis) is a degenerative disease of the small joints of the spine, called facet joints. The protective articular cartilage between the vertebrae and their joints gradually breaks down over time. The condition can affect any segment of the spine, including the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), and lumbar spine (lower back). It is one of the leading causes of chronic back pain in adults.

Causes

Spinal osteoarthritis typically develops due to a combination of factors:

Age: Cartilage naturally loses elasticity and regenerative capacity with age.
Excess body weight: Increased mechanical load on spinal joints accelerates cartilage wear.
Poor posture and repetitive strain: Prolonged sitting, heavy physical work, or improper lifting techniques contribute to joint degeneration.
Genetic predisposition: A family history of osteoarthritis increases individual risk.
Previous injuries: Trauma or prior spinal surgery can accelerate joint deterioration.
Physical inactivity: Weak supporting muscles place greater stress on spinal joints.

Symptoms

Symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis usually develop gradually and may vary depending on the affected spinal region:

Back pain that worsens with movement or physical activity
Morning stiffness that typically improves with gentle movement
Reduced range of motion of the spine
Radiating pain into the arms or legs when nerve roots are involved
Muscle tension in the back and neck area
Tingling or numbness in the limbs due to nerve compression

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies:

Physical examination: Assessment of posture, range of motion, and pain patterns.
X-ray imaging: Reveals cartilage loss, bone spurs (osteophytes), and narrowing of joint spaces.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed visualization of cartilage, discs, nerves, and soft tissues.
CT scan (Computed Tomography): Offers detailed assessment of bony structures.
Blood tests: Used to exclude inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment

Treatment of spinal osteoarthritis focuses on relieving pain, maintaining mobility, and improving quality of life. Since it is a degenerative process, a complete cure is not possible, but symptoms can be effectively managed.

Conservative Treatment

Physiotherapy and targeted back exercises: Strengthening the core muscles to relieve pressure on spinal joints.
Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac to reduce pain and inflammation.
Heat therapy: Warmth helps relax muscles and improve circulation in the affected area.
Massage and manual therapy: Helps release muscle tension and improve spinal mobility.
Weight management: Reducing body weight relieves mechanical load on the joints.

Interventional and Surgical Treatment

Facet joint injections: Local injections of corticosteroids to provide targeted pain relief.
Radiofrequency denervation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to disable pain-transmitting nerves in the affected joints.
Surgical intervention: In severe cases, procedures such as spinal fusion (spondylodesis) may be considered.

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Musculoskeletal conditions – Osteoarthritis. WHO Fact Sheet, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis
Brandt KD, Dieppe P, Radin EL: Etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, 2008; 34(3):531-559.
Hochberg MC et al.: American College of Rheumatology 2012 Recommendations for the Use of Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Therapies in Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care and Research, 2012; 64(4):465-474.

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