Are You Affected by Spinal Osteoarthritis?

Last updated 4 months ago

Back pain is one of the most common reasons why patients seek medical attention. However, it can often be difficult to determine the exact cause of back pain. With so many factors contributing to different types of back pain, you may be wondering what kind of treatment you should seek for your symptoms. Spinal osteoarthritis is a condition that causes back pain in millions of Americans. Keep reading to find out if your symptoms are indicative of spinal osteoarthritis.

What It Is
Osteoarthritis is a common disease that affects the cartilage of the joints. Cartilage is a type of tissue that acts as a buffer for the ends of the bones in your joints. Without this cushion, the bones in your joints rub against each another. This can, over time, lead to the development of swelling, bone spurs, and other painful symptoms that make it difficult to move and bend the joints. Spinal osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints of the spine degenerate.

What Its Symptoms Are
The symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis depend on the progression of the disease. In its early stages, spinal osteoarthritis may cause localized tenderness and pain when the affected area is moved or pressed on. A telltale sign of spinal osteoarthritis in the neck is the sound of a bone directly rubbing on another bone when the joint is moved. Over time, spinal osteoarthritis can create a slight curvature in the spine, which may restrict flexibility and movement.

Who It Affects
Spinal osteoarthritis can affect anyone, from young children to the elderly. Typically, osteoarthritis affects people over the age of 65 due to the natural degeneration of cartilage. Adults who carry excess weight, which can put stress on joints in the spine, also tend to develop the condition. Also at risk for spinal osteoarthritis are athletes and workers who engage in physically demanding labor.

If you think that you may be suffering from spinal osteoarthritis, make an appointment at the Center for Laser Spine Surgery in Houston. We can find and treat the cause of your back pain. Visit us online or call (832) 532-4889 to learn more about your treatment options.