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Laser Spine Institute

Laser Spine Institute's minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open neck or back surgery.

Our revolutionary endoscopic surgical techniques are proven to help patients return to their normal, active lifestyles. Every month, more people come to Laser Spine Institute for help in relieving their neck and back pain than to any other spine surgery center in the world.
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Spine Conditions
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- Arthritis of the Spine
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Procedures
Endoscopic Spine Procedures
There are many spinal conditions that are treated at the Laser Spine Institute. All procedures are uniquely designed and developed to provide patients with the best possible medical care.More on endoscopic spine procedures
About LSI
About Laser Spine Institute
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Laser Spine Institute has amazing care with miraculous results.I am pain free at last and looking forward to once again living a full life.
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What is minimally invasive spine surgery and can this procedure help you?You can get these answers by attending a Free Educational Seminar.
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The physicians at Laser Spine Institute care about you and your condition.More about our doctors and medical staff
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Arthritis of the Spine
- About Spinal Arthritis
  - Back Pain from Spine Arthritis
- Spinal Arthritis Diagnosis
Types of Spinal Arthritis
Causes
- Causes of Spine Arthritis
Symptoms
- Spine Arthritis Symptoms
  - Neck Arthritis Symptoms
Treatments
- Spine Arthritis Treatments
- Neck Arthritis Treatment
  - Neck Arthritis Exercises
Prevention
Risk Factors
Spinal Arthritis Resources
- Spinal Arthritis Resources
  - Spinal Arthritis Overview
  - Spinal Stenosis and Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Spine

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Spine

The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis in the spine are still not well understood, and the condition is considered incurable. However, this condition is known to be an autoimmune disease that attacks joint tissue and affects women much more frequently than men. Furthermore, it occurs most often within the cervical spine, the neck region at the top of the spinal column that supports the head.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the spine include:

Persistent or occasional pain within the joints, which might also feel warm
Trouble walking, or an unexplained change in your gait
Weakness or a loss of coordination
Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands or legs
Prolonged stiffness in the spinal joints
Gradual change in the shape of the spine

While rheumatoid arthritis has no known cure, its symptoms can often be managed through many of the same non-surgical techniques prescribed for sufferers of osteoarthritis of the spine or other conditions that lead to spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal). Exercise and over-the-counter pain medicine might be prescribed by your doctor. If non-surgical treatment proves ineffective, surgery may become an option.

Traditionally, treatment of spinal rheumatoid arthritis has been approached with fusion of the effected vertebrae or the installation of rods or screws to hold the spinal structure in place. This kind of open-back surgery can be risky and requires a long recovery period.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Fortunately, the award-winning surgeons at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can help you rediscover a life without pain by using a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. Contact the medical professionals of LSI today to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis in the spine or to receive a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.

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