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• Spinal Rheumatoid Arthritis

Spinal Rheumatoid Arthritis

Spinal rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints of the spine – more specifically hinged joints called facet joints that are located between the two dozen or so vertebrae of the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), and lumbar (lower back) spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s immune system – which normally fights off microscopic invaders like bacteria and viruses – attacks healthy tissue.

Looking more closely at spinal rheumatoid arthritis, we find that facet joints in the spine (like other joints in the body) are coated with a thin film of tissue called the synovium, or synovial membrane. Cells in the synovium constantly produce synovial fluid which lubricates the facet joints. In cases of spinal rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the synovium in the facet joints, causing the membrane to become inflamed and thick. As the facet joints swell, it also can lead to damage of cartilage on the joints. Without the lubrication and protection of synovial fluid and cartilage, facet joints become stiff, swollen, painful, and damaged. Spinal muscles and ligaments also might weaken as the arthritis progresses.

Spinal rheumatoid arthritis also can lead to spinal stenosis. This means the open spaces in the spinal column that allow nerves to travel to other parts of the body become constricted due to arthritic inflammation, exerting painful amounts of pressure on the nerves.

Spinal rheumatoid arthritis is not as common as another type of spinal arthritis called osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis is generally said to be more debilitating. Women over the age of 40 are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of spinal rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Warm pain
• Fever
• Deformity of the spine
• Swelling and tenderness
• Trouble walking
• Ankylosis (abnormal joint stiffness)
• Fatigue
• Morning stiffness

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Doctors are not sure what causes spinal rheumatoid arthritis, but there appears to be a genetic factor involved. After your doctor has used a full physical and imaging to arrive at a diagnosis of spinal arthritis, you may find that rest, gentle massage, light chiropractic work, and anti-inflammatory medications help relieve your symptoms.

Unfortunately, as the symptoms of this disorder become more severe, conventional treatments will prove less efficacious. If you are considering surgery, let the experts at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) introduce you to our state-of-the-art, endoscopic procedures may be able to help you rediscover a life without pain. Contact us now to find out more, and 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.