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• Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk Factors

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Spine Risk Factors

Although relatively little is known about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis in the spine, risk factors are easily identified based on statistical occurrences. For example, age certainly is a contributing factor, because 80 percent of all patients develop the condition between the ages of 35 and 50. Gender also contributes; women are three times more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Genetics also plays a role: Many patients inherited a heightened level of rheumatoid factor – an autoantibody that contributes to development of the disease.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, a term which is broadly defined as chronic inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, while rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most insidious. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system is attacking healthy tissue. The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is the immune system attacking synovium (or synovial membranes) – lubricating tissue found on most of the body’s joints. When under attack, synovial membranes can become inflamed, making joints stiff and painful.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually is characterized by mild to severe disfigurement, and requires lifelong treatment. Early symptoms of spinal rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Persistent or occasional pain within the vertebral 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
• Fatigue

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Identifying Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Spine

Many patients who begin to exhibit arthritic symptoms undergo studies to determine the level of rheumatoid factor present and other immunological tests. While there is no known cure, symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis often can be managed through the use of pain medication and physical therapy. Should surgery become an option for spinal arthritis, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed using advanced, endoscopic techniques can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

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