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• Spinal Arthritis Risk Factors

Spinal Arthritis Risk Factors

To better recognize spinal arthritis risk factors, it is important to understand the condition itself. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, occurring most frequently in the hands, hips and knees. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, classified by location and cause. As the name implies, spinal arthritis occurs along the spinal column, which is made up of stacked vertebrae, intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerve structures. The facet joints, the hinges where the vertebrae meet and flex, are the elements of the spine most frequently stricken by the degenerative effects of spinal arthritis, although the intervertebral discs can be affected by arthritis, too.

Causes and Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis experienced in the spine, and while the primary indication (diminished cartilage between the joints) is fairly easy to diagnose, the cause often remains unknown. The degradation of cartilage between the joints threatens the stability of the affected vertebral segment, which signals the body to compensate by producing osteophytes (bone spurs). If bone spurs begin to compress nearby nerve roots, symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness can occur. Despite the veiled nature of the exact cause of osteoarthritis, much is known about the risk factors, which include:

• Age – people 50 or older are more likely to develop arthritis of the spine
• Overused joints – this can occur through repetitive lifting, bending or twisting, as well as constantly slouching while seated at a desk or driving
• Injury or trauma to bones – whiplash, compression fracture or other kinds of injuries can hasten the degradation of joints
• Obesity – excess body weight places more stress on the joints
• Genetics – inherited traits can make you more likely to develop arthritis
• Gender – women are twice as likely to develop arthritis
• Other conditions – decreased blood supply, chronic illness, infection or a diminished immune system can contribute to joint degradation

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Treating Spinal Arthritis Symptoms

If conservative treatment methods such as pain medication and physical therapy are not enough to manage the symptoms associated with spinal arthritis, surgery may become an option. 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.