1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Consulation

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Spinal Arthritis Resources
• »
• Spinal Arthritis Resources
• »
• Spinal Stenosis and Arthritis

Spinal Stenosis and Arthritis

Spinal stenosis and arthritis of the spine often go hand-in-hand. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, and when this happens, it can put painful pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Similarly, arthritis in the neck and back can lead to the growth of bone spurs and inflammation that take up space in the spinal canal, and naturally this narrowing of the spinal canal would be called spinal stenosis.

Spinal arthritis can present itself as spinal rheumatoid arthritis (characterized by inflammation in the joint) or osteoarthritis (characterized by degeneration of the joint cartilage and the formation of bone spurs). Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can result in spinal stenosis because the inflammation of joints or the production of bone spurs can impinge on the neural passageways of the spinal column, forcing painful pressure onto spinal nerves.

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are extra pieces of bone that your body grows to reinforce weakened areas. In the spine, these bone spurs are your body’s way of trying to restabilize and support a weakening and degenerating spinal column, but the spurs then cause the spinal canal and foramen to narrow, leading to the painful symptoms of spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of spinal stenosis on their own can include pain numbness, tingling, weakness, and radiculopathy (symptoms that travel to other area of the body). When you are dealing with spinal arthritis and spinal stenosis concurrently, the symptoms can be compounded, including:

• Throbbing and tenderness
• Limited range of motion
• Diminished flexibility
• Ankylosis, or abnormal stiffness in joints

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

Before your doctor diagnoses you with spinal stenosis and/or arthritis, he or she will perform a full physical, which will most likely include an MRI or CT scan. You should be careful to describe all of your symptoms accurately and honestly, being specific about which parts of your body are affected by symptoms. This will help your doctor determine whether the spinal stenosis or arthritis resides in your cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), or lumbar (lower) spine. Next, your doctor may suggest a regimen of conventional treatments that are aimed at taking weight and pressure off inflamed or degenerating vertebrae. This could include rest, weight loss, gentle chiropractic work, or anti-inflammatory medications.

Unfortunately, these temporary treatments do not prove effective for every individual. If your doctor suggests a traditional, open-back surgery like spinal fusion, joint replacement, or bone removal, you should make sure to explore all of your options, as surgery can be a life-changing decision. The experts at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can give you more information about your spinal stenosis and arthritis, as well as ways that you may be able to rediscover a life without pain. Our minimally-invasive, endoscopic procedures have helped tens of thousands of people on an outpatient basis. Contact us today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Read more Spinal Arthritis Articles

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