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• Arthritis of the Spine

What is Arthritis of the Spine?

What is arthritis of the spine? This is an extremely common question for people suffering from back and neck pain. Arthritis itself is a broad term that is used to define a number of conditions involving joint damage. Spinal arthritis is damage to the facet joints of the spine, which are the hinges that connect adjacent vertebrae.

Osteoarthritis of the Spine

Osteoarthritis of the spine, often referred to as spinal arthritis, occurs when the cartilage that surrounds the facet joints begins to deteriorate with age. Just as the hinge of a door does not move properly after it has become rusty, once the cushioning cartilage of the facet joints wears away, each movement of the joint becomes stiff and painful. Degenerative arthritis of the spine may present any of the following symptoms:

• Stiffness or swelling of the joints
• Reduced range of motion
• Reduced flexibility
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling
• A crunching feeling of bone rubbing against bone

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Spinal Arthritis Treatment Options

Although degenerative spine arthritis is a serious condition, it does not always require a back operation to treat. First, you should consult with your physician, orthopedist, or rheumatologist and try to establish a routine of non-invasive therapy that might greatly reduce your pain. Low-impact activities like walking or swimming, coupled with pain medication, rest, and anti-inflammatory treatments have helped many people. A certain percentage of patients, however, do not benefit from conservative treatments—in these cases, a spine operation may be necessary for them to fully recover their quality of life.

The surgeons at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can offer you help. We are at the forefront of minimally invasive, endoscopic technology, which we use to treat spinal arthritis on an outpatient basis. So the next time you ask, “What is arthritis of the spine?” we hope to be there with you, offering you the answers you need. Contact us today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

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