Spinal Arthritis

Painful Joint Disease in the Neck and Back

Facts and Information About Spinal Arthritis

Spinal arthritis is a swelling and tenderness of the joints anywhere along the spine, but mostly in the neck and low back areas.

• There are several types of arthritis that affect the spine. Some are due to aging and wear and tear. Others result from an overactive immune system, an infection, or are inherited. 
• All forms of arthritis cause a breakdown of cartilage, the hard and slippery tissue that cushions the ends of bones where they form a joint.

What is Spinal Arthritis

In the spine, arthritis usually affects:

1. The small facet joints found between the backbones, causing soreness and stiffness in the neck and back that increases with inactivity.    
   To learn more about Facet Syndrome, click here.
2. The large sacroiliac joints that connect the spine to the pelvis, causing a dull ache in the buttocks, groin, or the back of the thigh.
3. The sites where ligaments and tendons attach to the backbones, leading to painful bone spurs. Bone spurs can put pressure on a nerve (pinching the nerve) and create shock-like pain or numbness.

Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

Although the symptoms of spinal arthritis may differ from person to person, they usually include:

• Neck and back pain (especially in the lower back)
• Headaches (if there is arthritis in the neck)
• Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the spine - people may have trouble straightening their back or turning their neck
• A feeling of “grinding” when moving the spine
• Pain, swelling, and stiffness in other body areas (arms, legs)
• Weakness and fatigue
• Shock-like pain and numbness in the arms or legs if a bone spur pinches a nerve

80% of adults will experience back pain in their lifetime. Take the FREE back pain risk assessment to understand your risk factors, and aid in preventing complications in the future.