.webp)
What Is Spinal Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis occurs when joint cartilage degenerates as a result of wear and tear, aging, injury or misuse.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and most frequently occurs in weight bearing joints. The spine consists of bones (vertebrae) and discs (spongy, cartilaginous pads located between each vertebra) that cushion the spine and allow it to move. Ligaments and muscles are attached to the back of the spine, and help facilitate movement of the joints of the spine.
Spinal osteoarthritis affects the vertebral facet joints that enable the body to bend and twist. As the facet joints deteriorate, cartilage may become inflamed and eventually start to break away from the joint surfaces. Vertebrae begin to rub together, and the surrounding nerves and tissues can become inflamed, making movement painful. Osteoarthritis also may trigger the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs), that in the spine can cause the disc space to narrow and the affected disc to collapse.
Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the neck or in the lower back. Cervical arthritis (also called cervical spondylosis) affects the upper spine and neck. Lumbar or lumbosacral arthritis affects the lower back and pelvic area.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that causes the sacroiliac joints and the joints of the lumbar spine to become inflamed. It also frequently affects the hips and other peripheral joints. AS usually develops between the teen years and age 40. Over time, chronic spinal inflammation can result in the bonding, or fusion, of vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis, which in turn can affect spinal mobility.
