What is arthritis of the spine?
Arthritis of the spine is a degenerative joint disease that initially affects the synovial tissues and cartilage of the facet joints. The most common form of spinal arthritis is osteoarthritis which is the wear and tear of cartilage with age. Arthritis also forms osteophytes that become bone spurs which can narrow foraminal openings and cause spinal stenosis. Some researchers view osteoarthritis as the primary cause of degenerative disc disease including bulging and herniated discs and age-related spondylosis. The most common locations for osteoarthritis are in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar).
How common is osteoarthritis of the spine?
Osteoarthritis of the spine is extremely common. Estimates range from 40% to 85% of the US population have some form of osteoarthritis of the lower spine. Currently, an estimated 27-million patients are adversely affected by osteoarthritis(1). The consensus among researchers is that most arthritis is derived from genetics, so blame your parents, not your high school football coach.
How does arthritis of the spine affect the “Three-Joint-Complex” of the spine?
Is there a cure for spinal arthritis?
It is sobering for doctors to say this, but there is no cure for spinal osteoarthritis. Often, when treatment begins, the most critical issue is managing chronic pain. Acetaminophen will reduce pain while the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen will treat pain and inflammation.
For intense pain, some doctors may prescribe opioid-based pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Dr. Melamed’s conservative treatment will avoid opioids and treat the chronic pain with a combination of holistic alternatives such as acupuncture, Tai-Chi, yoga, Pilates, and structured, low-impact, exercise programs, including water therapy with pool-based resistance training. Acupuncture and epidural corticosteroid injections may also be components of Dr. Melamed’s treatment plan.
Dr. Melamed understands the psycho-social component of spinal arthritis and is accustomed to working with his patients’ therapists, psychiatrists and loved ones to develop the optimal treatment plan for their lifestyle. Part of Dr. Melamed’s lifestyle plan may include suggestions for a new diet to reduce weight, control stress and fight inflammation. If you are a smoker, he can help you kick the habit as well.
For those patients who do not respond to non-surgical therapies, Dr. Melamed may request imaging tests such as X-rays, myelograms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. All appropriate surgical options will be reviewed carefully, especially if spinal stenosis worsens, incontinence occurs, or walking becomes difficult. The most common surgeries for spinal arthritis are vertebral fusions and cervical and lumbar microdecompression treatments such as microlaminectomies and microlaminotomies. All of Dr. Melamed surgeries are opioid-free which reduces the risk of drug dependency in the future.
Start controlling your spinal arthritis today.
Click on the “Make An Appointment” button at the top of this page, or call Dr. Melamed’s office for more information. Call us at 424-21-SPINE.
References:
1. Low Back Pain and Lumbar Spine Osteoarthritis: How Are They Related; A. Goode, T. Carey; Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2013 Feb; 15(2): 305.doi: [10.1007/s11926-012-0305-z]
2. Arthritis and Arthroplasty, Edited by F. Shen & C. Shaffrey, Pg. 24, Elsevier Health Sciences
