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With arthritis in the spine, the condition affects the cartilage and it becomes brittle and begins to wear away. The bones of the spine are called the vertebrae and in-between each of these rests a cushioning cartilaginous disc. The pain of arthritis in the spine is caused by the degeneration of this disc, resulting in the narrowing of the disc space. When the cartilage caps of the facet joints wear, there is loss of flexibility along with pain. If there is bone spurring in the narrowed space, this can pinch a nerve causing tingling and pain to radiate down the legs.
You can anatomically divide arthritis in the spine into two sections of the spine. The two sections of the spine that are affected are:
- Lumbar spine segment - In the lower back arthritis in the back is sometimes referred to as lumbosacral arthritis. This form of arthritis in the back will produce stiffness and pain in the lower spine and sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint is located between the spine and the pelvis.
- Cervical spine segment - arthritis in the cervical spine will sometimes be referred to as cervical spondylosis, spondy meaning the spine and osis describing an abnormal condition. Spondylosis may cause stiffness and pain in the upper spine, neck, shoulders, arms, and head.
A look at Cartilage:
When talking about the degradation of cartilage it is helpful to understand what cartilage is? The firm rubbery substance covers the ends of bones in normal joints. The main job of cartilage is to act as a shock absorber providing reduction of friction in joints.
Arthritis in the spine is usually developed over an extended period of time. In the early stages of the disease a person affected by arthritis in the spine will often only feel the aches and pains after a physical work out or exercise. These aches and pains will fade and return as the joint is used or overused. The pain will begin to become steadier as the cartilage between the bones gradually thins over time, making it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Joint pain and stiffness may also occur after extended periods of inactivity such as sitting on long journeys or watching a movie for an extended period of time.
Contributing factors to the development of arthritis in the spine may include
- Aging - Steady and advanced aging of the spinal structure. This is often work related and begins in a person’s thirties
- Gender - Arthritis in the spine is more common in post menopausal women. When discovered before the age of 45 it is more commonly found in males
- Excessive weight - A person’s excessive weight creates more stress on weight bearing joints and the spine
- Genetics - With a family history of arthritis or congenital defects of the joints, spine, or a history of leg abnormalities, this person would be more prone to developing arthritis in the spine
- Associated diseases - The presence of associated diseases such as infections, diabetes, and various other forms of circulating arthritis which may include gout or rheumatoid arthritis
- Overused joints - This can come from either work or sports related activities