Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis of the Spine

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Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis of the Spine

Osteoarthritis of the spine is one of the most common causes of neck and back pain, particularly in people older than 50. When cartilage begins to break down along the joints that connect the vertebrae, it can lead to persistent pain, bone rubbing against bone, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. For many of the 21 million Americans with osteoarthritis, the condition is not preventable. Yet, knowing the risk factors can help you determine whether you are likely to develop the condition.

Factors that contribute to the development of spinal osteoarthritis include:

Age—Most cases are diagnosed in people 45 or older
Gender—Women are more susceptible than men
Obesity—Excess weight contributes to the breakdown of spinal cartilage
Genetics—Defective cartilage or joint deformity can be inherited
Associated conditions—Rheumatoid arthritis, Paget’s disease, gout or a metabolic disorder
Overused joints—Injuries caused by athletic exertion, work-related activity, or repetitive motions

While osteoarthritis is not curable, there are many methods available to manage the symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will likely begin treatment using conservative methods. These include physical therapy, rest, exercise, massage therapy, over-the-counter or prescription medication, chiropractic therapy and acupuncture. If pain associated with osteoarthritis persists after weeks or months of these conservative treatments, your doctor might suggest surgery as an option. Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional open-back surgery, which is highly invasive and comes with the risk of many complications. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers a variety of these alternatives which are minimally invasive, outpatient procedures to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Contact LSI to learn how our advanced endoscopic techniques can help you rediscover a life without the pain of osteoarthritis. We’ll analyze your MRI or CT scan free of charge to determine whether you are a candidate for one of our procedures.

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