What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually wears down. In the spine, osteoarthritis affects the facet joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Over time, this degeneration can contribute to nerve compression and spinal instability, sometimes requiring neurosurgical care.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis may develop gradually and worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Stiffness, especially after periods of rest
- Decreased range of motion
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs due to nerve compression
- Headaches when the cervical spine is affected
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by age-related wear and tear of the joints. Other contributing factors include:
- Aging
- Repetitive stress or overuse
- Prior spinal injury or trauma• Poor posture or spinal alignment
- Obesity, increasing joint stress
- Genetic predisposition
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and slowing progression.Options may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, lifestyle changes, and injection-based therapies. When conservative treatments fail and symptoms significantly impact quality of life, surgical intervention may be necessary—consult Premier NeuroSpine for the condition and surgical planning.