Spine Arthritis Treatment

Spondylosis is degenerative arthritis, or osteoarthritis, of the spine, which are the degenerative changes that occur in the spine as a natural part of the aging process. While aging is inevitable, adopting a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing proper back care can mitigate its impact. Seeking expert guidance from your local spine and pain center at the onset of any issues is crucial. Spondylosis, a type of back arthritis, is a degenerative condition that, when addressed promptly, need not limit your mobility. The spine, composed of vertebrae and intervertebral discs, changes over time, including disc degeneration, bone spurs, and other structural alterations.

Back arthritis treatment often begins with non-surgical approaches, such as working with a physical therapist, medications, and lifestyle modifications. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered to address specific issues like nerve compression or instability in the spine. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, improve function, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals experiencing osteoarthritis of the spine.

If you have back pain arthritis of the back treatment from Wisconsin’s pain specialists at Pro Spine & Pain can help manage your condition. Contact us to explore your options, with convenient locations in Kenosha, Waukesha, Layton, Franklin, and Madison.

What is Osteoarthritis of the Spine?

Spondylosis is the natural degeneration of the spine, an inevitable aspect of aging. Your spine consists of 33 vertebrae, extending from the base of your skull to your tailbone. These vertebrae are stacked bones with soft tissue discs in between, facilitating movement, flexibility, and support. With daily use, these discs undergo wear and tear, leading to degeneration over time.
Facet spondylosis refers specifically to the degeneration and inflammation of the facet joints that sit between vertebrae in the spine. It can occur in any region of the spine, but is particularly prevalent in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.

These changes can lead to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility in the affected areas of the spine. Spondylosis is particularly prevalent among individuals over the age of 60, although it can affect people of all ages to varying degrees.

Persistent neck, middle back, or lower back pain unresponsive to self-care warrants evaluation by a spine specialist at a nearby spine pain center. They can diagnose whether spondylosis or another back condition is the culprit. Wisconsin’s leading pain management experts at Pro Spine & Pain specialize in comprehensive treatments for both cervical and lumbar spondylosis. Don’t let unresolved back pain impede your quality of life; seek expert guidance for effective management and relief.

Symptoms of Spondylosis

Degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are categorized under spondylosis, potentially leading to conditions like spinal stenosis or radiculopathy. Spondylosis manifests in two primary forms: cervical and lumbar. Cervical spondylosis pertains to the neck, encompassing the initial seven vertebrae from the skull’s base. Lumbar spondylosis affects the lower back region, extending around the hip area.

Pain and stiffness are hallmark symptoms of this condition, and these signs can vary in frequency and intensity.
Cervical spondylosis symptoms may include:

• Headaches (including cervicogenic headaches)
• Neck pain
• Stiffness
• A popping sensation when rotating the neck
• Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders
• Arm weakness

Lumbar spondylosis symptoms are similar, but typically affecting the lower body.
Additional symptoms may include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Aching sensations in the lower back and legs
• Leg weakness
• Walking difficulties
• Bladder or bowel control issues
• Morning stiffness resolving gradually throughout the day

Understanding these symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. Early intervention can mitigate the problem and improve overall quality of life for individuals affected by spondylosis.

Risk Factors for Spondylosis

The primary risk factor for developing spondylosis is aging, with individuals over 60 being most susceptible to the condition.
Age-related changes in the back commonly include several factors

• Dehydrated Discs: Beyond the age of 40, spinal discs begin to lose moisture, diminishing their ability to cushion and support the spine effectively.
• Herniated Discs: Cracks and weakening in the disc’s outer layer can result in the protrusion of the softer inner core, a condition known as a herniated disc.
• Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone material on existing bones can lead to the formation of bone spurs, which may cause complications like nerve compression or pinched nerves
• Stiff Ligaments: Soft tissues, including ligaments, tend to become less flexible with age, contributing to reduced mobility and flexibility, thereby impacting the health of spinal discs.

These age-related changes highlight the importance of proactive measures to maintain spinal health, such as regular exercise, proper posture, and seeking medical attention for any persistent symptoms or discomfort.

In order to make a diagnosis, your physician will give you a full physical exam, which may include x-rays and a CT scan to pinpoint the areas of degeneration and rule out any other problems.

Spinal Arthritis Treatment

While aging and spondylosis may be inevitable, their severity can be mitigated through various non-surgical and naturopathic treatments, which are often the initial approach recommended by experienced back pain specialists. Treatment for cervical arthritis will be the same as for problems in other areas.
Conservative treatments include:

• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy
• Massages and chiropractic sessions
• Alternating cold and heat applications
• Rest
• Lifestyle modifications

If these methods fail to relieve pain, more advanced treatment options are available, including:

• Prescription pain medications such as narcotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and muscle relaxants
• Steroids, administered via injection or orally
• Antidepressants, known for their pain-relieving properties

When non-surgical interventions prove insufficient, spine surgery may be considered, especially if spinal cord nerves are affected. Your Wisconsin spine specialist will evaluate your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination to determine the appropriateness of surgical intervention.

Common spondylosis surgery includes:

• Lumbar Foraminotomy: Enlarging the area between the vertebrae where the nerve roots leave the spinal canal to relieve nerve compression.
• Laminectomy: Removal of a portion or all of a vertebra.
• Lumbar Disc Replacement: Replacement of the disc between vertebrae.
• Spinal Fusion: Fusing vertebrae together with a bone graft stabilizes the spine. Lumbar spondylosis of a severe level might be improved with this type of intervention.

Patient Expeience

For personalized care and arthritis of the back treatment options tailored to your needs, contact Pro Spine & Pain in Wisconsin. Their expertise can help address your spondylosis without surgery and determine the most suitable course of action to manage your condition effectively.