Arthritis of the Lower Back (Lumbar Spondylosis)

Arthritis of the back, also known as spinal arthritis or spondylosis, is a common condition characterized by the inflammation, degeneration, and eventual breakdown of the joints and discs in the spine. It can cause significant pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, impacting the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

The spine is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, discs, nerves, and muscles, all working together to provide support, stability, and flexibility to the body. Arthritis of the back typically affects the facet joints, which are small joints located between each vertebra, as well as the intervertebral discs, which act as shock-absorbing tissue between the vertebrae.

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the spine, with the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, each with its own unique characteristics and symptoms.

• Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells in the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and in severe cases, fusion of the vertebrae.

Spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that might lead to a loss of normal spinal structure and function.

The degenerative process involved in this condition may affect the following regions:

• Cervical (neck) leading to cervical spondylosis
• Thoracic (mid-back)
• Lumbar (low back)

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Lower Back

Arthritis of the back can manifest with a variety of symptoms, often varying in severity depending on the type and progression of the condition. The pain may be localized to the back or may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the hips, legs, or arms.

Common symptoms of lumbar arthritis include:

• Persistent lower back pain, which may range from dull and achy to sharp and stabbing, and is often exacerbated by movement or prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Stiffness in the lumbar region of the back, particularly in the morning or after sitting for extended periods, is another hallmark symptom, which can gradually improve with gentle movement or stretching.
• Reduced flexibility and range of motion in the spine may also occur, making it difficult to bend, twist, or perform daily activities.
• In some cases, arthritis of the back can lead to nerve compression, resulting in radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or buttocks.
• Inflammation of the facet joints or surrounding tissues may cause tenderness, swelling, or a sensation of warmth in the affected area.
• In severe cases, arthritis of the back can lead to complications such as nerve compression, spinal stenosis, or loss of function in the affected area.

Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis

The exact cause of arthritis of the back is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including age, genetics, injury, obesity, and repetitive stress on the spine. As people age, the cartilage in the spine naturally begins to deteriorate, increasing the risk of developing arthritis.

As you grow older, natural degenerative changes occur in your spine. Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition, these changes still progress over time, impacting your spine.

One effect is the dehydration of vertebral discs, weakening them. This weakening allows facet joints to move closer together, causing cartilage damage. These joints are crucial for enabling the free movement and rotation of your back, so when the cartilage around them breaks down, it leads to stiffness and restricted motion as side effects. As cartilage wears away completely, bones start rubbing against each other, prompting the growth of new bone, known as bone spurs, within the facet joints. This process results in stenosis, the narrowing of the space through which nerve roots pass, ultimately causing intense pain.

These degenerative changes highlight the importance of proactive measures to maintain spinal health and mitigate the progression of such conditions as you age. Regular exercise, maintaining proper posture, weight loss, if necessary, and seeking medical advice for managing symptoms are essential steps in preserving spine health and overall well-being. The pain management specialists at Pro Spine & Pain will work with you to develop a plan to manage your symptoms and get back to your best.

Risk Factors for Developing Arthritis in the Lower Back

Lumbar spondylosis is typically caused by a combination of factors, including age-related changes, genetics, injury, and lifestyle factors. As people age, the cartilage that cushions the joints in the spine naturally begins to deteriorate, leading to the development of arthritis. This wear and tear process is known as osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in the back.

Genetics also play a role, as certain genes have been linked to an increased susceptibility to developing arthritis. Additionally, obesity and repetitive stress on the spine from activities such as heavy lifting or poor posture can accelerate the degenerative process.

Injuries to the spine, such as fractures, dislocations, or repetitive stress injuries, can also damage the joints and surrounding tissues, accelerating the degenerative process and increasing the risk of developing arthritis later in life.

Lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor posture, and repetitive movements that strain the spine can also contribute to the development of back arthritis by placing excessive stress on the joints and accelerating wear and tear.

Some people with psoriasis develop a specific type of lower back spondylosis known as psoriatic arthritis. It can affect joints on one or both sides of the body. People with psoriatic arthritis often suffer signs and symptoms similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis.

Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment and Diagnosis

Diagnosing arthritis in the back typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, including a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. During the physical examination, your doctor may assess range of motion, joint tenderness, and neurological function. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the extent of joint damage, identify bone spurs, or assess the condition of the surrounding tissues.

Once diagnosed, treatment for arthritis in the back aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. This often involves a combination of conservative therapies and lifestyle modifications.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics may be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and promote proper posture.
• In some cases, a corticosteroid injection that reduces pain and inflammation may be administered directly into the affected joints to provide temporary relief.
• Lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, practicing good posture, and engaging in regular exercise can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of arthritis in the back.
• In more severe cases or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief, lumbar spondylosis surgery may be considered to stabilize the spine, relieve pressure on nerves, and improve overall function. Examples of surgical interventions include spinal fusion, laminectomy, or artificial disc replacement.

The choice of treatment depends on your symptoms, the severity of your condition, and your overall health goals. For this reason, you should discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor.

Arthritis of the lower back is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. With symptoms ranging from persistent pain and stiffness to reduced mobility and nerve compression, it can significantly impact one’s quality of life. However, with early diagnosis, appropriate medical management, lifestyle modifications, and supportive interventions, individuals with arthritis of the back can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Ongoing research into the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for arthritis in the back holds promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the well-being of those affected by this condition.

Get help for the symptoms of arthritis in the back as soon as possible. Back pain relief will enable you to do all the things you love so you can live life to the fullest. Contact Pro Spine & Pain today to set up a consultation and discover the best non-surgical treatment for lumbar spondylosis and receive a comprehensive treatment plan to manage pain. Choose from five locations in Wisconsin in Kenosha, Waukesha, Layton, Franklin, or Madison.