Spinal Arthritis

Degeneration of bone and cartilage of spine

Spinal arthritis may also be termed as degenerative joint disorder, it is characterized by a gradual disorder of the spine joint that causes stiffness, inflammation, and pain. It often develops from the natural wear and tear on the cartilage, known as degenerative arthritis of the spine. 

It’s like your joints have swollen and you are now unable to flex them; they start aching, especially when you have to move, bend over, or try to stand up. This process results in the deterioration of cartilage and subsequent contact or rubbing of vertebral bones. Arthritis is mostly found in elderly people, although there are cases where it might affect young individuals because of injury or neurological disorders.

Arthritis occurs in any part of the spine, but is common in the cervical and lumbar regions. In case of spinal arthritis, patients experience severe back pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back.

Spinal arthritis causes inflammation and swelling of the joints in the spine, which affects mobility in the spine.

  • Pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility of the spine are the primary symptoms
  • Back pain that comes and goes
  • Joint stiffness is particularly noticeable in the mornings
  • Depending on various factors, patients tend to experience more severe pain following periods of inactivity
  • A crunching feeling in the spine
  • Difficulty bending and/or spinal deformity or abnormal curvature
  • Warmth in the joints, particularly during weather changes

Types of Spinal Arthritis

The conditions comprising spinal arthritis can be categorized depending on the cause and area of affected vertebral bodies. Understanding these variants helps in tailoring the appropriate spinal arthritis therapy.

Osteoarthritis of the spine:

  • Igt is the most widespread type of continuous and long-term rubbing of the intervertebral cartilage.
  • Often managed through regular spinal arthritis treatment, involving joint mobility exercises and lifestyle changes.

Inflammatory Arthritis:

  • There are several diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that affect the spine due to inflammation in the system.
  • May require anti-inflammatory medications and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

Spondyloarthropathies:

  • Inflammatory disorders of the spine that result in arthritis, some of which may occur in young persons.
  • Often involves a combination of conservative therapies, including physical therapy for spinal arthritis and pain management techniques. 

By combining early intervention, targeted exercises, and a comprehensive spinal arthritis treatment program, you can better manage symptoms and maintain spinal health for improved quality of life.

Other Issues in the Spine due to Spinal Arthritis

Spinal arthritis also tends to trigger other issues that give rise to new consequences that adversely affect function and comfort. Key issues include:

Spinal Stenosis 

  • Reduction in the dimensions of the spinal canal may result in pinching of the spinal cord or the nerve fibres, leading to arm or leg pain, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness.

Facet Joint Syndrome 

  • Irritation and wearing down of the small joints on the back part of the spine can cause backache and rigidity.

Radiculopathy 

  • In some cases, the nerve roots near the spinal column can be inflamed, and this causes radiating pain, which is widely referred to as a pinched nerve. Radiculopathy is a one of the type sciatica.

Spondylolisthesis

  • This is a condition that affects the spine and results from forward slippage of one vertebra over the other due to arthritis that makes the joints weak, thus causing instabilities.

Altered Alignment

  • Chronic degeneration, especially in cases of degenerative arthritis of the spine, can create abnormal curvatures (kyphosis or scoliosis), increasing mechanical stress.

Early recognition and targeted NSAIDs for spinal arthritis pain, alongside appropriate physical care, can help manage these complications and maintain spinal health.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Causes of Spinal Arthritis

Spinal arthritis arises from the gradual wear and tear of the spinal joints, commonly known as degenerative arthritis of the spine. Identification of the underlying cause and affected regions is perhaps most vital to finding a lasting resolution, as this allows specialists to provide targeted spinal arthritis treatment. Some of the most common causes of spinal arthritis include:

Degenerative Changes:

  • As time passes, the discs situated between the bones of the spine wear away so that the bones start to rub against each other in what is diagnosed as spinal arthritis.

Mechanical Stress and Repetitive Strain:

  • Constant day-to-day lifting, repetitive work which may be undertaken in inappropriate positions, arm and hand misuse hasten joint degradation and are the main reasons for spinal arthritis.

Obesity and Excess Weight:

  • Belly fat produces a mechanical load to the sacroiliac joint, the cartilage of which bears most of the load; moreover, obesity creates additional mechanical load to the spine, augmenting cartilage degeneration and joint stress.

Genetics and Family History:

  • Spinal arthritis is one of those conditions that may be aggravated by an inherited vulnerability, given the fact that genetics plays a crucial role in determining the caliber of cartilage and joints.

Previous Spinal Injuries or Trauma:

  • Traumatic events such as work or sports injuries and simple falls alter the mechanism of the skeletal structure of the spine, resulting in degeneration.

Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions:

  • Inflammation from such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis also impacts the spinal joint and, hence, exacerbates cartilage wear.

Delayed Intervention:

  • Not addressing early symptoms with timely spinal arthritis relief treatment or following a structured spinal arthritis therapy plan can worsen joint damage over time.

Lack of Maintenance and Preventive Measures:

  • Failing to engage in supportive practices, such as spinal arthritis relief therapy,  may accelerate the progression of the condition.

Understanding the causes of spinal arthritis enables patients to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent or reduce the progression of the ailment. Timely intervention with spinal arthritis relief treatment is key to preserving long-term quality of life.

 

Preventive Care Towards Spinal Arthritis

Conservative management of spinal arthritis aims at preventing further development of deformity and pain. Through one’s healthy daily practice and early treatment, the grievous spinal deterioration and chronic pain will be minimized.

Lifestyle Modifications:

  • Regular exercise and posture correction for arthritis help maintain spinal strength and flexibility. 
  • The incorporation of exercises, including swimming or walking, helps to enhance fitness levels and reduce the stress exerted on the spinal joints. 
  • Emphasizing Lifestyle changes for spinal arthritis, including a balanced diet and weight management, is essential for reducing stress on the spine.

Physical Activity and Therapeutic Exercise:

  • Regular joint mobility exercises and targeted stretches can improve spinal flexibility and reduce stiffness. 
  • Physical therapy for spinal arthritis is recommended to strengthen the core muscles and support proper spinal alignment. 
  • These activities can go a long way in reducing the chances of further deterioration of the joint. 

Targeted Exercises:

  • One should therefore incorporate specific exercises in their schedule as provided below. Recommended activities include:
  • Chin Tucks and Neck Rotations: To improve posture and decrease stiffness of the muscles in the neck.
  • Pelvic Tilts and Lower Back Stretches: It helps in decreasing stiffness in the lower back area as well as increasing flexibility.
  • Planks and Core Strengthening Exercises: These exercises help to strengthen the muscles of the back.
  • Physical exercises: Flexibility: Certain yoga postures like Cat and Cow pose, Child pose, Cobra pose help to improve the spine’s flexibility and balance.

By combining these preventive measures, individuals can achieve significant spinal inflammation relief while embracing a holistic approach that includes both non-surgical arthritis treatment methods and dedicated physical care. It is for this reason that early identification and follow-up form the core of long-term management for spinal arthritis.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Spinal Arthritis Treatment

Conventional treatment for spinal arthritis includes medications to reduce pain and inflammation. However, these medications do not treat the underlying problem, which means that patients who are on these medicines will need to continue taking them for life. QI Spine uses some of the most technologically advanced diagnostic and treatment methods to help patients manage their condition and lead healthy, productive lives.

How QI Spine Will Help You

Back surgery has become a common recommendation for spinal problems, including spinal arthritis. However, recent studies show that up to 90% of these surgical procedures are unnecessary and do nothing to improve patient outcomes; in fact, many of these procedures increase the risk of further spinal complications. QI Spine’s holistic and evidence-based treatment protocols offer patients a safer and more effective treatment for spinal arthritis with better long-term benefits.

Individualized Treatment Protocols

Treatment protocols are unique to each patient, depending on how the condition has affected them. This allows spine specialists to provide the best spinal arthritis treatment for each patient, depending on their individual requirements. In cases where the pain is severe, the QI Spine team will work with rheumatologists to decide on a medication plan and personalized spinal arthritis relief therapy to ease discomfort so that you can perform medical movements to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. McKenzie's movements are very effective in cases where peripheral joints are involved.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Treatment

Medications are often the first line of conventional treatment for spinal arthritis, but these drugs often cause serious health problems and can even cause organ damage in the long run. 

  • QI Spine utilizes Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) technology from Germany to reduce spinal arthritis pain. 
  • This technology uses a low-level electric current to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and eliminate back pain.

Spinal arthritis can cause severe and even debilitating pain if left untreated. This is why it is important to visit a spine specialist at the earliest for a definite diagnosis and timely treatment.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Conventional treatment for spinal arthritis includes medications to reduce pain and inflammation. However, these medications do not treat the underlying problem which means that patients who are on these medicines will need continue taking them for life. QI Spine Clinic uses some of the most technologically advanced diagnostic and treatment methods to help patients manage their condition and lead healthy productive lives.

How QI Spine Clinic Can Help You

Back surgery has become a common recommendation for spinal problems including spinal arthritis. However, recent studies show that up to 90% of these surgical procedures are unnecessary and do nothing to improve patient outcomes; in fact, many of these procedures increase the risk of further spinal complications. QI Spine’s holistic and evidence- based treatment protocols offer patients a safer and more effective treatment for spinal arthritis with better long-term benefits.

A definite diagnosis is essential for effective treatment but most cases of back pain are classified as “unspecific back pain”. QI Spine Clinic uses the most advanced spine function test – the Digital Spine Analysis (DSA) to pinpoint the muscles and structures that have been affected by spinal arthritis. This test allows QI spine specialists to create targeted treatment protocols in order to strengthen these muscles, improve muscle function, and increase mobility.

Treatment protocols are unique to each patient depending on how the condition has affected them – this allows spine specialists to provide the best spinal arthritis treatment for each patient, depending on their individual requirements. In cases where the pain is severe, the QI team will work with rheumatologists to decide on a temporary medication plan to ease discomfort so that the patient can perform medical movements to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. McKenzie movements are very effective in cases where peripheral joints are involved.

Medications are often the first line of conventional treatment for spinal arthritis but these drugs often cause serious health problems and can even cause organ damage in the long run. However, QI utilizes Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) technology from Germany to reduce spinal arthritis pain. This technology uses a low-level electric current to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and eliminate back pain.

Spinal arthritis can cause severe and even debilitating pain if left untreated. This is why it is important to visit a spine specialist at the earliest for a definite diagnosis and timely treatment

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Spinal Arthritis Diagnosis

Clinical Assessment

  • History & Examination: Consider both the onset and severity of the symptoms, their effect on the patient’s daily function, and risk factors that predispose him/her to degenerative arthritis.
  • Physical Exam: Assess spinal range of motion, joint tenderness, and neurologic signs (reflexes, strength).

Imaging Studies

  • X-rays: Determine if there is narrowing of the joint space and presence of osteophytes.
  • MRI/CT: Visualize cartilage loss, synovial inflammation, and nerve compression.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scans: To give a clear revelation of bone mass in distal or complicated regions.

Laboratory & Specialized Tests

  • Blood Tests: They should also get inflammation values and eliminate autoimmune conditions.
  • Diagnostic Injections: It uses guided injections to determine the sources of pain.

In cases of severe instability or deformity, consider Spinal fusion surgery for arthritis. It is a structured format of diagnosis that informs appropriate action to be taken on time to address the situation.

Digital Diagnostic Testing

A definite diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, but most cases of spine pain are classified as “nonspecific spine pain”. QI Spine uses the most advanced spine function test, the Digital Spine Analysis (DSA), to pinpoint the muscles and structures that have been affected by spinal arthritis. This test allows our doctors to create targeted treatment protocols to strengthen these muscles, improve muscle function, and increase mobility. 

CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays often fail to pinpoint the exact source of pain, whereas DSA directly analyzes muscle tissue to identify the root cause. Here is how DSA is conducted & its benefits:

  • You’re asked to perform specific movements
  • Sensors and scanners map out how your spine reacts
  • The data is visualized digitally and interpreted by a doctor
  • Non-invasive and radiation-free
  • Quick and painless
  • Offers real-time insights
  • Enhances accuracy in diagnosis and treatment planning

After the thorough analysis doctor will design a personalized spinal arthritis therapy for you. The therapy follows the whole patient's journey, and our spine doctors will guide you from the first day of consultation to the post-care. Also, the doctor and you can both track the treatment details over QI Spine’s app. The app also allows you to map your exercise routine, schedule your video consultation or in-clinic appointment, and track your recovery progress.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

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Who is a QI Spine Specialist?

A QI Spine Specialist is a medical expert with

Nidhi

Dr. Nidhi Sanghvi Shah

Dr. Shital Gaikwad

our-team14

Dr. Richa Bhatia

9000 hours

of specialisation in treating back and neck conditions

32 hours

of spine physiotherapy specialisation methods in McKenzie concepts, Kinetic control, Neurodynamic solutions, Mulligan’s concepts

500 hours

and 6 months of QI Spine specialisation courses

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