Recognizing Spinal Arthritis Symptoms: What to Look Out For

Arthritis occurs when your joints begin degenerating and the joints become swollen and tender. It can occur throughout your body and typically worsens as you get older. Arthritis can be caused by the protective tissue around your bones (known as cartilage) breaking down or by your immune system mistakenly attacking your joints.

Many people don’t realize that arthritis can also occur in your spine, causing back pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Learn more about the early warning signs of this condition and when to seek medical help.

Understanding Spinal Arthritis

Spinal arthritis can develop anywhere in your back, but it most commonly occurs around the cervical spine (your neck and shoulders) and the lumbar spine (lower back). People with this condition often experience unexplained stiffness or sensitivity where the arthritis occurs.

There are multiple causes of spinal arthritis, which can cause back pain to develop. Some people experience spinal arthritis as they get older because of the natural wear and tear on the body. This is known as osteoarthritis and is the most commonly diagnosed form. However, spinal arthritis can also be part of an autoimmune disorder if your body views healthy tissue as an unknown threat.

It’s not uncommon for people to ignore arthritis symptoms when they first develop. They might blame poor sleep positions or natural aging as the source of discomfort. However, it is important to see a doctor if you develop arthritis symptoms. Early intervention can help you live a more comfortable life and allow your doctor to recommend less invasive treatment options to address the issue.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

The first step is to identify common spinal arthritis symptoms. Here are a few warning signs to look out for.

Persistent Back Pain

The first symptom of spinal arthritis is chronic back pain. This means you feel persistent back pain that lasts for more than three months. There might be days when the pain is more noticeable, but it tends to be consistently in the same area and at the same time. Some people may experience a dull, throbbing pain during this time, while others feel sharp, unexpected stabs. It might be centered in the low back, or right or left sided.

The most common locations for spinal arthritis are in the neck and lower back. However, any pain coming from your spine should be discussed with a doctor.

Stiffness and Reduced Flexibility

You also may notice increased stiffness if you are developing spinal arthritis. This might be more common in the morning, which is why many people assume the cause is a bad mattress or poor sleep position.

This stiffness could affect your range of motion. You may not be able to bend, twist, or move like you used to without feeling pain.

Swelling and Tenderness

Additionally, consider whether the affected areas are sensitive and painful to the touch. They also might be inflamed, which makes your skin feel hot. Swelling is also common and associated with tender skin.

Early Signs of Spinal Arthritis

While pain, stiffness, and swelling are some of the most common symptoms of spinal arthritis, you might notice some early signs of this condition that are less noticeable. Talk to your doctor if you currently experience any of these symptoms.

Intermittent Pain Episodes

Before you develop noticeable chronic pain, you may experience pain symptoms that worsen over time. You could feel an unexplained sharp pain that goes away or feel a dull ache throughout the day. Consider starting a symptoms journal so you can track how frequently this pain flares up and confirm that it is in the same area.

Fatigue and General Discomfort

You may start to feel tired without knowing why or feel fatigued after completing basic tasks or chores. This isn’t necessarily related to aging. Try to identify the source of your fatigue or discomfort and see if it is related to your back pain.

Reduced Range of Motion

Take note if you have difficulty performing everyday tasks because it is harder to move or stretch. Something simple, like picking up a dropped item, can be difficult or painful with spinal arthritis. If you notice your range of motion is becoming more limited over time, your condition could be getting worse.

Advanced Symptoms and Complications

You may notice worsening symptoms as your spinal arthritis progresses. Here are a few additional problems that may develop if this condition is untreated.

Chronic Pain

Your pain will likely worsen until it starts to interfere with your daily life. While you might be able to ignore the pain in the early stages of spinal arthritis, it could progress to the point where you cannot work or even move around your house.

Nerve Impingement

The vertebrae of your spine are closely aligned with your nerve canal. Your arthritis could cause your spine to impact your nerves, causing additional pain, along with numbness or tingling in your extremities. If the arthritis is in your neck, the tingling will likely be in your arms and hands. If the arthritis is in your lower back, the symptoms could be in your legs.

Your arms or legs might also feel weaker than normal once the nerve impingement sets in.

Spinal Deformities

A third symptom that may form as spinal arthritis worsens is spinal changes that affect your ability to stand up straight. You may develop a noticeable curve in your spine or misalignment that makes standing or walking difficult. At this point, your spinal doctor will need to treat your arthritis and will also have to restore your spine to a healthy state.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Earlier intervention is always better when it comes to any medical condition, but it especially applies to spinal arthritis. If you notice symptoms or suspect you are developing this condition, talk to your doctor. You can also start tracking your symptoms in a calendar or notebook to see if they are getting worse.

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms

Talk to your doctor if your pain becomes more frequent, gets worse, or shows no sign of abating. This is also an issue if your symptoms do not improve with rest or over-the-counter medication.

Sudden Onset of Severe Symptoms

Spinal arthritis can develop over time, but symptoms can get worse faster than expected. Seek medical help if you feel sudden, severe pain or if you start to experience nerve problems like numbness or tingling.

Another severe symptom that could be a sign of nerve damage is a loss of bladder or bowel control. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can interfere with your ability to work and enjoy life. It can be permanent!

Impact on Quality of Life

Eventually, your spinal arthritis will make it difficult for you to exercise, participate in your favorite hobbies, work, and even complete basic household chores. If you are limiting your actions because of your back pain, you need medical help. You do not have to stop working or give up your favorite activities because of spinal arthritis.

Managing Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

There is no cure for arthritis, which is why it is so important to identify your symptoms and receive a diagnosis early on. There are multiple treatment options for people with spinal arthritis, which can reduce pain levels and address discomfort caused by the inflammation.

Pain Management Techniques

If your doctor diagnoses you with spinal arthritis, they will want to see how your body responds to pain medication. They might start with over-the-counter pain relievers and see if they alleviate your discomfort. If not, they may recommend prescription medications that could be more effective. Possibly injections into arthritic joints or epidurals.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Along with pain management, your doctor will want you to get moving. Physical therapy can preserve your range of motion while exercise can help you build muscle in your back. Your doctor may connect you with a physical therapist or show you exercises you can do at home. They will also recommend safe exercises you can do. These are usually low-impact activities like swimming or cycling.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Your doctor might also recommend a series of lifestyle changes so you can support your spine through healthy choices. These may include ergonomic adjustments, stress management techniques, and other changes like stopping smoking or embracing healthy eating. Not only can these actions support your spinal arthritis treatment, but they can help your overall health in noticeable ways.

Don’t Wait for Back Pain Worsen to Seek Treatment

Patients often wait for their back pain to interfere with their quality of life before they seek medical help. However, this can affect your treatment options and cause you to live a life of discomfort. As soon as you notice regular back pain, start tracking your symptoms and make an appointment with your doctor. If you have chronic back pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation, you may have spinal arthritis.

If you are ready to talk with a doctor about your symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Todd H. Lanman, a leading spinal neurosurgeon and creator of the Top Doctors in Arthroplasty Directory, which connects people from across the country with leading artificial disc replacement surgeons in their area. Dr. Lanman can diagnose your back pain, develop a treatment plan, and help you live a more comfortable life. Request a consultation today and take the first step towards getting back to your active, healthy, pain-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spinal arthritis the same as osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a form of spinal arthritis. It describes a type of arthritis that is caused by natural degenerative wear over time. It is also the most common type of spinal arthritis. Other types of arthritis could be caused by autoimmune diseases.

What are the treatment options for managing spinal arthritis symptoms?

There is no cure for arthritis, but you can treat the symptoms and live a more comfortable life. A few common treatment options include pain and inflammation medication, physical therapy, hot and cold therapy, and other lifestyle changes. Combining multiple treatments can reduce the impact arthritis has on your life.

How is spinal arthritis diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose your spinal arthritis after asking about your symptoms and conducting a physical exam. They might also order imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a clearer view of the affected area. Once your doctor has a definitive diagnosis, they can move forward with a course of treatment.

How can I tell if my back pain is due to spinal arthritis?

There are several causes of back pain and reduced range of motion. You may have spinal arthritis if your back pain is paired with swelling and sensitivity in the affected area. If you suspect you have spinal arthritis, talk to your doctor. They will either diagnose you with this condition or identify the root cause of your discomfort.