Spinal arthritis is an inflammation that occurs in the joints of the spine, causing pain, stiffness and limited mobility. This is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain, seriously affecting the quality of life if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Common types of spinal arthritis
Spinal arthritis is divided into many different types, the most common of which are:
1. Spinal osteoarthritis (degenerative)
This is the most common form of arthritis, occurring due to the wear and tear of cartilage between the vertebrae over time. When the cartilage is worn away, the ends of the bones come into direct contact with each other, causing inflammation, pain and the formation of bone spurs. Osteoarthritis often affects the lower back or neck and is closely related to previous spinal injuries or degenerative disc disease.
Typical symptoms include pain when bending, twisting the back and a feeling of stiffness after sitting for a long time or waking up.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine
An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the synovial membranes of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the spine, especially the neck, causing pain even when the joints are not moving. It is more common in women and can cause serious damage if left untreated.
3. Ankylosing spondylitis
This is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect both the joints and the attachments of ligaments to the bones.
Common forms include:
- Axial ankylosing spondylitis: Causes inflammation in the vertebrae and sacroiliac joints, which can lead to fusion of the vertebrae and hunchback.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Related to psoriasis and can also affect the spine.
- Reactive arthritis: Occurs after an infection in another organ, such as the intestines or genitals.
- Enteric arthritis: Accompanies inflammatory bowel disease, causing pain and swelling in the back or other joints.
Some people may experience both axial and peripheral ankylosing spondylitis, with varying manifestations at each stage of the disease.
Causes of spinal arthritis
Spinal arthritis is an inflammatory or degenerative condition that occurs in the joints of the spine, including the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, and related tissues. There are many different causes leading to the development of the disease, and in some cases, the specific cause is still unclear.
1. Natural aging and mechanical wear
Aging is the main factor causing spinal arthritis, especially degenerative spinal arthritis. As age increases, the cartilage between the joints gradually wears away and loses its natural elasticity. This leads to direct contact between the ends of the bones, forming bone spurs and causing arthritis.
2. Spinal trauma or repetitive microtrauma
Past trauma such as accidents, falls, sports or heavy labor can damage the spine, thereby promoting the degenerative process. In addition, repetitive movements over time also cause microtrauma, gradually weakening the joints and cartilage.
3. Autoimmune diseases
Some types of spinal arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis are closely related to the immune system. In these cases, the immune system “mistakes” and attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation, swelling and joint damage.
4. Genetic factors
Many studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in the development of spinal arthritis, especially ankylosing spondylitis. Certain genes, such as HLA-B27, are associated with a higher susceptibility to the disease.
5. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Overweight and obesity put additional pressure on the spinal joints, especially the lumbar region, accelerating degeneration. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle also contributes to muscle weakness and a less flexible spine, thereby promoting the risk of disease.
6. Other underlying diseases
Some chronic diseases such as diabetes, psoriasis, gout, spinal tuberculosis, chronic enteritis or infections can also be related to the onset or worsening of spinal arthritis.
7. Occupational factors and lifestyle habits
Work that requires heavy lifting, sitting for long periods, bending over a lot, and prolonged incorrect posture are factors that increase the risk of spinal arthritis.
Symptoms of spinal arthritis
Symptoms of spinal arthritis are very diverse and can vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of damage and the type of arthritis. Here are the most common manifestations:
1. Back pain and neck pain
This is the most common symptom, usually concentrated in the lower back or neck. The pain can be dull or severe, often increasing when moving, bending or carrying heavy objects. In some cases, the pain spreads along the nerves, causing sciatica (radiating down to the buttocks and legs) or pain in the neck and shoulders, radiating down the arms.
2. Joint stiffness and reduced mobility
Patients feel a stiff back and stiff neck in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Bending, twisting, and turning the neck becomes more difficult, affecting daily activities and work.
3. Painful swelling and inflammation in the joints
Some people may feel obvious swelling and pain in the affected areas of the spine. The surrounding skin may be warm, red, or sensitive to the touch.
4. Neurological symptoms
If spinal arthritis compresses the nerves, the patient may experience symptoms such as:
- Pain radiating down the arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling like ants crawling
- Muscle weakness, decreased strength in the arms or legs
- Headache (if arthritis is in the neck)
5. Fatigue and general weakness
Especially in autoimmune inflammatory forms such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, the patient often feels tired, lethargic, and physically weak even without much activity.
6. Extra-articular symptoms
In some cases, uveitis may appear causing eye pain, red eyes, blurred vision, or skin rash, accompanied by enteritis (in psoriatic arthritis, enteritis).
Complications of spinal arthritis
If not detected and treated promptly, spinal arthritis can lead to many serious complications that affect health and quality of life:
1. Spinal stenosis
When bone spurs form and grow in the facet joints, they can compress the spinal cord or nerves inside the spinal canal. This leads to severe back pain, numbness, weakness in the limbs, and even difficulty controlling urination and defecation.
2. Radiculopathy
The peripheral nerves that exit the spine are compressed, causing sciatica, numbness on one side of the body, or loss of sensation in the lower limbs.
3. Stress fractures and vertebral collapse
In people with severe degeneration or ankylosing spondylitis, calcification and loss of elasticity of the spine increase the risk of fractures even with minor shocks. Compression fractures can cause severe pain and spinal deformity.
4. Spinal deformity (Hunchback)
Joint fusion and ligament damage cause the spine to curve and hunchback, reducing height and causing loss of balance when moving.
5. Affects other organ functions
Some serious cases can cause bladder and bowel dysfunction, causing urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence or prolonged constipation.
