Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and the spine is one of the most commonly affected parts of the body. When this condition occurs in the back or neck, it is not only painful but also severely affects the patient’s mobility and quality of life.
What is spinal osteoarthritis?
Spinal osteoarthritis, sometimes called cervical spondylosis if it affects the neck, is a natural degenerative process in which the cartilage and connective tissues in the spine gradually wear down over time. The joints in our bodies naturally go through a cycle of damage and repair, but when this repair process leads to changes in the shape or structure of the joint, that is when osteoarthritis develops.
However, not all back or neck pain means you have osteoarthritis. In fact, most cases of back or neck pain are temporary and will improve on their own without medical intervention.
Structure of the spine and the role of joints
Your spine consists of 33 vertebrae, extending from the top of the neck down to the tailbone, divided into five sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx. These vertebrae are connected by facet joints (where two or more bones meet) that help guide the movement of the back and neck.
The ends of the facet joints are covered with smooth cartilage that reduces friction during movement. Between the vertebrae are discs that act as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to be flexible and withstand force. A strong system of ligaments surrounds the spine to help keep it stable.
When the cartilage and discs wear away, the joint surfaces become rough, making it difficult to move the back or neck smoothly and causing stiffness and pain. These are the typical symptoms of osteoarthritis of the spine.
How the cartilage develops in osteoarthritis?
When cartilage is damaged, the body tries to repair it by building new tissue. However, this process can lead to abnormal changes in the joint structure, including:
- The cartilage becomes thinner and rougher
- The discs between the vertebrae also become thinner
- The formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), abnormal growths of bone that cause compression and pain
These changes affect not only the joint but also the surrounding bones, ligaments, and tendons.
Pain levels and disease progression
Pain in osteoarthritis of the spine is not always constant, but often fluctuates. You may have good days when you are almost pain-free, but there will also be days when the pain flares up so badly that it wakes you up at night.
Pain levels may be worse at times like early morning, late in the day, or when you move in a way that increases pressure on the spine. That’s why patients need to listen to their bodies and adjust their lifestyle accordingly.
Who is susceptible to osteoarthritis of the spine?
Although osteoarthritis can occur in anyone, this condition is more common in women and people over 50 years old. Some factors that increase the risk of the disease include:
- Previous spinal injury
- Other joint diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis
- Being overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet
- Genetic factors
All of these factors can increase the risk of developing and progressing osteoarthritis of the spine.
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis of the spine
The first sign that many people experience is pain and stiffness in the back or neck. However, diagnosing osteoarthritis is not simple because not all back pain or neck pain is related to this condition. Even the changes in the joints caused by osteoarthritis can sometimes not be detected on an X-ray.
Symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person, but the most common signs include:
1. Back or neck pain
This is the first and most typical symptom. The pain can be dull or sharp, occurring more often in the early morning, late in the day, or when you perform certain movements.
2. Joint stiffness
Joint stiffness often occurs after you wake up or after a period of inactivity. This feeling can make it difficult for you to bend, turn, or perform simple movements.
3. Crackling or grinding noises when moving
When you move your back or neck, you may hear sounds like grinding or grating. This is a sign that the joint surfaces have become rough and are no longer as smooth as before.
4. Radiating pain
In cases of cervical osteoarthritis, the pain can radiate to the head causing headaches or down to the shoulders and arms. This condition significantly limits mobility and affects daily activities.
