Does your back hurt all the time? Let's learn about spinal arthritis!

Do you often get back pain? Maybe when you wake up in the morning, your back feels stiff and like wood? Or do you find it difficult to straighten your back after sitting in a chair for a while? If you struggle with these things, then the cause may be spinal arthritis. Don't worry, this is a condition that affects many people. So let's talk about this in a little more detail today, in a way that you can understand, okay?

What is Spinal Arthritis?

Simply put, spinal arthritis is inflammation of the joints between the tiny bones in your spine called vertebrae . Think of your spine as a string of beads. It's made up of 33 bones stacked on top of each other. Each bone is called a vertebra. The joints where these vertebrae connect are like the hinges on a door. These joints allow us to bend our spine forward, backward, and turn from side to side. So, arthritis occurs when these joints become inflamed, or when the soft tissue called cartilage that acts as a cushion wears away.

Our spine can be divided into three main parts, to make it easier for you to remember:

• Cervical spine: This is the first 7 vertebrae in the neck. This part is what works when you move your head up and down and look from side to side.
• Thoracic spine: This starts at the base of the neck and ends at the rib cage. This is the part that provides support for our chest.
• Lumbar spine: This is the part of your lower back that takes the most pressure when we bend forward or lift heavy objects.

Although arthritis can affect any part of the spine, it is most common in the cervical spine and lumbar spine. If you have symptoms of arthritis, such as back pain and stiffness, see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the necessary treatment to control your symptoms and prevent further damage to your spine.

What types of spinal arthritis are there?

Now let's look at the types of arthritis that can occur in the spine. Actually, any type of arthritis can occur in the spine. However, there are a few types that are most commonly seen:

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type. Think of it this way, just like the tires on our cars wear out over time, this is caused by the cartilage, the soft, protective covering around our joints, wearing away over time. It becomes more common as we age. That's why some people sometimes think that "back pain is normal as we age."
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a different story. It is an autoimmune disorder . This means that our body's own immune system attacks our own joints. It's like throwing stones at our own house. This can affect not only the spine, but also other joints in the body.
• Psoriatic arthritis: This is also an autoimmune disease. Some people who have the skin condition psoriasis (also known as lichen planus) can develop this arthritis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: This is also a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. In this, the vertebrae gradually fuse together, reducing the flexibility of the spine. A major symptom of this is stiffness in the morning.

The symptoms and treatments for each of these types may be slightly different, which is why it's so important to see a doctor to find out exactly which type you have.

How common is this spinal arthritis?

It's actually more common than you might think. It's especially common among people over the age of 60. According to statistics, it's estimated that about 95% of men and 70% of women over the age of 60 have some degree of spinal arthritis. That means that many of the older people around you are likely suffering from this condition.

What are the symptoms of spinal arthritis?

Symptoms of spinal arthritis vary from person to person. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Back pain: Pain is most commonly felt, especially in the neck and lower back. Sometimes this pain can be constant or come and go.
• Stiffness or lack of flexibility: Feeling stiff in the back, either when you first get up in the morning or after standing for a while. Like a rusty hinge.
• Pain in the arms or legs: If the nerves in the back are compressed, the pain can travel down the arms or legs. Some people may even feel like their legs are going numb.
• Inability to walk as far as before: You may not be able to walk as far as before, either because your back starts to hurt after walking for a short distance or because your legs feel uncomfortable.
• Feeling tired all the time (Fatigue): Feeling tired and lifeless all the time is another symptom that some people experience.

Depending on where the arthritis is in your spine, you may also experience pain in these areas:

• Head
• Ribs
• Hip bones
• Buttock area
• Knees

Imagine, when you wake up in the morning, your neck is so stiff that you can't even turn it, you have a slight ache in your lower back all day, and when you stand for a while, you feel a tingling sensation running down your leg... These are the feelings of someone with arthritis. Some people even say that when you rub their back, it feels like "milk milk" is being poured over it.

What causes arthritis in the spine?

Each type of arthritis has its own unique causes. For example, osteoarthritis develops because the cartilage around our joints wears down over time, much like an old car wears out.

On the other hand, types like rheumatoid arthritis are caused by autoimmune disorders . That is, the immune system, which is supposed to protect our body, mistakenly attacks parts of our own body, in this case the joints.

What are the risk factors that affect this?

Now let's look at the risk factors for developing arthritis in the spine. While we can't control some things, we can reduce this risk if we take care of some things.

Generally, risk factors common to all types of arthritis are:

• Your age: As you get older, your risk of developing arthritis increases. It's natural.
• Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes and using other types of tobacco greatly increases the risk of arthritis.
• Your gender: It has been found that men are slightly more likely to develop spinal arthritis than women.

In addition, there are other risk factors that specifically affect spinal arthritis:

• If someone in your family has arthritis: If your mother, father, or a close relative has arthritis, you have a small risk of developing it too. This is called a hereditary predisposition.
• If you have a job or hobby that puts a lot of pressure on your back: For example, someone who sits at a computer all day, or someone who does heavy lifting (e.g. construction workers, farmers). Or if you frequently injure your back while playing sports (e.g. rugby, weightlifting). These things can damage your back and lead to arthritis.
• Some autoimmune disorders: People with diseases such as Crohn's disease , ulcerative colitis (these are intestinal diseases), and psoriasis are also at higher risk.
• Overweight or obesity: When you gain weight, the back puts a lot of pressure on it, which increases the risk of joint wear and tear and arthritis.

What other complications can this cause?

If spinal arthritis is not managed properly, certain complications can occur. Some of them are:

• Spinal stenosis: Our spinal cord is the passageway through our spine. If this passageway narrows due to arthritis, it can compress the spinal cord and the nerves that come out of it. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
• Radiculopathy and other nerve problems: Nerve roots that come out of the vertebrae can become compressed. This is called radiculopathy. For example, sciatica is a condition like this.
• Spinal fractures, especially compression fractures: Arthritis can weaken bones and cause a vertebra to break, even with a minor fall or heavy lifting.
• Kyphosis: The natural curve of the spine is altered, causing it to bend forward and appear hunched over.

How do you find out if you have arthritis in this spine?

If you have back pain or other discomfort, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. The doctor will examine you and ask you about your symptoms.

• How long have you had this pain?
• What does the pain feel like? (e.g. burning? stabbing? tightness?)
• When is the pain worse? (e.g. in the morning? at night? while working?)
• Does the pain get worse or worse when you do something? (e.g., sitting, standing, walking)

They will ask questions like these and also talk about your medical history (do you have any other illnesses, are you taking any medications, etc.).

Then, the doctor will examine your back. He will also check your range of motion and whether there are any areas where you feel pain when you press on your back.

What kind of tests are done for this?

Usually, after a conversation and physical examination, if the doctor has any doubts, he or she will order several tests to take pictures of the spine and surrounding tissues. These are called imaging tests .

The most common tests are:

• Spine X-ray: This can check the condition of the bones, whether the space between the joints has narrowed, and whether there are extra bone growths (bone spurs).
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: This can take a clear picture of not only the bones, but also soft tissues such as cartilage, discs, nerves, and spinal cord.
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: This can also provide detailed information about the bones. It is clearer than an X-ray.

What are the treatments for this?

Many people are concerned that there is no cure for arthritis. But don't worry. There are many effective treatments that can help control your symptoms, reduce pain, and prevent further damage to your spine. Your doctor will determine the type of arthritis you have based on your condition.

Here are some of the most commonly used treatments:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac) and acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol), can help reduce inflammation and pain. However, it is best to talk to a doctor before taking these medications for more than 10 days at a time.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist is someone who helps you improve your body's movement and function. They will give you exercises and instructions to help you manage pain, stiffness, and discomfort, strengthen the muscles around your spine, and maintain proper posture.
• Prescription medication: Sometimes your doctor may give you strong painkillers called corticosteroids , either in the form of pills or a cortisone shot given directly into the affected joint. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, you may also be given a special type of medication called DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) . These work to reduce the severity of the disease.

Is surgery performed for spinal arthritis?

Most people with spinal arthritis do not need surgery. A doctor will only consider surgery if symptoms are severe despite all other standard treatments. Or, as mentioned earlier, if there is a complication such as spinal stenosis or fractured vertebrae, surgery may be necessary to correct it.

Two of the most common types of surgery are spinal fusion and spinal decompression . If you need surgery, your surgeon will explain to you which surgery is right for you and what to expect.

What should you expect when living with this condition?

In truth, spinal arthritis is a condition that needs to be managed over a long period of time (possibly for a lifetime). However, your doctor can help you minimize the impact it has on your daily activities.

Some people may experience a slight increase in symptoms as they age. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor regularly and have your condition checked. Then, you can see if there is a change in the shape of your spine or if your symptoms have changed, and take the necessary action.

Is there a way to prevent this?

It's difficult to completely prevent arthritis, which is caused by an autoimmune disease. However, there are things we can do to protect our joints (including our spine):

• Follow a healthy diet that suits you.
• Do low-impact exercise: Things like swimming, yoga, and cycling strengthen your joints without putting too much pressure on them.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products completely.
• Wear appropriate protective gear when working, playing sports, or engaging in hobbies.

How can you take care of yourself?

This is also very important. One of the best ways to reduce arthritis symptoms is to stay as active as possible. But don't do anything that causes severe pain. Gentle, gentle stretching exercises, such as walking, can help reduce pain and stiffness. They can also help prevent the condition from getting worse.

You don't have to go to the Olympics. Regular exercise like walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga are great for your back. These will strengthen your muscles all over your body. Ask your doctor or physical therapist what exercises are right for you. They can help you stay active and safe.

If your spinal arthritis is making it difficult for you to do your daily tasks, you may also want to seek help from an occupational therapist . They can teach you how to stand, sit, move around properly, or use various devices to help you do your work safely.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:

• The pain is unbearable.
• My back is so stiff that I can't even move it.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, fingers, or toes.
• Weakness in the arms or legs.

What questions should you ask your doctor?

When we go to see a doctor, we sometimes forget what we want to ask. So, it's a good idea to write down some questions like these:

• What type of arthritis do I have?
• What kind of imaging tests will I need to have?
• What kind of treatment do I need?
• Will I need surgery?
• How often should I come in for a back check-up?

Is this spinal arthritis a serious condition?

Like any bone and joint disease, spinal arthritis can sometimes lead to serious complications. But don't worry. A doctor can help you manage your symptoms and reduce the impact the condition has on your daily life. If you notice a change in your symptoms, or if you feel that your current treatments aren't helping you as much as they used to, see a doctor right away.

Spinal arthritis causes back pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It's normal to feel scared when you find out you have a back injury. However, many people can still live a normal life and enjoy their lives with spinal arthritis. Your doctor can help you find the treatment you need to stay safe, active, and as pain-free as possible.

So, finally, some of the most important things to remember!

Spinal arthritis is a frustrating and long-term condition. But don't give up hope. There are many things you can do to live well with this condition.

• Don't ignore the pain. Instead of thinking, "That's just how it is," see a doctor and find out exactly what the problem is. The sooner you find out, the easier it is to treat.
• Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Take your medication on time, do the exercises you're told to do, and don't skip seeing a physical therapist if they tell you to.
• Stay as active as possible. Find exercises that you enjoy and that don't put pressure on your joints (like swimming, walking, yoga) and do them daily. Not only will it reduce pain, it's also good for your mind.
• Control your weight. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your back. Adopt a healthy diet.
• Definitely avoid smoking. Smoking makes arthritis worse.
• Think positively. Believe that you can live happily and actively with this condition. Get psychological support if necessary.

Remember, you are not alone. Many people around the world are living with these conditions. Get the help you need, and stay strong! You can overcome this.

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