What is Osteoarthritis of the Spine?
As we age, the discs in our spine can wear, begin to bulge, and become narrowed. These changes can put a strain on the cartilage, ligaments, and joints at the involved level of the spine and may cause pain. The narrowing of the disc also results in the narrowing of the space between the spinal joints, called the “facet” joints. Weight-bearing forces on the joints increase because of these disc changes. As a result, the cartilage covering the joint surface can begin to fray and wear away over time. If your cartilage wears down so that your bones start to rub together, it can result in enlarged joints, inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
As OA of the spine progresses, your body will try to repair it by growing new bone. This bony growth is called a “bone spur.” Spur development can result in a condition known as spinal stenosis. Most often, this disorder affects men and women over 50 years of age. If the spurs enlarge, they can narrow the spaces in the spine. The narrowing can involve small or large areas and can result in pressure on nerves near the involved joints, resulting in symptoms that may include pain, tingling, numbness, or burning.
How Does it Feel?
Symptoms of OA of the spine vary from person to person and can range from mild to disabling. You may not have symptoms even though the condition is present. Its onset and progression can be quite slow.
With early or mild disease, symptoms will be intermittent or come and go. You might feel stiffness or aching after sitting for a long time, upon waking in the morning, or after vigorous activity. You or your family may notice changes in your posture. Some people will bend forward or shift to the side. With more advanced OA of the spine, symptoms will become more constant and tend to interfere more with your daily activity, especially with walking and standing.
Common symptoms of OA of the spine include:
- Pain in the back or neck
- Pain that is worse after prolonged inactivity, on getting up in the morning, or after physical activity
- Pain that worsens with standing and walking and gets better with sitting or lying down
- Stiffness after prolonged inactivity, on getting up in the morning, or with movement of the involved area of the spine
- With a more advanced condition, symptoms that do not improve with rest and that interfere with sleep
- Pain, burning, or tingling sensations that spread to the shoulder or arm or the buttocks or leg
- Difficulty performing normal daily activities, such as dressing and bathing, as well as walking and standing as the condition progresses
- Pain caused by the weakening of muscles surrounding the joint due to inactivity
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation and may:
- Ask specific questions about your past and current health and use of medication
- Have you complete a questionnaire about how you are functioning in your daily life
- Ask how your symptoms came about, how long you have had them, where they are located, how and when the pain occurs, and other questions to form a clear picture of your situation
Your physical therapist will then conduct a physical examination and may:
- Evaluate your posture and spinal alignment, and measure the range of motion and flexibility of your spine and the extremities (arms or legs) in the involved area
- Check your nerve function with reflex, sensation, and strength testing
- Observe how you use your body for home, work, and social/leisure activities
- Check your balance to determine your risk of falling
The information learned in your evaluation will help your physical therapist prescribe a program to ease your discomfort, boost your quality of life, and get you moving your best.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be requested but are not necessary in every case. However, if your physical therapist suspects that your pain might be caused by an underlying condition, he or she may refer you to your physician for further testing. Your physical therapist will work with your physician to provide the best diagnosis and treatment.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
Your physical therapist will help you set goals to reduce your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. You’ll learn how to safely exercise and continue participating in your normal daily activities.
Your physical therapist can help with a variety of treatment options, including:
- Exercise: Exercise is the most important treatment to lessen your pain and improve mobility. Your physical therapist will prescribe specific low-impact activities that will strengthen your spine, abdomen, and hip muscles—to improve your ability to stand, walk, and balance and lower your risk of falling.
Caution: Please consult your physical therapist or doctor before starting any exercise program.
Remember, all cases of OA of the spine are different. Your physical therapist will choose the best treatment options for you based on his or her evaluation of your specific problem.
Following Surgery
The predominant treatment for OA of the spine is non-surgical. However, symptoms that interfere with bowel or bladder function and cause problems with the nervous system may require surgery.
Immediately after surgery, a physical therapist will visit you in the hospital. They will help you get out of bed and walk, and possibly use a cane or walker for safety. When adequate healing has occurred, you may be sent for outpatient physical therapy to continue improving your walking and to progress your exercise program.
Customer Testimonials
Where Can You Find Us?
(941) 744-9046
2601 Manatee Avenue West Ste E Bradenton, FL 34205
