Spinal arthritis causes vary greatly. While aging is typically considered the main cause for the most common form of spinal arthritis – spinal osteoarthritis – there are a number of additional risk factors that contribute to the accelerated onset of spinal osteoarthritis. Traumatic injury is among these risk factors. So how does an injury possibly contribute to the development of a degenerative condition like spinal osteoarthritis?

How High Impact Forces Affect the Spine

The human spine is a complex structure designed to protect the spinal cord, and to provide support and stability for the upper body. There are many components – vertebrae, intervertebral discs, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons – that must work together for the spine to move and function properly. If the spine is impacted by strong forces, such as those created during a car accident, a fall from a tall height, or a blow sustained while playing a high-impact sport, the delicate balance between all of the spinal components can be disrupted. Vertebrae can fracture, soft tissues might tear or strain, and discs may rupture, all of which can lead to spinal instability. An unstable portion of the spine may put extra strain on the facet joints, or the points where vertebrae connect together, because these joints must work harder to compensate for the imbalance. The resulting abnormal joint movement can lead to the accelerated degeneration of a joint’s cartilaginous lining. If this lining wears away and raw bone grinds on bone, it means that osteoarthritis is present in that joint and an affected individual may begin to experience symptoms.

Spinal Arthritis Symptoms

Spinal arthritis often causes symptoms that can vary in frequency and intensity. For example, pain in the neck or back may arise intermittently throughout the day, while stiffness can be more prevalent first thing in the morning after getting out of bed or after some sort of sustained physical activity, but may decrease as the day continues. Inflammation is the main characteristic of arthritis, and affected joints in the spine may appear red through the skin and warm to the touch. Tenderness may also play a role in spinal arthritis symptoms. Other symptoms can include crepitus (the audible crunching sound of bone grinding on bone), as well as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling, if bone spur development and nerve root compression become a factor.

After an Injury

So you may be wondering: will a recent injury you’ve sustained lead to spinal osteoarthritis down the road? The severity of an injury typically determines if or how joint degeneration progresses and therefore, the intensity of symptoms experienced over time. An individual with any sort of spinal injury should see a doctor immediately. The doctor should be able to determine what specific injury has occurred and exactly where it is located within the spinal column. If extreme damage has occurred, surgery may be required immediately to restore spinal stability. Most spinal injuries, however, can be treated with conservative (nonsurgical) treatments, such as bracing, pain medications, physical therapy, and gentle stretching. Some patients may also decide to try one or more alternative treatment methods, such as massage, chiropractic manipulation, yoga, and acupuncture, to complement or replace conservative therapies, though patients should consult with both a conventional doctor and a holistic medicine expert to avoid complications. In many cases, a combination of doctor-recommended treatments and an overall healthy lifestyle (maintaining a nutritious diet, appropriate body weight, regular exercise program, etc.) can help individuals combat the potential development of spinal osteoarthritis.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal arthritis and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute offers safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal arthritis and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/arthritis_of_the_spine

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal arthritis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal arthritis