Spinal arthritis in the lower back is generally defined as the deterioration of the cartilage that lines the joints where individual lumbar vertebrae meet. Spinal arthritis, also called spinal osteoarthritis, is most common within the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. This is because the lower back is subjected to a wide range of stress-inducing movement and is responsible for bearing most of the weight of the upper body. The combined strain of motion and weight wears heavily on the spinal joints, eventually causing the soft, rubbery cartilage that's lining the joints to deteriorate.
As vertebral joint cartilage deteriorates, the stability of the lower spine can become compromised. The body responds to this diminished stability by producing bony nodules called osteophytes (bone spurs). Osteophytes are not symptomatic unless they come into contact with a nerve root or the spinal cord itself. This can produce localized or radiating pain, as well as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the lower extremities.
How Likely Are You To Develop Osteoarthritis?
If you want to know how likely you are to develop spinal arthritis in the lower back, consider whether the following risk factors apply to you:
Age - people 50 or older are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Overused joints - this can occur through repetitive lifting, bending, standing, or twisting, as well as constantly slouching while seated at a desk or driving.
Injury or trauma to bones - whiplash, compression fractures, or other kinds of injuries can hasten the deterioration of joints.
Obesity - excess body weight places more stress on the joints.
Genetics - if your parent or grandparent had osteoarthritis, you are more likely to develop it.
Gender - women are twice as likely to develop arthritis, compared to men.
Other conditions - decreased blood supply, chronic illness, infection, or a diminished immune system can contribute to joint deterioration.
Treatment for Spinal Arthritis in the Lower Back
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis of the spine, symptoms usually can be managed using a regimen of conservative treatment methods, including pain medication, physical therapy, exercise, weight loss, corticosteroid injections, and others. Some patients also find relief through yoga, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, herbal supplements, and other alternative methods. If chronic symptoms persist despite several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option.
Considering Your Surgical Options
Surgery may be required to help ease pain in patients with high level of joint degeneration and debilitating symptoms. If the spinal cord or a nerve root is pinched due to inflammation, bone spurs, and/or torn cartilage in a spinal joint, the resulting nerve pain may be alleviated with a minimally invasive decompression procedure. For example, a laminotomy involves the removal of a small portion of lamina bone, or the thin plates that form a protective arch around the spinal cord. This can relieve the pressure placed on a compressed neural structure by giving it more room. Another approach is spinal fusion surgery, which is a more invasive procedure that involves permanently fusing two or more affected vertebrae together with bone grafts, rods, and screws to stabilize the spine and halt the painful grinding movement between the vertebrae. If you are considering surgery to treat spinal arthritis in the lower back, be sure to thoroughly research each of your options and get several opinions from your doctor and other spine specialists.
