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Arthritis is one of the most common
causes of back pain. Arthritis of the spine is caused by the
breakdown of the cartilage between the aligning facet joints in the
spine. These joints become inflamed and progressive joint
degeneration leads to more friction. One result of this is that back
motion and flexibility decrease. Bone spurs may also develop as a
result of joint instability. These spurs may develop to the point of
aggravating the nerves that pass through the spine.
Osteoarthritis of the spine is
classified as being either lumbar spine osteoarthritis or cervical
spine (neck) osteoarthritis. Lumbar spine osteoarthritis causes pain
in the lower spine and sacroiliac joint. Cervical spine
osteoarthritis affects the upper spine, neck, shoulders, arms and
head.
Repetitive trauma to the spine due to
repetitive strains can lead to arthritis of the spine. Other causal
factors are age, gender (more common in post-menopausal women),
obesity, genetics and the presence of associated diseases, such as
diabetes or gout.
The key to effectively living with
spinal osteoarthritis is to get an accurate diagnosis and start early
with proactive treatment. Treatments focus on pain reduction and the
maintenance of joint mobility and flexibility.
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