What is arthritis of the spine?
Arthritis of the spine is a degenerative joint disease that initially affects the synovial tissues and cartilage of the facet joints. The most common form of spinal arthritis is osteoarthritis which produces an immune response that degrades healthy cartilage and soft tissues. Arthritis also forms osteophytes that become bone spurs which can narrow foraminal openings and cause spinal stenosis. Some researchers view osteoarthritis as the primary cause of degenerative disc disease including bulging and herniated discs and age-related spondylosis. The most common locations for osteoarthritis are in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar).
How common is osteoarthritis of the spine?
Is there a cure for spinal arthritis?
For intense pain, some doctors may prescribe opioid-based pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Dr. Nourian’s conservative treatment will avoid opioids and treat the chronic pain with a combination of holistic alternatives such as acupuncture, Tai-Chi, yoga, Pilates, and structured, low-impact, exercise programs, including water therapy with pool-based resistance training. Acupuncture and epidural corticosteroid injections may also be components of Dr. Nourian’s treatment plan.
Dr. Nourian understands the psycho-social component of spinal arthritis and is accustomed to working with his patients’ therapists, psychiatrists and loved ones to develop the optimal treatment plan for their lifestyle. Part of Dr. Nourian’s lifestyle plan may include suggestions for a new diet to reduce weight, control stress and fight inflammation. If you are a smoker, he can help you kick the habit as well.
For those patients who do not respond to non-surgical therapies, Dr. Nourian may request imaging tests such as X-rays, myelograms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. All appropriate surgical options will be reviewed carefully, especially if spinal stenosis worsens, incontinence occurs, or walking becomes difficult. The most common surgeries for spinal arthritis are vertebral fusions and cervical and lumbar microdecompression treatments such as microlaminectomies and microlaminotomies. All of Dr. Nourian’s surgeries are opioid-free which reduces the risk of drug dependency in the future.
How does arthritis of the spine affect the “Three-Joint-Complex” of the spine?
Spinal osteoarthritis attacks the hinges of the three-joint-complex, especially the facet joints. There are two facet joints on each side of the vertebrae. The cartilage and ligaments of these protective bones develop synovitis which triggers the body’s immune system to generate histamines that cause inflammation. The immune response leads to bone spurs and facet joint syndrome. As a result, adjacent intervertebral discs begin to weaken and herniate; and gradually over the years, a strong, flexible skeletal system becomes unstable and painful.
To make matters worse, the cascade of failure continues with discs narrowing and vertebrae becoming shorter. The body responds by forming more osteophytes that cause spinal stenosis. Eventually, over the span of decades, your once flexible spine, becomes semi-immobilized, and painful as you enter your seventh decade.
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Neck & Spine Specialities
Dr. Nourian has an enviable record of successfully treating the full spectrum of neck and spine problems.
Arthritis
Bulging/Herniated Discs
Disease & Disorders
Degeneration
Fractures
Infections
Injuries
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spinal Stenosis
Stiff Neck
Tumors
General Orthopedics
Specialist in treating a wide variety of injuries and conditions that impact bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
Arthritis
Bursitis
Chronic Pain
Deformities
Disorders
Fractures
Injuries
Sprains
Strains
Tendonitis
