Offering Virtual or In-Office Consultations

Covid-19 Pandemic Update

All Major Insurance Plans Accepted

(281) 779-4030
Patient Portal Write a Review

Arthritis in the back or neck is inflammation of the facet joints may be related to wear and tear, autoimmune disorders, osteoarthritis, infection and other conditions.

What is Spinal Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the spine. Osteoarthritis of the spine, also called Facet Joint Arthritis, is common for some as we age. It is an arthritis-like condition of the spine that can be a significant source of back and neck pain. It’s often caused by:

  • A breakdown of the cartilage in the facet joints which link together the spine’s vertebrae. The joints become inflamed, triggering pain signals in nearby nerve endings.
  • Abnormal bony growths, called osteophytes or bone spurs, that grow on the vertebrae.

This degenerative process can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. The osteoarthritic process usually occurs slowly, over a number of years, and may develop alongside other degenerative spine conditions such as degenerative disc disease and/or spinal stenosis.

Lumbar facet joint disorders most commonly cause lower back pain that is characterized by a localized ache with some degree of stiffness. This pain is usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. In case of spinal nerve root impingement, radicular leg pain (sciatica) may occur.

While the exact cause of spinal arthritis is unknown, research shows many factors contribute to both its presence and severity, including age, gender, genetic predisposition, trauma, obesity, inflammation, and loss of cartilage in joints.

Facet Joint Syndrome or Spinal Arthritis (Arthritis in the Back or Neck)

This condition is a deterioration of the facet joints, which help stabilize the spine and limit excessive motion. The facet joints are lined with cartilage and are surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables the vertebrae to bend and twist.

What You Need to Know

woman stretching
  • Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the spine.
  • Arthritis can occur anywhere along the spine but is more frequent in the lower back and neck
  • Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of spinal arthritis.
  • Causes of spinal arthritis are still largely unknown except for osteoarthritis, which is typically a result of wear and tear.
  • Spinal arthritis treatment may include pain medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery in severe cases.
  • Several signs and symptoms of facet joint disorders may be similar to other lower back conditions, such as degenerative disc disease. These conditions also typically occur together, causing overlapping symptoms, which tends to make the diagnostic process more challenging.
spinal arthritis symtpoms

Spinal Arthritis Symptoms

With spinal arthritis, pain can be gradual or sudden and symptoms can vary among patients. There are, however, physical signs to pay attention to. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Spinal stiffness, particularly in the morning
  • Limited range of motion and difficulty walking or bending
  • Back pain that comes and goes
  • Lower back pain that radiates through the buttocks, thighs, or pelvic area
  • Muscle spasms in the neck or lower back
  • Spinal deformity (in rare cases)
  • Pain, tenderness and/or numbness in the neck, shoulders, hips or knees
  • Weakness or numbness in legs or arms

If you’ve been experiencing a combination of the symptoms described here for more than two weeks, or if your back pain is severe, you can consult with Dr. Fayaz for an evaluation.

How Spinal Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Typically, our team will first discuss the history of your back pain, conduct a physical examination, and in most cases, order X-rays or other images to be taken. If you already have images of your spine from the past few months please bring them with you.

Medical History

Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms, when they started, and how they have changed over time. The medical history will also include any other medical conditions you may have, current medications you take, lifestyle habits, and past treatments you may have had.

Physical Examination

The physician will conduct a physical examination to assess the patient’s overall health, nerve function, reflexes, problematic joints, and musculoskeletal status. Muscle strength and flexibility, as well as the ability to carry out daily activities such as walking, bending, and reaching, will also be evaluated. To test range of motion and level of pain, the patient may also be asked to perform basic exercises.

Images of the Spine

In order to assess joint damage and its extent, the doctor may request an X-ray. An X-ray is a useful tool that can give better insight as to what is causing the back pain. CT scans and MRIs are other types of images that may be used. The type chosen for each patient will depend on the symptoms that are described.

Treatment Options for Spinal Arthritis

non-surgical relief from spinal arthritis

For many patients, the first thing that comes to mind when they think about treatment for spinal arthritis is surgery. While surgery is a solution, it is not the only solution. In fact, many patients who suffer from this condition are able to find a lot of relief from non-surgical treatments.

Read about some of the spinal arthritis treatment options below so you’re familiar with some of them before you talk to spine specialist.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Spinal Arthritis

Dr. Fayaz may recommend treating your condition non-surgically. This can be done in several ways or a combination of a few approaches. It is important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. This means it may take time to find an effective combination for your back pain.

Some of the most common non-surgical spinal arthritis treatments include:

  • Low-impact exercise. A set of exercises can be given for you to perform at home and/or a physical therapist can be recommended.
  • Rest
  • Hot and cold therapy
  • Lifestyle adjustments. This may be specific to posture while at work or while sleeping.
  • Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
  • Massage. This can help reduce osteoarthritis pain in the spine, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension and spasms. If possible, find a professional who is specifically trained in treating people with arthritis.

If over the counter medications and other conservative measures aren’t easing the symptoms, Dr. Fayaz may recommend prescription medications and facet joint blocks or injections, usually performed by a pain management physician. Please schedule a consultation with our office for more information on the best treatment options for you.

Surgical Treatments Options for Arthritis of the Spine

Because of its limited role in treating inflammatory arthritis of the spine, your back specialist will typically only recommend surgery as a last resort, when no other approach has proven effective. Typically, surgery is only needed in cases where the bones have fused together or where the pain is so extreme that it severely limits any range of motion.

There are two surgeries that may be performed for patients with spinal arthritis:

  • Decompression, which involves removing bone spurs and/or any thickened ligaments that are causing symptomatic nerve root compression.
  • Fusion, which stops motion at the painful or symptomatic joint.

It’s wise to get a second opinion before making a decision. Dr. Fayaz is happy to help patients by serving as their second opinion.

It’s also important to carefully consider every option available before surgery is considered. For many patients, the need for back surgery can be avoided by committing to lifestyle changes that can lead to relief.

If you are in the North Houston, Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring area and believe you need to see a spine specialist for spinal arthritis, call our office at 281-880-0700 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fayaz.

Request an Appointment Today
in Our Office or Virtually

Request an Appointment