Low back pain is a very common issue, affecting approximately 80% of adults at some time. In most cases, the pain resolves within a few days or weeks and is not related to a long-term condition. Acute back pain, typically lasting one to seven days, is often the result of a muscle strain or sprain. Pain that persists may be chronic and could be caused by conditions like arthritis.
Back pain can be caused by arthritis, often in the lower back. This can be difficult to diagnose and treat, especially when combined with other sources of back issues. Several types of arthritis and related conditions can lead to this issue, including stiffness and swelling.
“Although back pain is a common symptom, not all people with arthritis in the back have symptoms like pain, even those with advanced back arthritis,” said Adam Reinhard, Nurse Practitioner with West Tennessee Medical Group Neuroscience & Spine. “On the other hand, some people may experience the pain even before evidence of arthritis can be seen on an X-ray.”
Spinal Arthritis
Arthritis in the back, known as spinal arthritis, is inflammation of the joints in the spinal column, ranging from the pelvis up to the neck. Back arthritis is not one disease, rather, many different types of arthritis may cause back pain and stiffness. Symptoms may be related to issues like wear and tear of the joints in the spine, autoimmune disease and widespread inflammation, or infection. Though many different types of arthritis can affect the back, they generally fall into two basic categories—mechanical causes and inflammatory causes, which include rheumatoid arthritis as well as arthritis in the spinal arthritis family. Mechanical back pain, which includes osteoarthritis, is far more common than inflammatory back pain.
Inflammatory back pain typically affects younger individuals and is characterized by morning stiffness that improves with activity but worsens with rest. This type of pain can persist for three months or longer, may be intermittent, and can be severe enough to awaken you at night. While subtle, these characteristics often distinguish it from mechanical back pain.
Common Back Arthritis Types Include:
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. It is a chronic condition caused by the breakdown of the cartilage, which cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints. This breakdown causes the bones to rub together, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. As you get older, you’re more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the spine.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system turns on itself. It attacks the lining of the joints. Although rheumatoid arthritis is more common in other joints, it can also affect the spine, specifically the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine is not caused by wear and tear, so it’s considered an inflammatory arthritis. It may cause back pain and pain in other joints even when these joints are not in use. It tends to affect women more than men. This inflammatory arthritis often affects the cervical region of the spine (neck). It is more commonly diagnosed in women.
Spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term for several types of arthritis that cause inflammation in the spine. These include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease-associated spondyloarthritis. While each of these conditions can bring on different symptoms, they all can cause inflammation and pain in the spine.
The causes of arthritis in the back or neck vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Besides normal wear and tear and autoimmune triggers, in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Genetic components have been identified in connection with some forms of spinal arthritis, meaning that it may be hereditary.
Spinal Arthritis Treatment
The treatment for spinal arthritis varies depending on several factors, including type and severity of arthritis, level of pain, age, and overall health status. Because arthritis is a chronic disease, meaning there is no cure, the treatments typically focus on pain management and preventing further damage to the joints.
“When back pain persists for weeks or months, it’s time to investigate whether a medical condition could be responsible for the symptoms,” said Reinhard. “Arthritis is difficult to self-diagnose. Talk with a doctor about your symptoms. Left undiagnosed and untreated, your condition may worsen and cause disability.”
West Tennessee Medical Group Neuroscience & Spine patients have access to diagnostic services and treatment for a full range of spine-related concerns, including back pain, issues with the sciatic nerve, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. To schedule an appointment with a West Tennessee Medical Group Neuroscience & Spine provider, click here.
