Spinal Arthritis

Inflammation of the spine’s joints is referred to as arthritis of the spine. Joints can be affected by a variety of arthritis kinds, but the two most prevalent ones are inflammatory arthritis, where the immune system assaults joints and destroys cartilage, resulting in rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis, which is brought on by wear and tear over time. The symptoms typically begin slowly and get worse with time. Among these include stiffness and discomfort in the lower back, back pain that travels to the legs or buttocks, neck pain that radiates to the arms and shoulders, weakness, and restricted range of motion. Additionally, there are a number of dangers that can result in the illness. Some are brought on by ageing, tobacco use, autoimmune diseases, family history, jobs involving sports or other strenuous physical activity, obesity, etc.

What Causes Spinal Arthritis?

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, there are many causes for spinal arthritis. Although the precise reason is yet unknown, the most frequent causes are autoimmune triggers and regular wear and tear, as was previously mentioned.

How is Spinal Arthritis Diagnosed?

The patient’s medical history, family history, symptoms, physical examination, and diagnosis are all carefully reviewed by healthcare professionals. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient to see how the symptoms are impacting their day-to-day activities. Furthermore, it’s important to talk about what triggers the symptoms and what doesn’t, as well as being aware of behaviors that have made them worse. A physical examination then evaluates the patient’s general health, reflexes, nerve function, and muscle strength. The patient’s capacity to walk, bend, and reach, carry out everyday tasks, and monitor if their pain gets worse or better with activity. Diagnostic procedures including MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays aid in making an accurate diagnosis and outlining a course of treatment.

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