Spinal arthritis is categorized by degenerative changes that affect the stability or function of the facet joints in your spine. Your facet joints help to connect each vertebral segment with the vertebra above and below it, and if dysfunction develops, it can cause a few different issues for your spine and your whole body. So what exactly does moderate to severe spinal arthritis feel like? In today’s blog, we explore some of the signs that suggest you may want to intervene before your spinal arthritis worsens.
Spinal Arthritis Symptoms
Some people assume that the mild to moderate discomfort they feel in their back and neck is simply a product of getting older. While it’s true that natural aging does have an impact on the health of our spinal discs and joints, if your symptoms are more than just mild or they persist throughout the day, you may be dealing with some enhanced arthritic degeneration. Here’s a look at how patients with spinal arthritis oftentimes describe their symptoms:
- Stiffness – Well lubricated and healthy joints can move more fluidly or handle stress with greater ease, while degenerative joints may have more bone-on-bone contact and feel stiff. Some mild stiffness may occur after extended seated periods or when waking up in the morning, but if your back is stiff after short seated periods or it regularly stiffens up throughout the day, you may be dealing with more advanced spinal arthritis.
- Pain – Pain and discomfort are commonly associated with spinal arthritis, but many spinal conditions present with these symptoms, so dealing with spinal discomfort doesn’t always mean that your issue is caused by arthritis. People with a herniated disc, a pinched nerve or muscle strain will all note that they are experiencing back pain, so it will be tough to pinpoint a diagnosis with these symptoms alone. However, if your discomfort presents with one or more symptoms on this list, it could help you hone in on a diagnosis of spinal arthritis.
- Grinding/Cracking – If you are experiencing a grinding sensation in your back when moving or you notice an audible cracking sound, that could be a sign of bone on bone contact as a result of joint degeneration and arthritis onset. Normally, cartilage helps to facilitate easy movements within the joint, but if this cartilage wears down, bones can end up rubbing against each other, which can lead to a grinding sensation and noticeable discomfort.
- Swelling – You may also notice some localized swelling and inflammation in a particular area of your spine, especially if spinal arthritis is at play. Swelling and inflammation can develop as a result of joint dysfunction or if a degenerative joint ends up irritating nearby soft tissues or nerves. If a specific spot along your spine is constantly inflamed or tender, it could be the result of localized arthritis.
These are the most common symptoms that patients with mild to moderate spinal arthritis experience, but depending on the location of your arthritis and its severity, you may also notice symptoms like decreased spinal flexibility, numbness, muscle weakness in the arms or legs or general soreness and fatigue. If you’re dealing with any or all of the aforementioned symptoms, know that things are only likely to worsen unless you take some simple proactive steps. Dr. Jackman and his team would be more than happy to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and set you up with a personalized care plan to address your unique spinal arthritis issue.
For more information, or for help with a different back or neck issue, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.