"Athros" means a joint and its connective tissue (attachments) and "itis" means inflammation of. Arthritis is a condition in which the spine, which contains various joint tissue, discs, bone and muscle become inflamed. Symptoms include pain caused by swelling and joint tissue irritation. Depending on the severity the condition, it may need to be treated by surgery and medication. Many people suffer from arthritis of the spine and are unaware of the causes. Arthritis also has genetic factors.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis may become confused with the definition of degenerative disc disease, which is a gradual deterioration of the disc(s) between the vertebrae of the spine. Osteoarthritis and degenerated discs are found together, but are separate conditions. It usually affects women older than 45. Osteoarthritis affects up to 30 million Americans and there is no cure for it, according to Spine-health. The symptoms include pain while you are active or inactive, less flexibility and more stiffness. While surgery and medication may be called for, you also can lessen the symptoms by exercising, losing weight and using cold or heat on the affected area, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis is found in the facet joints of the spine. Facet joints connect two vertebrae within the spine. The posterior part of the spine is the location of the facet joints. Facet joints harden and thicken with age, which leads to arthritis. Severe pain occurs, at times radiating into the buttocks or upper thighs. Rest often is recommended to alleviate the pain, although surgery may be needed.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs with deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae of the spine. It is similar to osteoarthritis, but is a separate condition in which the joint halves of the discs rub together and degenerate. The process is normal with aging and can cause pain, particularly in the lower back. Doctors tend to disagree on the diagnosis of the problem. The pain can flare up more during activity, but generally will go away or at least decrease on its own.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are small irregular growths on the bone that also are called osteophytes. They can be caused by osteoarthritis. The irregular growths are found on facet joints and form on spinal vertebrae itself. Bone spurs are nature's way of redeveloping some stability for the damaged joint or bone. Enlargement of the spinal bones themselves indicate degeneration of the spine. Bone spurs are a natural part of aging, but when they are large, they cause irritation of nerve routes and passages of the nerve routes become damaged. The end result of continued bone spur growth along with nerve root damage is called spinal stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the final damage of the nerve root of which its area of penetration is damaged, causing inability of the nerve to connect with needed messages within the connective tissue of the spine and joints. The condition is most common in people older than 60, according to SpinalStenosis.org. Two possible solutions to the problem are surgery or rest with physical therapy and medicine for pain.
