Spinal arthritis, also called spinal osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint condition that causes neck pain, back pain, stiffness, and nerve-related symptoms when inflammation affects the facet joints or narrows spinal canals and foramina. Midwest Spine & Brain Institute offers a wide range of comprehensive spine conditions and treatments, tailored to address specific joint and nerve issues like spinal arthritis.
What Is Spinal Arthritis?
Spinal arthritis occurs when the facet joints in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine break down, leading to cartilage loss, inflammation, bone spur formation (osteophytes), and nerve compression.
This condition commonly contributes to mechanical back pain, radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis
Symptoms typically follow the pattern of: stiffness → joint degeneration → nerve compression → functional limitation.
Common Symptoms
- Neck pain or low-back pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Pain relief when reclining or lying down
- Radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Muscle spasms around affected spinal segments
- Reduced range of motion
Severe Symptoms (Indicating potential nerve or spinal cord involvement)
- Leg or arm weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
These require immediate medical evaluation.
Causes of Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis develops due to progressive facet joint wear and disc dehydration.
Primary Causes
- Age-related degeneration
- Prior spine injuries
- Repetitive strain or heavy labor
- Genetic predisposition
- Disc degeneration that increases joint stress
- Obesity or poor posture contributing to spine overload
Age-related wear, prior spine injuries, and disc degeneration contribute to increased stress on the facet joints, accelerating the progression of spinal arthritis.
How Spinal Arthritis Is Diagnosed
MSBI physicians use Diagnostics & Imaging to assess joint changes, nerve involvement, and levels of degeneration.
Diagnostic Tests
- X-ray – evaluates joint space narrowing and osteophytes
- MRI – shows spinal canal narrowing, nerve compression, inflammation
- CT scan – visualizes bone changes in high detail
- Physical and neurological exam – evaluates strength, sensation, and mobility
Treatment Options for Spinal Arthritis
Most patients improve with nonsurgical care designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and protect joint function.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical therapy to strengthen core, improve posture, and restore motion
- Medication management including anti-inflammatories and nerve pain agents
- Pain Management Services such as facet joint injections or medial branch blocks
- Exercise programs for flexibility and spine stabilization
- Weight management to reduce stress on spinal joints
- Heat therapy, acupuncture, or massage for symptom relief
When Surgery Is Considered
Surgery may be recommended if:
- Nerve compression causes progressive weakness
- Spinal stenosis affects walking balance
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction occurs
- Pain severely limits daily activities despite conservative care
In cases where nerve compression is severe, discectomy procedures may be performed to relieve pressure and restore mobility. For patients with advanced disc degeneration contributing to spinal arthritis, artificial disc replacement may be recommended to preserve motion and reduce pain. Neurosurgical Treatments may include decompression procedures or fusion when necessary.
Spinal Arthritis Care at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute’s board-certified neurosurgeons and spine specialists diagnose and treat Spine Conditions across Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities metro.
Our multidisciplinary team provides coordinated care that includes:
- Diagnostics & Imaging
- Pain Management Services
- Neurosurgical Treatments
- Comprehensive rehabilitation planning
We focus on personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms, imaging findings, lifestyle, and long-term spine health. Patients can schedule a consultation at our convenient Burnsville location, where our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive spine care and personalized treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for spinal arthritis?
Most patients improve with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted pain management procedures such as facet injections or medial branch blocks.
Can spinal arthritis cause nerve pain?
Yes. When bone spurs or joint swelling narrow spinal openings, spinal arthritis can cause nerve compression leading to arm or leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
Does spinal arthritis get worse over time?
Spinal arthritis is progressive, but symptoms often improve with early diagnosis, exercise, weight control, and structured spine care.
When is surgery needed for spinal arthritis?
Surgery is considered when nerve compression leads to significant weakness, mobility problems, or bowel/bladder symptoms, or when conservative treatments no longer relieve pain.
Is spinal arthritis the same as spinal stenosis?
No, but spinal arthritis is a common cause of spinal stenosis because inflamed facet joints and bone spurs can narrow the spinal canal.
What exercises help spinal arthritis?
Core stabilization, low-impact aerobic activity, stretching, and guided physical therapy are the most effective for improving mobility and reducing pain.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your symptoms and receive a personalized treatment plan, complete the appointment request form or call 1.800.353.7720. Midwest Spine & Brain Institute provides comprehensive spine care across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.