Arthritis of the spine is basically breaking down or degeneration of cartilage of the discs in back and neck area, commonly known as lumbar and cervical area. The pain is most in the morning at the time of getting up from the bed. It is also accompanied by stiffness in the back or neck depending upon the problem area. However, the stiffness and pain eases after an hour or so of movemnet after waking up. The bigger problem is when osteoarthritis of the spine creates bony spurs which start compressing the nerve leading to weakness in legs or arms. Arthritis of spine is more common in older people, generally above 45 years of age.

SYMPTOMS

The problem with arthritis of spine is seen majorly with older people and especially those who are obese or overweight. Spine Specialist Dr Sudeep Jain at his spine clinic in New Delhi sees patients with varied symptoms. However the most common symptoms that are seen in patients with osteoartritis of spine are:

 Pain in Neck or lower back

 Stiffness in back or neck in the morning at the time of waking up

 Pain in legs or arms depending upon the area affected by arthritis

 Weakness in legs or arms when the bone spurs start compressing the nerves

TREATMENT

Diagnosing arthritis of spine is done by physical examination of the patient follwed by the X-ray of lumbar or cervical spine. In case our spine specialist Dr Sudeep Jain feels that patient has symptoms directed towards nerve compression then in order to get the best diagnosis and plan the line of treatment which is in the best interest of the patient he may advise for an MRI. The best way to start treatment for the arthritis of the the spine is to start reducing the body weight and adopting active life style. This may include going for aerobics session, walk or taking up any sport. Along with the weight loss certain medications and maintaing good vitamin D levels is of utmost importance.