Spine Arthritis — AKA Back or Neck Arthritis

The most prevalent type of spine arthritis is osteoarthritis, often known as non-inflammatory or degenerative arthritis. It often develops over time and usually affects the lower back. 

Inflammation and pain are caused by the gradual breakdown of the cartilage between the joints. Since discomfort is the result of mechanical damage, bending or twisting your back usually makes it more apparent. Degenerative arthritis of the spine might occur because of prior back traumas. 

The facet joints between the vertebrae are typically affected by osteoarthritis of the spine. It is sometimes referred to as facet disease, facet joint condition, or facet joint arthritis. Recent research from 2021 found that 89% of adults aged 65 and over had moderate to severe lumbar facet joint arthropathy, with prevalence and severity increasing with age.² 

Facet joint arthritis may occasionally be exacerbated by the degeneration of the spinal discs (degenerative disc disease). The facet joints are under increasing pressure as the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate. This causes greater friction, which in turn causes more cartilage injury. 

Interestingly, a 2021 study challenged the traditional view that disc degeneration always precedes facet joint arthritis. The research showed that isolated or dominant facet joint arthritis is quite common and may precede disc degeneration in many cases, suggesting that spinal degeneration can begin either in the disc or in the facet joints depending upon various etiological factors.³ 

Cervical spondylosis is the term used to describe this disorder when these degenerative changes take place in the neck. Many patients with neck arthritis show no symptoms at all, and pain isn't always a symptom.

An autoimmune condition, or one in which the immune system attacks itself, is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The synovium, which lines the joints, is attacked. Rheumatoid arthritis can damage the spine, particularly the cervical region (neck), despite the fact that it is more common in other joints. Spinal rheumatoid arthritis is inflammatory arthritis since it is not brought on by normal wear and tear. Even when these joints are not in use, it may nevertheless result in back discomfort (as well as pain in other joints). It affects women more often than men. 

A category of inflammatory illnesses known as spondyloarthritis affects both the joints and the places where the ligaments and tendons attach to the bones (entheses). Despite having an inflammatory origin, spondyloarthritis is not the same as rheumatoid arthritis. Spondyloarthritis comes in a variety of forms, some of which are more prevalent in the spine than others: 

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of spinal arthritis that can inflame the sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine as well as the vertebrae. In extreme circumstances, multiple vertebrae may fuse together and result in a hunchback. 

Psoriatic arthritis is linked to psoriasis, an inflammatory ailment best known for the scaly, itchy rash. Psoriasis often appears before arthritis, though this can occasionally happen as well. It may impact the spine even though smaller joints are where it is more common. 

Reactive arthritis is an inflammation of the joints caused by an infection elsewhere in the body, frequently in the intestines or genitalia. Normally affecting the lower back, reactive arthritis in the spine usually resolves on its own. 

Enteropathic arthritis is a type of arthritis connected to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Not all IBD patients experience arthritis, and not all of those who do experience it in the spine. IBD flare-ups and enteropathy arthritis flare-ups frequently co-occur, but individual differences in timing and severity may exist. 

Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis occurs when symptoms don't fit any of the recognized kinds, and juvenile spondyloarthritis begins in childhood. 

Axial spondyloarthritis, according to a separate categorization, is a specific type of arthritis that affects the spine and/or sacroiliac joints. Peripheral spondyloarthritis is the medical term for this condition if additional joints and tendons are affected. Both forms are frequently present at various stages of the development of spondyloarthritis in many people. 

Recent research has highlighted the importance of recognizing facet joint inflammatory features. A 2024 study published in Spine found that inflammatory changes in lumbar facet joints, including joint effusion, bone marrow edema, and soft tissue edema, are commonly present in patients with chronic low back pain but are frequently underreported in routine MRI radiology reports.⁴

The study revealed that while inflammatory features were present in 14% to 41% of patients with low back pain on MRI, many radiologists did not consistently note these findings in their reports. This underscores the importance of specialized spine imaging interpretation and comprehensive evaluation when diagnosing facet-related pain. 

There are several nonsurgical options for treating spine arthritis: 

• Medications: NSAIDs and corticosteroids to lessen discomfort and swelling 
• Specialized therapies: Disease-modifying treatments for inflammatory arthritis that target particular signs or causes 
• Physical therapy: To increase the spine's mobility and strengthen back muscles 
• Lifestyle modifications: Losing weight, giving up smoking, correcting your posture, and other changes that can lessen inflammation or stress on your spine 

A comprehensive 2024 review of osteoarthritis rehabilitation research highlighted several important findings:⁷

• Exercise remains a first-line management strategy for knee osteoarthritis and comorbidities, though effects vary for hip osteoarthritis 
• Digital rehabilitation is emerging as a viable alternative to in-person care 
• The effects of exercise may be mediated more by cognitive and psychological factors rather than purely physical factors 
• Combined diet and exercise approaches are effective for weight loss, though may not always reduce pain directly 

A 2024 case series demonstrated that therapeutic facet joint injections with steroids can provide significant and sustained pain relief for patients with chronic spinal pain from lumbar spondylosis and facet arthropathy, offering an effective treatment option particularly for those not interested in pursuing radiofrequency neurotomy.⁸ 

At Deuk Spine Institute, Dr. Ara Deukmedjian specializes in ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. The Deuk Laser Disc Repair® and Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® address back pain and its complications while preserving spinal motion. These advanced techniques offer: 

• Same-day outpatient procedures 
• Minimal tissue trauma (4-7mm incisions) 
• Rapid recovery times 
• Preservation of spinal stability 
• No fusion hardware required in most cases 

Spinal arthritis is joint degeneration in the facet joints, causing stiffness and localized back pain. A herniated disc is when disc material bulges or ruptures and irritates nearby nerves, often causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. Arthritis is a wear-and-tear joint problem; a herniated disc is a disc injury. Both require different treatments and can be diagnosed with MRI or imaging. 

No. spinal arthritis cannot be fully reversed because cartilage damage is permanent. But symptoms can be managed through exercise, weight control, medications, and minimally invasive treatments. New research and regenerative therapies may help slow progression. With the right plan, most patients get significant pain relief and improved mobility. 

A: Arthritis pain is typically achy, stiff in the morning, worse with standing or twisting, and improves with rest. A herniated disc causes sharp or radiating pain, numbness, or tingling. Muscle strains start suddenly after activity, and spinal stenosis causes leg weakness when walking. Only a spine specialist with an exam and imaging can confirm the diagnosis. 

A: Osteoarthritis of the spine commonly starts after age 45–50 and is very common after 60. It can appear earlier in people with injuries, obesity, or genetic risk. Inflammatory types: like ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis. Usually start younger, often between ages 17–50. Age is a major factor, but lifestyle and genetics also play key roles. 

A: Yes. Exercise is one of the best treatments for spinal arthritis. Low-impact cardio, strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises reduce stiffness and support spinal joints. Avoid high-impact activities or heavy lifting that worsens pain. A physical therapist can create a safe, personalized plan to keep you active and reduce symptoms. 

A: Surgery is considered when conservative care fails; pain becomes disabling, or arthritis causes nerve compression, weakness, or spinal instability. Severe stenosis or bowel/bladder symptoms require urgent care. Options include decompression, fusion, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures that remove bone spurs and relieve nerve pressure with faster recovery.