It is also known as facet joint arthritis, facet joint syndrome and facet disease. Osteoarthritis of the spine usually affects the facet joints between the vertebrae. Past back injuries may also contribute to the development of degenerative arthritis of the spine.

Because the pain is from mechanical damage, it is typically more noticeable when you bend or twist your back. As the cartilage between the joints slowly breaks down, it leads to inflammation and pain. It usually affects the lower back and develops through wear and tear. Osteoarthritis (noninflammatory or degenerative arthritis) is the most common form of spinal arthritis. Although all arthritis leads to inflammation, arthritis is categorized as inflammatory and noninflammatory (degenerative) based on its origin.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and most of them may affect the back or neck. Presence of certain conditions such as diabetes, gout, psoriasis, tuberculosis, irritable bowel syndrome and Lyme disease Other spinal arthritis risk factors include: Genetic components have been identified in connection with some forms of spinal arthritis, meaning that it may be hereditary. Besides normal wear and tear and autoimmune triggers, in many cases the exact cause remains unknown.

The causes of arthritis in the back or neck vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Spinal arthritis treatment may include pain medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery in severe cases. Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of spinal arthritis.Ĭauses of spinal arthritis are still largely unknown except for osteoarthritis, which is typically a result of wear and tear. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the spine.Īrthritis can occur anywhere along the spine, but is more frequent in the lower back and neck.

Xray pinched nerve in neck