Definition

Spinal arthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration of the joints and discs in the spine. It most commonly affects the facet joints and can lead to stiffness, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis is the most frequent type, but inflammatory forms (such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis) may also involve the spine.

Prevalence

Very common, especially with age. Degenerative spinal arthritis affects a large proportion of adults over 50 and is a leading cause of chronic back and neck pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the level of the spine involved and may include:

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting

• Localised or radiating back or neck pain

• Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged standing

• Reduced flexibility or difficulty bending/turning

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness if nerves become compressed

• Audible “grinding” or “popping” from affected joints

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes:

• Detailed history and physical examination

• Assessment of spinal flexibility, posture, and nerve function

• X-rays to evaluate joint space narrowing or bone spurs

• MRI to assess discs, nerves, inflammation, or spinal stenosis

• Blood tests if inflammatory arthritis is suspected

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to severity and underlying cause:

• Physiotherapy to improve strength, posture, and mobility

• Anti-inflammatory medications for pain and inflammation

• Heat/ice therapy and activity modification

• Facet joint or epidural steroid injections for persistent pain

• Disease-modifying medications for inflammatory arthritis

• Surgery only when nerve compression, instability, or severe degeneration fails conservative management