Arthritic Spine Conditions Treated at Mercy in Baltimore
Mercy Medical Center, in Baltimore, Maryland, offers comprehensive care for a wide range of spine conditions, including physician expertise provided by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.
Our doctors have experience in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders, including arthritic spine conditions.
The primary arthritic spine conditions are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis or joint disease. It is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, as it occurs when the protective cartilage within the joint wears down over time. With spinal osteoarthritis, cartilage between the discs and joints in the back and neck wear down.
The condition is commonly found in older adults but can also be found in younger people who have an injury to a joint or a cartilage-based genetic defect.
Osteoarthritis can lead to:
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs (osteophytes)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs when your body's immune system begins to attack healthy cells and tissue. Unlike the “wear-and-tear” damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown and there is currently no cure. It typically affects adults over the age of 40, and is more common in women than men.
Arthritic spine conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may present the following symptoms:
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Tenderness
- Bone spurs
- Grating sensation
- Loss of partial range of motions
Diagnosing arthritic spine conditions may require a combination of tests, including a physical examination, imaging tests and blood tests.
There is no cure for arthritic spine conditions, so treatment is aimed at reducing pain and maintaining joint functionality. Treatment plans usually begin with conservative methods of treatment, including medications to reduce symptoms. Therapies, such as physical or occupational therapy, may help patients maintain joint movement with minimal pain. In more severe cases, surgery or injections may be required to relieve pain and help with joint mobility.