osteoarthritis - pinehurst surgical

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Osteoarthritis

The term osteoarthritis isa general term thatdescribes changes in thejoints that occur as aperson ages.Osteoarthritis of the spinecauses joints along thespine to deteriorate andmay result in the formationof bone spurs, cysts, anda narrowing of the discspace.

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Pinehurst Surgical Clinic


IntroductionThe term osteoarthritis is a general term that describes changes inthe joints that occur as a person ages. Osteoarthritis of the spinecauses joints along the spine to deteriorate and may result in theformation of bone spurs, cysts, and a narrowing of the disc space.

SymptomsThe most common symptom of spinal osteoarthritis is low backpain that may radiate and be felt in the pelvis, buttocks, groin, anddown the front of the thighs. Osteoarthritis in the cervical region isalso common, and the associated neck pain may also be felt alongthe shoulders and between the shoulder blades. Both low backand neck pain tend to be worse in the morning and late in theevening, and are often described as stiffness. A minor, steady orintermittent ache that may be aggravated by motion, loss offlexibility, and tingling or sensations of numbness around the spinemay also be symptoms.




CausesThe primary cause of osteoarthritis is normal wear and tear on thebody due to the aging process. Repetitive motion and injuries fromsports or employment and excessive body weight can alsoaccelerate the degenerative process. The joints become irritatedand inflamed as cartilage surrounding the facet joints of the spinebreaks down over time. The discs between the vertebrae alsodegenerate, and the decreased disc height affects how the jointmoves. Pain may result from friction between the joints and thebody often produces bone spurs and cysts that may also causepressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves.

SummaryPatients can often play an active role in treating osteoarthritis toavoid deterioration and a worsening of their symptoms. Treatingosteoarthritis generally involves avoiding damaging activities,managing the inflammation, reducing pain, controlling one’sweight, and maintaining flexibility with exercise.



osteoarthritis - pinehurst surgical

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