Most people expect that if they live long enough, they will probably develop arthritis. This extremely common condition, which occurs when joints degenerate and become stiff, swollen, and painful, can be caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. This form of arthritis, known as osteoarthritis, is the most common type. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues in the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and damage.
While individuals may be quick to recognize the symptoms of arthritis when they affect the hands, knees, or hips, they may not realize that arthritis can also affect the spine. Knowing what to look for and when to seek medical help are key to finding effective treatment for spinal arthritis.
Like other forms of arthritis, spinal arthritis can be due to wear and tear that breaks down protective cartilage (osteoarthritis) or as the result of an autoimmune disorder. While it can affect any part of the spine, it is most often experienced in the cervical spine (neck and shoulder area) or the lumbar spine (lower back). Symptoms to be on the lookout for include:
Chronic back pain: Persistent back pain that lasts for more than three months. While pain may not always be the same degree of intensity from day to day, it will tend to be consistently in the same area. It may be a dull, throbbing sensation or be characterized by sharp, unexpected jolts. Regardless of the exact nature of the discomfort, spinal pain should always be brought to a doctor’s attention.
Stiffness/reduced flexibility: Arthritis can cause stiffness in the spine, which is often more pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness may reduce the range of motion, making it difficult to bend or twist without pain.
Swelling/tenderness: Affected areas of the back may be inflamed, swollen, and sensitive or painful to the touch.
When these symptoms first occur, they may be ignored or attributed to other causes. For instance, someone waking up with a stiff, painful back may assume they “slept wrong” or need a new mattress. Or they may simply think that back pain is a natural part of getting older.
As spinal arthritis progresses, its symptoms will tend to become more severe. If it is untreated, familiar symptoms may worsen and new ones can appear. For example, chronic pain may increase to the point where it interferes with regular daily activities.
Another serious complication is nerve impingement. The vertebral column encloses the spinal canal, a narrow, fluid-filled space that protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. When arthritis narrows that canal or affects the vertebral alignment, the nerves can be compressed. The result can be stabbing, shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the extremities. Arthritis in the neck tends to produce this effect in the hands and arms, while arthritis in the lower back affects the legs and feet. Severe nerve impingement can also cause weakness in the arms or legs.
As more serious cases progress, spinal arthritis can cause visible physical deformities in the back. The spine may develop a noticeable curve that makes it difficult to stand up straight or walk. While symptoms like these can make it obvious that a doctor’s intervention is sorely needed, it is best not to wait to schedule a consultation with a specialist.
In general, it is always better to contact a doctor about concerning symptoms rather than wait and worry. This is especially true for anyone who suspects they might be developing spinal arthritis. Keeping a journal to record symptoms can also help track patterns and trends to provide helpful information to medical providers.
While any of the symptoms above are enough reason to contact a doctor, if you are experiencing back pain you should go in to be examined immediately if you:
Have persistent or worsening symptoms: Pain has become more frequent, more severe, and is not improving with care such as rest or over-the-counter pain medications.
Have a sudden onset of severe symptoms: Feeling sudden, severe pain or abruptly experiencing numbness and tingling. Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control is another sign that can indicate severe nerve impingement and should never be ignored.
Are limiting activities due to back pain: Over time, spinal arthritis can impact quality of life by making it increasingly difficult to exercise, work, or complete tasks of daily living. An increasingly restricted routine is a clear sign to see a doctor about back pain.
While spinal arthritis can’t be cured, its symptoms can be managed and pain reduced through a variety of different treatment options, such as:
Pain management: Pain medication, either over the counter or prescription, can help alleviate the pain from spinal arthritis. Injections into arthritic joints or epidurals can also provide longer-lasting pain relief.
Physical therapy and exercise: Physical therapy can help preserve range of motion, while exercise helps to build muscle that provides support for the spine.
Lifestyle changes: Changes such as giving up smoking, eating a more healthy diet, and making ergonomic changes to your environment to alleviate stress on the spine can help support spine health in conjunction with other treatments.
If these conservative care measures do not provide relief, more advanced treatment may be necessary to alleviate pain and restore natural movement in the spine.
If you are experiencing persistent back pain, you should not wait as your quality of life gradually slips away. Board-certified orthopedist Dr. Tiffany Rogers specializes in spine care and can accurately diagnose the cause of troubling symptoms. Her background in both physical therapy and medicine allows her to find the least invasive option for effective treatment, including artificial disc replacement, a minimally invasive alternative to disc fusion. Spinal arthritis does not have to mean permanent pain or disability. Contact us here to schedule your appointment.
Mike was barely able to walk. I did his surgery and now he’s traveling the world with his wife! That pic is from Africa, hiked up to see mountain gorillas…
I feel very blessed to have walked in to the office for a consultation with Dr Rogers. On that day upon review of my MRI report she determined that I needed emergency surgery due to extremely compressed spinal cord at C3/4. Now I knew it was compressed for some time but I avoided going to the surgeon because I was afraid to have surgery. She calmly explained the alternatives to not having the surgery and it was a no brainer. My symptoms had gotten really bad and I knew she was right. I trusted her judgement and I am so happy that I had the surgery. Almost immediately my symptoms improved!! All of the nurses and other doctors at Torrance Memorial praised her work also and she was very well respected. I would recommend Dr Rogers because not only was my surgery a success but she also showed great compassion for me because I was very sad to be in the hospital during the Holidays. To me this shows she cares about healing the whole person.
I have Dr Rogers to thank for the rest of my life. At 12 I was told by a specialist that I was born with a deformity in my spine which was causing slight scoliosis. At 20, I started experiencing back pain, constantly feeling the need to crack my back for some relief, tossing and turning all hours of the night, seeking massages. As I started to get older, the pain only increased. By 23, my back began to “lock” on me. I would bend over or lean forward and my nerves would pitch, causing me to not be able to move for a few seconds. At first I had kaiser insurance, the “spinal specialist” if you can even call her that said there was no possible surgery to fix my spine and back pain. She told me PT and epidural spinal injections were the answer….. (wrong, very wrong!) I got this run around with kaiser for 2 years!!!!
By 25, I was BEYOND frustrated and in pain, so my (now) husband put me on his insurance, and I was able to find Dr Rogers. She requested an MRI and X-rays, and saw what was wrong with my spine and what needed to be done. I needed a spinal fusion and decompression. She even referred me to a spinal specialist in LA, to get a second recommendation, and he agreed with everything she wanted to do for my surgery. I had full trust in Dr Rogers. She was always kind, always informative, and reassured me I was going to be alright. As a fellow athlete, she understood what I was sacrificing for this surgery. My love for playing soccer would have to come to an end post surgery due to the risk of blowing out another level of my spine. She was compassionate and again gave me reassurance I would eventually be pain free and be able to carry my own children which was the most important to me.
I underwent my lumbar spinal surgery with a spinal fusion and decompression August 2016. The pain and recovery I experienced post surgery was the most pain I’ve ever felt. Pain meds helped, but you really have to be dedicated to taking the vitamins Dr Roger recommends, and doing the amazing PT she prescribed. The PT was Pilates based, and it seriously did my recovery wonders.
By March 2017, I was ready to move to another state and went in for one last check up with Dr Rogers. She did another X-ray, and told me that my fusion looked so good and healthy , that I could start playing soccer again. Not competitively, but recreationally, and now I am nearly 2 years post spinal surgery, playing on 2 soccer teams, active in the gym, and my husband and I are trying to start a family.
I still experience soreness in my lower spine if I lift too heavy of objects the wrong way or work out too hard, but that is to be expected. I have been off any type of medication spine related for over a year now, and it’s nothing a little ice won’t cure. All in all I have a lot to thank Dr Rogers for. She saved my back.
Thank you so much Dr Rogers!!!!
Dr Rogers has been taking care of my back issues for years. It came to a point that I did need a major surgery. A fusion. I am so glad it was done. Just wished I’d done it earlier. My leg pain is gone, the back spasms are gone , feeling like my ribs were stabbing me is also gone and though I’m still healing I feel so much better. I am so grateful to Dr Rogers !! I would highly recommend her for spine issues. Forever thankful!! The staff is professional and friendly also.
Update!!
It’s been a year and a half since my back surgery with Dr Rogers and I’m doing great!! Thank you again Dr Rogers!!
There are two major factors in my thinking a doctors office is 5 stars… #1 is the office and staff itself… #2 is the moment you meet the doctor and how they present themselves to you. Being someone that’s had multiple surgeries, dealt with dozens of doctors and facilities… if these two are in line when you go on your first visit, you know the experience and the healing to come will be worth it.
I have to say, the offices, ease of getting there, parking… were amazing… the staff at the front desk (and on the phone for that matter) were some of the most engaging, informative and easy to deal with that I’ve ever encountered. They made it EASY for me to check in, etc… I was taken in at the exact time of my appointment (I did listen and get there 15 minutes early) and was escorted through, had X-rays and waited for Dr. Rogers…
The moment I met Dr. Rogers, I had faith that I was in the right hands. Her eye contact, the way she shook my hand, the way she listened… the deep understanding she immediately had for my symptoms and the journey I’ve been on for the last 10 years after of my spine surgery in New York… made me incredibly calm and gave me such peace.
I see her again next week, after a battery of tests… but I look forward to finding answers with this healing doctor and her colleagues and staff…
xoxox
I am writing this review on behalf of Dr. Rogers patient, Yolanda Phelps.
Dr.Rogers performed an anterior cervical disectomy and cervical fusion on me last Tuesday. I am home now and my recovery is going great. Dr. Tiffany Rogers was so caring, thorough, and made me feel so comfortable during this difficult procedure. She took very good care of me and I am so thankful for her help.
Also her PA Jeff was so kind and helpful as well. Thank you so much you two for everything!!
PS don’t waste time going through pain go to dr. Tiffany Rogers. She does all the bells and whistles!!
Dr. Rogers is Exceptional. I am a patient of hers. I was in extreme pain Christmas week. Doctor Rogers ordered an MRI. Diagnosis was dislocated shoulder. I called her office 12/27/18. Doctor called back. She asked if I could be in her office immediately. I saw her within 1/2 hour. She injected me with Cortisone.What a God given gift!
Dr. Rogers is obsessed with the ability to heal. She went above and beyond to releive my pain.
Thank you Dr. Rogers.
I am a 72 year old female who suffered cervical disc herniation at multiple levels, resulting in severe pain in my neck and right arm. Dr. Rogers performed an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. After surgery my pain was GONE! I was in the hospital for two days and received excellent care. I have had multiple surgeries during my lifetime but this was by far the best experience and I believe a direct result of Dr. Rogers’ experience and the care she has for her patients.
I can’t express the feelings of gratitude for Dr. Rogers and her team. About 7 months ago I started having pain in my right neck, shoulder, arm all the way to my feet. The pain worsened almost daily. Had a epidural done in the 3rd month felt good for 3 days and wham the pain, weakness was back worse than before. I went back to epidural doctor and he told me there was nothing more he could do at least for 3 months. The pain was getting so bad, l cried, became very irritable and hopeless. I started physical therapy and it seem to adjutant my worst spots. I felt hopeless and knew I couldn’t take much-more. So I made an appt with Dr. Rogers. I told her the pain had increased to a point I couldn’t stand one more day in this pain. I’m not a wimp I can endure a lot but I had come to end of pain tolerance. She showed me my xrays and I believe my right she said let’s do this. I was admitted to Torrance Memorial Tuesday around 8:30 AM.hours later when I woke up n my room, there was absolutely no pain. Dr. Rogers just happen to walk in my room. I was really medicated I grabbed her and said there’s no more pain. I owe everything to her. I love her, respect her
