Spinal Arthritis: Causes, Statistics & Prevention

Spinal Arthritis: Causes, Statistics & Prevention

Arthritis, specifically spinal arthritis, is a common condition that can cause severe pain and stiffness in the spine. In fact, in 2005, 21.4 million Americans had osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint problems affecting the knee, hip, or spine. Researchers believe that figure is likely to double by 2030.

But did you know that there are steps you can take to prevent this condition? Let's dive into how arthritis occurs and what we can do to protect our spine health and prevent arthritis.

What Causes Spinal Arthritis?

First, it's important to understand that arthritis is not just one single condition — it actually refers to joint inflammation, which can have various causes. Arthritis in the spine, also known as spinal arthritis or spinal osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage between the vertebrae breaks down. This can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the spine.

There are many potential causes of arthritis in the spine, including aging, genetics, previous injuries or trauma to the spine, and being overweight or obese.

Spinal Arthritis Prevention Tips

So, how can we prevent arthritis in our spine? Here are some ways to protect your spine health:

• Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight puts added stress on our joints, including the spine, increasing the risk of arthritis.
• Getting regular exercise. This includes strengthening and stretching exercises for the spine and core muscles. This helps support and protect the spinal joints.
• Practice good posture. Pay attention to how you sit and use proper lifting techniques to avoid strain on the spine.
• Avoiding smoking. This can decrease blood flow to spinal discs and lead to arthritis.

Spinal Arthritis Care in Minnesota

By taking care of our spine health and preventing wear and tear on our joints, we can lower our risk of developing spinal arthritis. If you're concerned that you may be developing arthritis in your spine, book a consultation with our team at Inspired Spine. Your Inspired Spine doctor will look not only for signs of spinal arthritis but also for signs that your condition has an associated structural or pathological (disease) component.

Please call (952) 225-5266 to learn more about Inspired Spine or to speak with one of our Patient Care Coordinators.