Spinal Arthritis

What it is:

Spinal arthritis (also termed spinal osteoarthritis or spondylosis) refers to degeneration of the spinal joints — discs, facet joints, vertebral endplates — resulting in cartilage loss, bone‑spur formation, joint space narrowing and often contributing to other spinal conditions.

How it happens / risk factors:

Age‑related wear and tear is the main driver. Poor spinal mechanics, disc degeneration, repetitive load, prior trauma all contribute. The process often intertwines with DDD, facet syndrome and spinal stenosis.

Symptoms:

• Persistent or recurrent back/neck pain
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
• Possible radiating symptoms if nerve roots become involved via associated conditions (e.g., stenosis)

Why it matters for chiropractic care:

Recognizing that “arthritis” is often a contributing (or foundational) factor helps with realistic goal‑setting (maintenance care, symptom management), patient education (progressive nature, lifestyle/ergonomics), and treatment planning (emphasis on mobility, stability, posture, core strength).