Spinal Osteoarthritis & Facet Joint Arthritis
Spinal Osteoarthritis & Facet Joint Arthritis
A regular exploration of conditions osteopaths are often faced with — causes, red flags and patient-centred language.
What is spinal osteoarthritis?
Clinical focus: Spinal osteoarthritis involves degenerative changes in the facet joints and cartilage. It may develop with age, repetitive stress or after injury, and can limit mobility.
What commonly causes symptoms
- Degenerative changes in the facet joints due to aging.
- Repetitive stress or injury to the spine.
- Genetic predisposition to osteoarthritis.
- Obesity, which increases stress on the joints.
- Previous spinal injuries or surgeries.
When to seek help
- If back pain persists despite home care.
- If you experience numbness or tingling in the legs.
- If pain radiates down the legs or affects mobility.
- If you have difficulty standing or walking.
Recommended remedies
- Physical therapy to strengthen back muscles.
- Heat or ice therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen).
- Weight management to reduce strain on the spine.
- In severe cases, consider referral for injections or surgical opinion.
Note: Maintaining a routine of consistent stretching and strengthening exercises for your back can help manage symptoms.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or treatment options.
Watch & listen
An overview of spinal osteoarthritis — useful for listening practice and patient explanation.
Words & phrases to remember
Click the speaker to hear the term without leaving this page.
| Term | Definition | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Facet Joint | The joints in the spine that allow for flexibility and movement. | ˈfæs.ɪt dʒɔɪnt |
| Osteoarthritis | A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage. | ˌɒs.ti.əʊ.ɑːˈθraɪ.tɪs |
| Degeneration | The process of decline or deterioration of tissues or organs. | dɪˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən |
| Inflammation | The body's response to injury or infection, causing redness and swelling. | ˌɪn.fləˈmeɪ.ʃən |
| Mobility | The ability to move freely and easily. | məʊˈbɪl.ɪ.ti |
| Cartilage | Smooth tissue covering the ends of bones in a joint. | ˈkɑː.tɪ.lɪdʒ |
| Stiffness | Difficulty moving a joint freely, especially after resting. | ˈstɪf.nəs |
| Range of motion | How far a joint can move in different directions. | reɪndʒ əv ˈməʊ.ʃən |
| Bone spur | A bony growth that may form along the edge of a bone. | bəʊn spɜː |
| Flare-up | A period when symptoms become worse than usual. | ˈfleər.ʌp |
| Radiating pain | Pain that spreads from one area to another. | ˈreɪ.di.eɪ.tɪŋ peɪn |
| Numbness | Reduced or absent feeling in part of the body. | ˈnʌm.nəs |
Resources & activities
Further reading: Osteopathy, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
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