Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 10 min read
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Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes Exercise is known as degenerative of spinal joints, the breakdown of the cartilage, tendon, ligaments of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back. Sometimes, osteoarthritis produces spurs that put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column. This can cause weakness...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes Exercise is known as degenerative of spinal joints, the breakdown of the cartilage, tendon, ligaments of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back. Sometimes, osteoarthritis produces spurs that put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column. This can cause weakness and pain in the arms or legs. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is a condition in which...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Types of Arthritis in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of Spine in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Anatomy of the Vertebrae in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Illustration of a Herniated Disc in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
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Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • New or worsening weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or saddle area.
  • Back or neck pain with fever, recent major injury, cancer history, or unexplained weight loss.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

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Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.
Definition

pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="osteoarthritis" data-rx-definition="Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear joint disease causing pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।">Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes Exercise is known as degenerative of spinal joints, the breakdown of the cartilage, tendon, ligaments of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back. Sometimes, pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="osteoarthritis" data-rx-definition="Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear joint disease causing pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।">osteoarthritis produces spurs that put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column. This can cause weakness and pain in the arms or legs.

pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="osteoarthritis" data-rx-definition="Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear joint disease causing pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।">Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is a condition in which the protective cartilage that cushions the tops of bones degenerates or wears down. This causes swelling and pain. It may also cause the development of osteophytes, approximately 30 million Americans suffer from stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="osteoarthritis" data-rx-definition="Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear joint disease causing pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।">osteoarthritis, most of which are women and people over the age of 45. The term osteoarthritis comes from the Greek osteo meaning “of the bone,” combined with the term pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis; arth meaning “joint” and –its meaning infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation.
pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="osteoarthritis" data-rx-definition="Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear joint disease causing pain and stiffness. সহজ বাংলা: বয়স/ক্ষয়ের কারণে জয়েন্টের ব্যথা।">Osteoarthritis of the spine develops as a consequence of the natural aging process and is associated with significant morbidity and health care expenditures. Effective diagnosis and treatment of the resultant pathologic conditions can be clinically challenging. Recent evidence has emerged to aid the investigating clinician in formulating an accurate diagnosis and in implementing a successful treatment algorithm. This article details the degenerative cascade that results in the osteoarthritic spine, reviews prevalence data for common painful spinal disorders, and discusses evidence-based treatment options for the management of zygapophysial and sacroiliac joint arthrosis.[Rx]

Types of pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">Arthritis

However, inflammation is typically absent in osteoarthritis until the later stages of the disease. Because of this, osteoarthritis can go by several different names including:

The joints are the connection between two bones that allow movement while providing support. In between the bones of the joint is a cavity filled with liquid known as synovial fluid.

Covering the ends of each bone is a type of flexible, yet strong, connective tissue known as articular cartilage. The synovial fluid acts as a shock absorber and helps to prevent wear and tear of this cartilage caused by friction. The cartilage further protects the bones from everyday wear and tear and also helps to absorb shock.

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms

Our spine, or vertebral column, is set up a bit differently than other joints. The spine is broken down into five different sections:

  • The Neck, or Cervical Spine
  • Mid-back, or Thoracic Spine
  • Lower back, or Lumbar Spine
  • Upper portion of the pelvic cavity, or Sacral Spine
  • Tailbone, or Coccyx

It has 24 individual vertebrae (essentially the joints) and is covered in cartilage as well. However, the spine has gel-like pads, called discs, instead of cavities filled with synovial fluid.

These discs are filled with a fluid that is comprised of degenerated collagen, proteoglycans and water. This gel-like center is called the nucleus pulposus, and it acts as the shock absorber for the spine.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis back pain include

  • Age

Genetic factors

  • Heritability estimates for hand, knee and hip OA are about 40-60%.
  • The responsible genes are largely unknown.

Local, largely biomechanical risk factors

  • Joint injury.
  • Occupational and recreational stresses on joints.
  • Reduced muscle strength.
  • Joint Laxity.
  • Joint malalignment.

Constitutional factors

  • Aging.
  • Female sex.
  • Obesity.
  • High bone density – a risk factor for the development of OA.
  • Low bone density – a risk factor for progression of knee and hip OA
  • Weight – “Carrying around excess weight increases the wear and tear on your spine,” notes Dr. Kovacs.
  • Back injury – A history of trauma to your spine or a history of spinal surgery can increase your risk of developing spinal arthritis. Additionally, joint injury is a common cause of osteoarthritis in younger populations, according to NIAMS.
  • Stress and strain – Repetitive strain on the neck and back from leaning, twisting, and lifting can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis. This may be from athletic activities like hockey, football, gymnastics, or weightlifting, as well as from certain occupations.
  • Spinal misalignment – Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, or other forms of spinal misalignment can put stress on the joints and increase the risk of spinal osteoarthritis.
  • Family history – Osteoarthritis tends to run in families, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. And specific genes are associated with a higher risk of other types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New Guidelines

In 2012, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) released updated recommendations for drug and non-drug treatment of hand, knee, and hip osteoarthritis. Key points include:

  • The recommendations emphasize the early use of non-drug treatments, especially aerobic, aquatic, and resistance exercise. Overweight patients are encouraged to lose weight. While not strongly recommended, the ACR considers tai chi, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) appropriate options for some patients.
  • For patients older than 75 years old, the ACR recommends skin-applied (topical) NSAIDs instead of oral NSAIDs. For older patients, topical NSAIDs pose less risks for stomach bleeding and other side effects. (However, see Drug Warning below.)
  • Topical capsaicin, a pain reliever derived from chili pepper, is recommended for hand osteoarthritis but not knee or hip osteoarthritis.
  • The ACR does not recommend the use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of Spine

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms

Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of the articular cartilage and primarily affects the weight bearing joints including the knees, hips and spine. However, it can affect any of the joints such as the fingers and toes.

As the articular cartilage degenerates, the bones begin to rub against each other causing friction. Over time, this friction causes the bones to become worn down essentially compressing the joint. In the later stages, this can cause inflammation, which exacerbates the problem and the pain.

Osteophytes, or bone spurs, begin to grow on the bones where the articular cartilage is worn down. This is Mother Nature’s attempt at healing the degeneration.

Unfortunately, bone spurs can lead to even more problems including interfering with the blood flow to the vertebrae and the curvature of the spine. This can cause stiffness in the joints and a very uncomfortable feeling called “locking.”

Locking is essentially a joint getting stuck. It can be very painful, or there may be no pain whatsoever. It can be very disconcerting, but normally the joint will unlock with a little bit of gentle manipulation. Osteophytes can also cause entrapment of the spinal nerves, and spinal stenosis (loss of space for the nerves to pass through).

Anatomy of the Vertebrae

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms
Source

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of back pain, and the pain it causes in the joints is difficult to distinguish from muscle pain. When osteoarthritis settles into the spine, the vertebrae aren’t the only parts affected. The discs are affected as well.

Degeneration of the vertebral joints causes excessive strain on the discs, which can cause dehydration of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like center) of the disc. As a result, the ability to absorb shock and lubricate the joint is lost. This can lead to a number of problems including:

  • Bulging of the disc out of the vertebral space
  • Compression of the vertebrae
  • Herniation in which the jelly-like contents escape through a thinned portion of the disc wall and spill into the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal nerves

Illustration of a Herniated Disc

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms

Bird’s eye view of the anatomy of a vertebra | Source

Symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis can be very similar to other forms of arthritis. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Stiffness in the neck or back, particularly the lower back
  • Weakness, numbness or tingling of the legs and arms
  • Migraines (caused by compression of the cervical vertebrae)
  • Constant pain in the neck, or back that is only relieved by laying down
  • Problems performing routine tasks and hobbies
  • Psychological effects caused by chronic pain

 according to the web MD page

  • Pain, tenderness or numbness in the neck
  • Low back pain that extends into the buttocks, thighs or hips
  • Pain or tenderness in the shoulders, hips, knees or heels
  • A “crunching” sensation, or the sound of bone against bone
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs or arms
  • Limited range of mobility, difficulty bending or walking
  • Spinal deformity

Symptoms are typically worse in the morning and evening, and on humid, rainy or cold days.

Barometric pressure and weather changes (such as a change from warm to cool air) can exacerbate symptoms.

Because we sleep for 8 hours or more in the supine or similar position, osteoarthritis symptoms are typically the worst upon waking and for the first 30 minutes after rising.

Joints affected by the disease become stiff after long periods in a single position such as sitting or sleeping, and this stiffness can be very painful.

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms

Crepitus, or cracking sounds, can occur after being in one position for long periods. The sound is caused by the bones of the joints rubbing together, or a bone spur rubbing against one of the bones of the joint. Crepitus tends to occur more frequently in the neck, hips, and knees.

Many people with osteoarthritis notice improvement in their pain after exercising. I’m one of these people. Cardio exercise and weight training exercises have made a huge difference in my pain levels.

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms
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Causes of Osteoarthritis of Spine

Lower back pain is mainly triggered due to the condition of osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. Due to this degenerative joint diseases, the lumbar joints become inflamed which results in severe pain, restricted mobility and in extreme cases it may result in permanent paralysis. If you are experiencing the following cases it is of utmost importance that you consult your doctor immediately.

Degeneration or wear and tear of the joints due to the natural process of aging.

Lab Diagnostic of Osteoarthritis of Spine

Laboratory tests and x-rays are often used in addition to these criteria.

Osteoarthritis of the hand can often be diagnosed on the basis of these criteria alone, and laboratory tests and x-rays may be unnecessary. But in some cases it needed.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests may be recommended to help diagnose OA by ruling out conditions with similar symptoms.

Imaging Tests

X-rays are often helpful for tracking the status of OA over time, but x-rays may appear normal during the early stages.

MRI  imaging to confirm the condition associated with others condition.

References

 

Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Orthopedic doctor, spine specialist, neurologist, or physiotherapist depending on severity.

What to tell the doctor

  • Mark pain area and whether pain travels to leg.
  • Write numbness, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, fever, injury, or night pain if present.
  • Bring previous X-ray/MRI and medicine list.

Questions to ask

  • Is this muscle pain, disc problem, nerve pressure, arthritis, infection, or another cause?
  • Do I need X-ray or MRI now?
  • Which activities should I avoid and which exercises are safe?
  • When can I return to work?

Tests to discuss

  • Spine and neurological examination
  • Straight leg raise or similar nerve tension tests
  • X-ray if trauma/deformity/chronic pain is suspected
  • MRI if leg weakness, sciatica, or red flags are present

Avoid these mistakes

  • Avoid heavy lifting, long bed rest, and untrained spinal manipulation.
  • Avoid NSAIDs if ulcer, kidney disease, blood thinner use, pregnancy, or allergy unless doctor says safe.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Osteoarthritis Spine Anatomy Causes, Symptoms

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.

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