Spinal osteoarthritis involves degenerative changes in the joints of the spine, particularly the facet joints. Facet joints help guide spinal movement and contribute to stability.
Over time, these joints may develop changes involving cartilage, surrounding bone and other joint tissues. Bone spurs and joint enlargement may also develop. Spinal osteoarthritis commonly occurs alongside disc degeneration, but the two conditions affect different structures.
Possible symptoms include:
Symptoms vary, and changes on imaging do not necessarily indicate that the joints are causing pain.
When discs lose height or change structurally, the way mechanical forces pass through the spine can also change. This may increase loading on the facet joints and contribute to degenerative changes. Our Degenerative Disc Disease page explains these disc-related changes.
Facet enlargement, bone spurs, disc changes and ligament thickening can also contribute to spinal stenosis in some patients.
Osteoarthritis can affect many joints, including the hips, knees and spinal facet joints. However, treatment selection depends on which joints and tissues are affected. This page focuses on spinal osteoarthritis. Our separate Hydrowave service addresses selected peripheral joint and soft-tissue conditions.
Many people manage symptoms using appropriate exercise, movement modifications, rehabilitation and other clinician-directed treatments. The goal is to improve comfort, mobility and everyday function. Conservative treatment does not necessarily reverse cartilage loss or remove existing bone spurs.
At Laser Spinal Decompression Clinic in Winnipeg, we assess patients with chronic or recurring spinal symptoms, including selected presentations involving disc degeneration and facet joint changes.
Our combined non-surgical spinal decompression and robotic Class 4 laser treatment may be considered when clinically appropriate, particularly when disc-related symptoms contribute to the overall presentation. The computer-controlled decompression and robotic laser are delivered simultaneously. Only the laser is robotic.
Spinal decompression is not an established method of reversing facet joint arthritis or removing bone spurs. Clinical suitability depends on the structures involved, symptoms, neurological findings, instability and overall health.
No. Spinal osteoarthritis primarily affects the facet joints, whereas degenerative disc disease involves the intervertebral discs. They can occur together.
Yes, in some situations. Degenerative changes may contribute to narrowing around nerve structures, potentially causing radiating symptoms. Our Sciatica and Radiculopathy page explains nerve-related symptoms.
Yes. Facet enlargement and bone spurs can contribute to spinal narrowing.
Appropriately selected movement and exercise can help many people manage pain, stiffness and functional limitations.
Spinal decompression has not been established as a treatment that reverses facet joint arthritis. Selected patients with associated disc-related symptoms may be assessed individually.
New bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle numbness, difficulty urinating or significant progressive neurological weakness requires immediate emergency medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine consultation.
For ongoing, non-emergency neck or lower back symptoms, a complimentary phone consultation can help you explore whether further assessment at Laser Spinal Decompression Clinic is appropriate.
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