Spondylitis is a condition in which the joints in the spine become inflamed. In some cases, this will lead to two or more vertebrae in the spine beginning to fuse together. This bone growth process is called Ankylosis and can occur anywhere along the spinal cord, but is most common in the lower back and pelvic area. Ankylosis causes pressure on the nerve roots of the spine and can result in pain and numbness in the extremities. There are many different forms of spondylitis, but the symptoms are very similar.
At New Jersey Spine Institute, our leading team of spine doctors specializes in diagnosing and treating spondylitis in all of its forms. We pride ourselves on building personal relationships with our patients and developing individualized treatment plans to help them achieve and exceed their health goals. If surgery is recommended, our innovative, two-surgeon approach ensures superior symptom relief as well as quicker recovery times. We look forward to meeting you and helping you improve your spinal function and quality of life!
Forms of Spondylitis
Spondylitis encompasses a range of inflammatory diseases that can include the following:
Pott Disease
Pott Disease is a form of musculoskeletal tuberculosis that can affect the vertebrae and lead to chronic back pain and muscle weakness in the extremities.
Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis refers to inflammatory arthritis of the spine, which can cause chronic pain and inflammation in the vertebrae and facet joints.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease characterized by pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the spine.
Reiter’s Syndrome
Reiter’s syndrome is a type of arthritis that can impact the spine as a reaction to infection in another area of the body. It is most common in men between the ages of 20 and 40.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is linked to the skin condition psoriasis and can lead to spondylitis when it affects the joints of the spine.
Enteropathic Arthritis
Enteropathic arthritis is linked to gastrointestinal conditions and can cause symptoms of spondylitis, including pain and stiffness in the spine.
Spondylitis Symptoms
The symptoms of spondylitis vary from patient to patient, but often include one or more of the following:
- Dull pain in the back
- Sharp pains “in and out”
- Back stiffness
- Trouble walking/bending over
- Tingling sensation, weakness, or numbness in the back, arms or legs
- Difficulty walking
- Muscle spasms
- Over 45% of patients with spondylitis will experience inflammation of the eye, causing redness, itching, and puffiness
If you suspect you may be suffering from spondylitis, contact the world-class spine specialists at New Jersey Spine Institute to book a consultation today!
Spondylitis Causes
Spondylitis can have a wide range of different causes. At New Jersey Spine Institute, we frequently work with patients experiencing inflammatory joint pain and discomfort in the spine as a result of the following:
- Natural wear and tear
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Genetics
- An injury or infection
Diagnosing Spondylitis
When you book a consultation at New Jersey Spine Institute, you can expect to receive an accurate diagnosis that will pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain and discomfort. After asking about your symptoms and medical history, our expert doctors will perform an in-depth physical examination and may also order tests such as X-rays, a CT scan, or MRI. In cases where spondylitis is suspected, diagnostic imaging can provide better visualization of the affected area, help to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, and allow for the development of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Spondylitis
Spondylitis can range from mild to debilitating and the personalized treatment plan created for you by the knowledgeable spine doctors at New Jersey Spine Institute will reflect the severity of your symptoms as well as your treatment goals.
Non-Surgical Treatments
In many cases, spondylitis is responsive to conservative treatment methods and can be effectively managed with one or more of the following non-surgical options:
- Physical therapy
- Medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or muscle relaxants
- Steroid injections
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical spondylitis treatment approaches are not successful, surgery may be considered. Surgical procedures used to address spondylitis may include:
- Microdiscectomy
- This minimally-invasive surgery alleviates pain and discomfort by removing tissue that is compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- Spinal Fusion
- A spinal fusion procedure enhances the stability of the spine by fusing together vertebrae with a surgical implant.
Living with chronic back or neck pain? The exceptional spine specialists at New Jersey Spine Institute are ready to help. Learn more about spondylitis and take the first step toward recovery when you book an initial consultation. We look forward to working with you!