Boise Arthritis of the Spine Surgeon

Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and When Surgery May Be Needed

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic back and neck pain, and for many people, its symptoms can gradually become disruptive to daily life. Some patients feel stiffness each morning that takes time to “warm up.” Others notice aching, radiating pain that worsens with standing or activity. In more advanced cases, arthritis in the spine can affect the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.

Because the spine is responsible for supporting nearly every movement we make, arthritis in this region can feel especially limiting. While many people assume this type of pain is simply a part of aging, the truth is that arthritis can take several forms—some mild and manageable, others progressive and in need of careful evaluation.

At the practice of Dr. Kelly Bridges, patients experiencing symptoms of spinal arthritis receive a thoughtful, detailed evaluation to determine the root cause of their discomfort. Treatment always begins conservatively, and surgery is only recommended when there is clear benefit, such as significant nerve compression, neurological changes, or structural instability. Whether a patient lives in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, or is considering traveling to Idaho for expert spine care, Dr. Bridges provides precision-focused, compassionate treatment at every step.

What Is Arthritis of the Spine?

Arthritis refers to inflammation or degeneration of joints. In the spine, this typically affects the vertebral joints and discs that support movement and flexibility. Over time, these structures can wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

There are several forms of spinal arthritis, but the two most common are:

Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form, caused by gradual wear and tear of the joints. The cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and sometimes bone spurs. These bone spurs can reduce space for nerves and cause radiating pain.

Inflammatory Arthritis
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can affect the spine. Unlike osteoarthritis, these diseases often involve the immune system and may cause widespread inflammation.

Arthritis in the spine is often closely tied to age-related changes, but it can also occur in younger individuals due to genetics, prior injury, or repetitive strain. When nerve compression becomes part of the condition, symptoms can progress beyond localized back or neck pain.

How Arthritis Develops

Spinal arthritis tends to develop slowly. As cartilage wears away, joints move less smoothly and inflammation increases. Bone spurs may form as the body attempts to stabilize the joint. Discs may lose height or hydration, placing added stress on surrounding structures.

These changes can lead to:

• Reduced space in the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
  
• Narrowing of foraminal openings where nerves exit
  
• Irritation or compression of nerve roots
  
• Mechanical instability in severe cases 

For some patients, arthritis remains localized and manageable. For others, the progression leads to radiating arm or leg symptoms, difficulty walking long distances, or loss of fine motor coordination. Understanding these changes is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the location and severity of arthritis. Common signs include:

• Aching or stiffness in the neck or lower back
  
• Pain that worsens after activity or long periods of standing
  
• Radiating pain into the arms or legs
  
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
  
• Weakness or reduced endurance when walking
  
• Difficulty turning the head or bending the spine
  
• Morning stiffness that improves with movement

When arthritis compresses the spinal cord (myelopathy) or nerve roots (radiculopathy), symptoms may progress to include clumsiness of the hands, gait imbalance, or difficulty with coordination.

Any sudden onset of weakness, loss of balance, or changes in bowel or bladder control requires immediate medical attention.

When to Seek an Evaluation

Mild arthritis pain can often be managed at home, but persistent or progressive symptoms warrant evaluation by a spine specialist. Consider seeking care if:

• Pain has lasted more than a few weeks
  
• Symptoms interfere with daily tasks, sleep, or work
  
• Pain radiates down the arm or leg
  
• Weakness develops in the hands, arms, or legs
  
• Walking any distance has become more difficult
  
• Balance feels unreliable
  
• Symptoms worsen despite conservative treatments

An early evaluation does not mean surgery—it simply provides clarity and prevents long-term nerve injury.

Diagnosis: How Spinal Arthritis Is Identified

Dr. Bridges begins each consultation with a detailed discussion of symptoms, lifestyle, and prior treatments. This is followed by a neurological exam assessing strength, reflexes, coordination, and sensation.

Depending on the presentation, diagnostic testing may include:

• X-rays to evaluate joint spacing, bone spurs, and alignment
  
• MRI scans to assess nerves, discs, and inflammation
  
• CT scans in cases requiring finer bone detail
  
• EMG studies when nerve function needs further clarification

These tools help determine whether arthritis alone is causing symptoms or whether nerve compression, instability, or other spinal conditions are contributing.