Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about spine arthritis and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Introduction
Spine arthritis—also known as spinal osteoarthritis or spondylosis—is a leading cause of back and neck pain in adults. It can affect your mobility, sleep, and quality of life. This expert-reviewed guide explains the causes, symptoms, and best treatments for spine arthritis, including advanced options like Prolotherapy.
What is Spine Arthritis?
Spine arthritis is the degeneration and inflammation of the joints, discs, and cartilage in the spine. The most common type is osteoarthritis, but other forms include rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the spinal joints wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve compression (NHS, 2023).
Causes and Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially over 50.
- Previous injury: Spinal injuries or trauma can accelerate degeneration.
- Repetitive use: Manual work, sports, or hobbies that stress the spine.
- Obesity: Increases pressure on spinal joints and discs.
- Genetics: Family history of arthritis or spinal problems.
- Autoimmune disease: Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Poor posture: Prolonged sitting or improper lifting techniques.
Citations: Versus Arthritis, 2023; NHS, 2023
Symptoms and When to Seek Help
- Chronic back or neck pain, often worse with movement or after rest
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- Grinding, clicking, or popping sensations
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness if nerves are compressed
- Swelling or tenderness along the spine
Seek medical attention if:
- Pain is severe, sudden, or associated with trauma
- You experience numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control
- There is significant deformity or inability to move
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional will diagnose spine arthritis by:
- Taking a detailed medical history and asking about your symptoms, activity levels, and previous injuries
- Performing a physical examination, checking for tenderness, range of motion, and neurological signs
- Ordering imaging tests (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan) to assess joint damage, disc degeneration, or nerve compression
- Blood tests if inflammatory arthritis is suspected
Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing further joint damage.
Citation: NHS, 2023
Treatment Options
Treatment for spine arthritis depends on the underlying cause, severity, and your overall health. Most people benefit from a combination of self-care, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes.
Self-Care and Lifestyle
- Rest and activity modification: Avoid activities that worsen pain, such as heavy lifting or repetitive movements.
- Gentle exercise: Walking, swimming, and stretching can help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the spine.
- Posture and ergonomics: Use supportive chairs and proper lifting techniques.
- Heat or ice therapy: Apply heat to relax muscles or ice to reduce inflammation.
Medical Treatments
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Topical treatments: Anti-inflammatory creams or gels applied to the back or neck.
- Physical therapy: A physiotherapist can design a program to improve mobility and strength.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may be considered for persistent pain.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: Managing rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis is crucial.
Citations: Versus Arthritis, 2023; NHS, 2023
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat spine arthritis. Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with spine arthritis.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of spine arthritis, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Mary, a 65-year-old retired nurse, developed spine arthritis after years of manual work. She received a combination of physiotherapy, posture advice, and prolotherapy. Within three months, her pain reduced and she returned to gardening.
Case Study 2: Tom, a 52-year-old office worker, experienced chronic back pain due to spine arthritis. After prolotherapy and a tailored exercise program, he regained mobility and now enjoys hiking again.
FAQs
What causes spine arthritis?
Common causes include age-related wear and tear, previous injuries, repetitive use, autoimmune conditions, obesity, and genetics.
Can I exercise with spine arthritis?
Yes, but focus on low-impact activities and gentle stretching. Avoid activities that worsen pain and consult a physiotherapist for guidance.
Is prolotherapy safe for spine arthritis?
Prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. It is minimally invasive and has a low risk of complications.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have severe pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control, or if symptoms persist despite self-care, consult a healthcare professional.
How long does it take to see results from treatment?
Most people notice improvement within a few weeks, but full recovery may take several months depending on the cause and treatment plan.
Conclusion
Spine arthritis can be painful and limiting, but effective solutions are available. By understanding the causes, seeking early diagnosis, and following a comprehensive treatment plan—including innovative options like prolotherapy—you can achieve lasting relief and return to your active lifestyle.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating spine arthritis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with spine arthritis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He first trained in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy and continued on to complete further training with the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Mr Eaton developed his treatment and examination approach through the process of treating his own chronic symptoms and is committed to making sure his patients experience the same life-changing effects his treatments had on him.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-eaton-4338225b/
References
- NHS. (2023). Osteoarthritis
- Versus Arthritis. (2023). Back Pain
- Arthritis Foundation. (2023). Osteoarthritis
- Sarzi-Puttini, P., Atzeni, F., Fumagalli, M., Capsoni, F., & Carrabba, M. (2005). Osteoarthritis of the spine. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 34(6 Suppl 2), 38–43.
- Laplante, B. L., & DePalma, M. J. (2012). Spine osteoarthritis. PM & R: the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 4(5 Suppl), S28–S36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.03.005
- Goode, A. P., Nelson, A. E., Kraus, V. B., Renner, J. B., & Jordan, J. M. (2017). Biomarkers reflect differences in osteoarthritis phenotypes of the lumbar spine: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. Osteoarthritis and cartilage, 25(10), 1672–1679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2017.07.007
- Goode, A. P., Carey, T. S., & Jordan, J. M. (2013). Low back pain and lumbar spine osteoarthritis: how are they related?. Current rheumatology reports, 15(2), 305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-012-0305-z
- Gellhorn, A. C., Katz, J. N., & Suri, P. (2013). Osteoarthritis of the spine: the facet joints. Nature reviews. Rheumatology, 9(4), 216–224. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2012.199
- Musumeci, G., Aiello, F. C., Szychlinska, M. A., Di Rosa, M., Castrogiovanni, P., & Mobasheri, A. (2015). Osteoarthritis in the XXIst century: risk factors and behaviours that influence disease onset and progression. International journal of molecular sciences, 16(3), 6093–6112. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms16036093
- Murray, K. J., Le Grande, M. R., Ortega de Mues, A., & Azari, M. F. (2017). Characterisation of the correlation between standing lordosis and degenerative joint disease in the lower lumbar spine in women and men: a radiographic study. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 18(1), 330. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1696-9
- Weinberg, D. S., Liu, R. W., Xie, K. K., Morris, W. Z., Gebhart, J. J., & Gordon, Z. L. (2017). Increased and decreased pelvic incidence, sagittal facet joint orientations are associated with lumbar spine osteoarthritis in a large cadaveric collection. International orthopaedics, 41(8), 1593–1600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-017-3426-1
- Wenger, H. C., & Cifu, A. S. (2017). Treatment of Low Back Pain. JAMA, 318(8), 743–744. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.9386
- Lindsey T, Dydyk AM. Spinal Osteoarthritis. [Updated 2022 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553190/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.