Understanding Arthritis in the Back: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

Arthritis in the back, also known as spinal arthritis, affects millions of people and can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. While it can occur at any age, it’s most common in older adults due to wear and tear over time. If you've been feeling persistent pain or discomfort in your lower back, you might be dealing with arthritis in the back—but understanding the condition is the first step toward managing it effectively.

Let’s walk through what causes it, how to spot the symptoms, and the options available for treating back arthritis, including some lesser-known yet clinically supported approaches.

What Is Arthritis in the Back?

Spinal arthritis is a general term describing inflammation of the joints in the spine. It primarily involves the breakdown of cartilage that cushions spinal joints. Without enough cushioning, bones can rub together, causing pain and inflammation.

There are different types of spinal arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common, but other forms like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis can also affect the spine.

What Are The Types of Spinal Arthritis?

• Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative arthritis in back that develops from cartilage breakdown over time. It’s the most frequent cause of arthritis in the lower back.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, including those in the spine.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, which can lead to the fusion of vertebrae.

Back Arthritis Symptoms

Back arthritis symptoms often start slowly and may worsen with time. You might notice:

• Persistent back pain, especially in the lower back

• Stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity

• Reduced flexibility, making it harder to bend or twist

• Swelling or tenderness along the spine

• Radiating pain to the hips, buttocks, or thighs

• Grinding or popping sensations during movement

These signs can vary depending on the type of arthritis and how advanced it is.

What Causes Spinal Arthritis?

A number of risk factors contribute to spinal arthritis:

• Aging: Natural wear and tear increases the risk of degenerative arthritis in back.

• Genetics: A family history of arthritis can raise your chances.

• Previous injuries: Damage to spinal joints can accelerate degeneration.

• Obesity: Extra weight puts more stress on spinal joints.

• Lifestyle and occupation: Jobs or activities involving repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting can add to the problem.

Diagnosing Arthritis in Lower Back

If you suspect you have arthritis in your lower back, your doctor may use the following tools:

• Medical history and physical exam: To assess symptoms, range of motion, and spine flexibility.

• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans help visualize cartilage loss, bone spurs, or joint damage.

• Blood tests: These may help rule out autoimmune causes like rheumatoid arthritis.

Early diagnosis is key to slowing the progression of the disease and reducing its impact on your daily life.

What Are Spinal Arthritis Treatments?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but treating back arthritis often involves a combination of:

Medication

• Over-the-counter pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Prescription treatments for more advanced or inflammatory cases

• Corticosteroid injections for targeted relief

If you’re concerned about side effects, there are many alternative medication for arthritis to consider with your provider.

Physical Therapy

• Stretching and strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine

• Posture training to reduce pressure on joints

Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight management to ease strain on the spine

• Activity adjustments to avoid overuse or high-impact movements

• Ergonomic furniture or supportive devices for daily comfort

Complementary and Emerging Options

One of the lesser-known but increasingly explored strategies for treating chronic pain conditions like spinal arthritis is hypnosis for pain relief. Unlike medications, hypnosis has no side effects and has shown to be effective immediately in helping the brain reframe its response to pain. It’s also supported by over four decades of clinical research.

In fact, if you’ve experienced joint discomfort in other areas like the hips, you may also be interested in our guide on hip arthritis and how hypnosis can complement traditional therapies.

Surgical Interventions

When conservative treatments aren’t enough, surgery—such as spinal fusion or decompression procedures—might be considered. These are typically reserved for severe cases with nerve involvement or loss of mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Do You Treat Arthritis In The Back?

  Treatment can include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery. Some people also find relief through alternative approaches like hypnosis or acupuncture.

• Does Walking Help Arthritis In Your Back?

  Yes, gentle walking helps maintain mobility, strengthens supporting muscles, and reduces stiffness. Just be sure to listen to your body and avoid overexertion.

• What Not To Do With Arthritis In The Back?

  Avoid high-impact activities, poor posture, or long periods of inactivity. These can all worsen symptoms or accelerate joint damage.

• What Does Arthritis In The Back Feel Like?

  People often describe it as a dull, persistent ache or stiffness in the lower back that may worsen in the morning or after sitting too long. Pain may also radiate to other areas.

Living with arthritis in the back can be frustrating, but understanding your symptoms and exploring a variety of treatment paths can help you manage the condition effectively. Whether you’re just starting to experience discomfort or have been dealing with spinal arthritis for years, support is available—and it doesn’t always come in a pill bottle.

Many people are turning to non-drug approaches that tap into the mind-body connection. If you're curious about new ways to ease back pain without medication or side effects, try the Reveri app. Guided by science and 45 years of clinical experience, Reveri offers real-time, self-hypnosis sessions that are quick, safe, and effective for managing pain—right from your phone.