Spinal osteoarthritis progresses through four stages: Stage 1 (Minor) involves slight cartilage wear and possible bone spurs with little pain; Stage 2 (Mild) shows more distinct bone spurs, stiffness, and mild discomfort; Stage 3 (Moderate) features significant cartilage loss, inflammation, and pain with activity; and Stage 4 (Severe) has almost complete cartilage loss, extensive bone spurs, severe pain, and significant mobility issues, often requiring intensive treatment.
Left untreated, spinal osteoarthritis can progress to a point where it causes spinal stenosis: narrowing in the spine that can compress the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This condition may require more intensive treatment and sometimes even surgery.
But bruises, bumps and lesions on the skin can occur along with many other forms of arthritis. They often signal an underlying problem – caused by either the disease or the medications used to treat it – that should not be ignored.
As of 2025, PRP has moved beyond being an experimental therapy. It is now recognized as one of the leading biologic options for knee osteoarthritis. Ongoing studies are exploring how PRP can be combined with stem cell therapy or other regenerative techniques to further enhance outcomes.
Generally, radiological lesions gradually and slowly increase. However, the pace of this progression can be very variable. In extreme cases, some cases of osteoarthritis may remain stable for decades, while others progress very rapidly to complete destruction of the cartilage in the space of a few months.
Doctors often recommend physical therapy to help people with osteoarthritis of the spine build strength in the muscles that support the spine, reduce stress on the joints, and relieve pain.
Osteoarthritis has four stages: early, mild, moderate, and severe. Stage 2 osteoarthritis has symptoms like joint pain with activity, while stage 3 usually has more frequent pain, joint stiffness, and swelling. Severe osteoarthritis might need surgery like a knee replacement.
Common pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), taken at the recommended doses, typically relieve osteoarthritis pain. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription.
Pain can for some people be so mild they hardly notice it whilst for others it can be so severe that their mobility and way of life is affected. It is at this stage that you can find that the osteoarthritis can confine you to a wheelchair.
Covered by Most Insurance
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for osteoarthritis is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans.
Other symptoms you or your doctor may notice include: joint tenderness. increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while. joints appearing slightly larger or more "knobbly" than usual.
In some people, osteoarthritis can negatively affect lung function. A 2022 study examined the relationship between osteoarthritis and lung disease and found that some types of osteoarthritis can decrease lung function. This may cause shortness of breath in certain individuals.
Complications. Osteoarthritis is a disease that worsens over time, often resulting in chronic pain. Joint pain and stiffness can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult. Depression and sleep disturbances can result from the pain, stiffness and mobility issues of osteoarthritis.
Surgeons often perform spinal fusion in people with osteoarthritis of the spine. Spinal fusion stabilizes the spine by permanently joining vertebrae using small screws and rods, eliminating movement between them. Typically, small pieces of bone, called grafts, are placed in between vertebrae to help them fuse.
It is not an infectious or contagious condition. Osteoarthritis is primarily a localized condition that occurs within a specific joint. However, it is important to note that while osteoarthritis does not spread from joint to joint, it can affect multiple joints in the body simultaneously.
Patients with osteoarthritis, but not immune-related arthritis, demonstrate increased odds for developing overactive bladder vs. those without, according to data spanning 15 years published in Science Reports.
You have an 'impairment' if your physical or mental abilities are reduced in some way compared to most people. It could be the result of a medical condition - like arthritis in your hands that means you can't grip or carry things as well as other people. An impairment doesn't have to be a diagnosed medical condition.
Applying heating pads, taking hot baths or showers, or using warm paraffin wax can temporarily relieve join pain. Be careful not to burn yourself. Limit heating pad use to 20 minutes at a time. Ice packs can help lessen pain and inflammation, especially after physical activity.
Osteoarthritis is the most common of the more than 100 kinds of arthritis and the knee joint is the most commonly affected large joint in the body. Osteoarthritis of the knee results in pain stiffness and joint deformity (See Fig 5) which can affect one's ability to walk work and enjoy life.
12 Supplements for Osteoarthritis
The bottom line is that there are a number of complications that can arise if osteoarthritis is left untreated. For example, this condition can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and bone fractures caused by falls.
Hyaluronic acid injection is used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) in patients who have already been treated with pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen) and other treatments that did not work well. Hyaluronic acid is similar to a substance that occurs naturally in the joints.
Because bursitis and tendonitis pain may be felt near the joints, it is sometimes mistaken for arthritis. Knowing the differences between these conditions can help you identify and address the root cause of your joint pain to get you back to an active life.
There are no blood tests that can diagnose OA; however, your doctor may order them to rule out other causes of joint pain and inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Joint fluid analysis. Fluid drawn from an affected joint can offer clues as to what is happening in the joint.
Anyone can get osteoarthritis, but it is more common as people age. Women are more likely than men to have osteoarthritis, especially after age 50. Other factors that may make it more likely to develop osteoarthritis include: Overweight or obesity.