About Arthritis Spine
Key Highlights
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Non-surgical, conservative management focused on disease modification.Personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific type of spinal arthritis (e.g., inflammatory vs. degenerative).Expertise in advanced medication management, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics.Coordination of multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy and pain management.Aims to reduce pain, improve spinal flexibility, and prevent long-term structural damage.Focus on improving overall quality of life and functional ability./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent back or neck pain, especially with morning stiffness that improves with activity.
- Suspected inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, such as ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis.
- Degenerative spinal osteoarthritis (spondylosis) causing significant pain and reduced mobility.
- Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs (sciatica) originating from arthritic spinal joints.
- Limited spinal range of motion or a stooped posture.
- When imaging (X-ray, MRI) shows evidence of spinal inflammation, joint erosion, or bone spurs.
- Failure to respond to initial conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed personal and family medical history, noting any autoimmune conditions.
- Bring all previous imaging reports (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) and a list of current medications.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the spine and range of motion tests.
- Be prepared to describe pain characteristics in detail: location, intensity, duration, and aggravating/relieving factors.
- Fasting is not typically required unless a specific procedure like a joint injection is scheduled.
- Inform the doctor of any allergies, especially to medications or contrast dyes.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication side effects: stomach upset, liver/kidney issues, increased infection risk (particularly with immunosuppressants/biologics).
- Complications from spinal injections: infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or temporary pain flare.
- Disease progression or inadequate pain control despite treatment.
- Potential for osteoporosis (bone thinning) with long-term corticosteroid use.
- Rare but serious allergic reactions to medications.
- Procedural risks are generally low for non-surgical management but are discussed case-by-case.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is ongoing and focuses on long-term disease management rather than a single post-procedure period.
- Adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is critical for controlling inflammation.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor treatment efficacy and adjust therapy as needed.
- Engagement in prescribed physical therapy exercises to strengthen core muscles and maintain spinal flexibility.
- Incorporation of lifestyle modifications, such as posture correction, ergonomic adjustments, and low-impact exercise.
- Managing flare-ups with rest, heat/cold therapy, and communication with the rheumatologist.
- Monitoring for signs of medication side effects and reporting them promptly.
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Typical hospital stay: Typically outpatient (0 days)
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing management; initial treatment effects may be seen in 2-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering arthritis spine in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with rheumatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform arthritis spine. MediFyr helps you compare rheumatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for arthritis spine compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 10 Thousand | Typically outpatient (0 days) | ~ Ongoing management; initial treatment effects may be seen in 2-12 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 35 Thousand | Typically outpatient (0 days) | ~ Ongoing management; initial treatment effects may be seen in 2-12 weeks | Know More |
Diya Johnson, a 58-year-old high school...
Diya Johnson, a 58-year-old high school art teacher, had always been active, but over the past three years, a deep, grinding pain in her lower back began to steal her mobility. Her mornings were consumed by a 30-minute ritual of stiffness just to stand upright. Painting at her easel became agonizing, forcing her to take frequent breaks. After trying physical therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers with little relief, her primary care doctor referred her to a rheumatologist, Dr. Evans. A thorough examination and imaging confirmed severe spinal osteoarthritis. Dr. Evans recommended a series of targeted corticosteroid injections directly into the affected facet joints of her lumbar spine to reduce inflammation and break the pain cycle. Diya was anxious but hopeful. The procedure, guided by fluoroscopy, was quick with only mild pressure. Within a week, the constant deep ache had subsided dramatically. She could stand from her chair without wincing and returned to her easel for an hour at a time. Emotionally, she had felt like her body was betraying her passion. Post-procedure, she felt a profound sense of reclaiming not just her mobility, but her identity as an artist and an engaged teacher.
Rheumatologists for Arthritis Spine
Explore experienced rheumatologists who regularly perform arthritis spine and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 11 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 5 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
- 13 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 11 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 29 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
- 9 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 14 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 14 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 3 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 27 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 9 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata