Spinal Enthesopathy

Most joints have ligaments that attach to the bones for movement, including the spinal joints. The enthesis is the connection point between the bones and ligaments, and enthesopathy refers to conditions that affect the enthesis. In spinal enthesopathy, or enthesitis, inflammation from spondylitis can affect the enthesis on the spine, resulting in pain and mobility issues. Our pain physicians at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can help our patients with spinal enthesopathy find relief and regain mobility at our clinics in the Atlanta area.

Spinal enthesopathy most commonly affects the cervical or lumbar spine, which are the more mobile areas of the spine. Inflammation from spondylitis, a type of spinal arthritis, is usually the cause of spinal enthesopathy and is most common in men. The symptoms depend on the area of the spine that is affected. In cervical spinal enthesopathy, patients may experience stiffness, pain and limited mobility in the neck due to stiff ligaments. In lumbar spinal enthesopathy, patients will experience the pain and limited mobility in their lower back, impacting movements like bending or lifting.

Treatment for Enthesitis

In most cases, spinal enthesopathy of the back or neck does not require surgery or invasive treatments. Reducing inflammation is a key component of reducing pain and stiffness in the ligaments and improving mobility. Anti-inflammatory injections and medication management can be effective components of a treatment plan for cervical or lumbar spinal enthesopathy. Physical therapy, including stretching and strengthening exercises, help manage stiffness and improve mobility.

If you have been diagnosed with spinal enthesopathy or are suffering from chronic back or neck pain, contact us at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine at one of our locations to make your first appointment. We will schedule an exam and consultation with one of our pain specialists, They can begin a treatment plan for reducing pain and improving your mobility.