![x ray of cervical spine arthritis x ray of cervical spine arthritis](https://www.spinedragon.com/images/neck_pain/normal_ap_cervical_spine_x-ray.jpg)
As the day progresses, the joint gradually loosens up and symptoms get better. The pain may be worse in the morning because the joint stiffens during the night. That pain can spread to the arms or legs as the inflammation from the joints begins to affect the spinal nerves next to the joints. Patients with spinal arthritis will develop pain in the neck or low back. This erosion and spur formation is a later finding that can be viewed on X-rays. As the articular cartilage erodes, the bones underneath respond to the stress by forming spurs. As the arthritis progresses, the surface of the joints becomes pitted and gradually deteriorates. Because the capsules are composed of soft tissue, they cannot be visualized on x-ray. Inflammation first begins in the capsules. This capsule contains the joint fluid that lubricates the articular cartilage.
![x ray of cervical spine arthritis x ray of cervical spine arthritis](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0211/5144/products/Normal_vs._Abnormal_Cervical_X-Ray_1024x1024.jpg)
Around the articular cartilage is a capsule of soft tissue called synovium. It is a very smooth surface and allows the two bones composing the joint to glide over one another easily. The joints are composed of a delicate tissue called articular cartilage. By the age of 50, that number rises to 100 percent.Īrthritis begins as a low-grade inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the joints. By the age of 40, 50% of people will have evidence of spinal arthritis on an X-ray or CT scan. It begins to affect many people in their 30’s. When it involves the low back it is called lumbar spinal arthritis. When it occurs in the neck it is called cervical spinal arthritis. Spinal arthritis is a very common disorder affecting millions of Americans.