The vertebral arch is located at the back of each vertebra. It consists of two upper articular processes and two lower articular processes. We call the zygapophysis the joint between two vertebrae, and more precisely, between their processes. However, this junction point between two consecutive vertebrae is covered with cartilage which can deteriorate: this is zygapophyseal osteoarthritis. Find out what this back pathology covers, what are its symptoms, treatments and means of prevention.
1. Zygapophyseal osteoarthritis: what is it?
To understand what zygapophyseal osteoarthritis is, it is necessary to review the anatomy of the human body. The vertebrae, from the cervical to the sacral, including the dorsal and lumbar, are made up of a vertebral body on the anterior surface and a vertebral arch on the posterior surface. The vertebral arch itself is made up of 2 pairs of upper processes and two pairs of lower processes. Each upper process of a vertebra will join the lower process of the vertebra above, thus allowing good articulation between the vertebrae, good stability of the spine, as well as good flexion and extension of the back. This joint between two vertebrae is called the zygapophysis. This junction point between the processes of two vertebrae is covered with cartilage, the role of which is to protect the bones and prevent friction. However, as a result of various factors (old age, scoliosis, wear of intervertebral discs, repeated carrying of loads, trauma, sport with shocks, etc.), this cartilage can wear out or even be destroyed. We then speak of zygapophyseal osteoarthritis.
2. Symptoms of zygapophyseal osteoarthritis
The major symptom of zygapophyseal osteoarthritis is pain, the location of which varies in the back or neck, depending on the affected zygapophyses (between the cervical vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae). It is the cervical and lumbar areas that are most frequently affected by this type of osteoarthritis, due to the significant pressure they undergo and the greater wear and tear on the cartilage that results. Indeed, the wear, or even complete destruction, of the cartilage at the level of a zygapophysis leads to friction between the bones, or even wear and tear of the latter. The pain is therefore proportional to the degree of cartilage destruction. The consequence of this spinal pathology is stiffness and reduced range of movement. This pain is chronic and mechanical: you observe that certain movements are more painful than others, such as rotating the pelvis, tilting your head back or arching your back.
3. Treatments for zygapophyseal osteoarthritis
Zygapophyseal osteoarthritis is an irreversible degenerative pathology. In other words, the treatments will relieve your symptoms and slow the progression of osteoarthritis, but will not cure it. Treatments involve medications and physical measures, specifies The MSD Manual.
- Drug treatments for zygapophyseal osteoarthritis: paracetamol, or even stronger analgesics such as Tramadol, may be prescribed to relieve your pain, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. If your muscles are tight due to osteoarthritis pain, muscle relaxants may be required for better muscle relaxation. Finally, in the event of insufficient relief of your pain with these medications, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid infiltrations may be the solution chosen by your doctor or rheumatologist.
- Physical treatments for zygapophyseal osteoarthritis: physical treatments complement medications and include gentle, regular physical activity (walking, swimming, yoga, etc.) for 30 minutes per day, and physiotherapy. Physiotherapy consists of offering you a strength training program for the back, abdominals and neck, to limit the pressure on your osteoarthritic joints, improve your postures and thus stop the progression of osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy sessions also aim to improve your flexibility and range of movement, adds the French Society of Rheumatology. If you are overweight, you may also be asked to go on a diet to reduce pressure on your joints.
4. Prevention of zygapophyseal osteoarthritis
As zygapophyseal osteoarthritis cannot be cured, it is preferable to delay its onset as much as possible and limit its progression. This involves preventive measures, such as adopting good postures at work and at home, good hydration, avoiding carrying loads or repetitive movements that impact the joints, seeking a balanced weight or even practicing regular physical activity that is gentle on the joints.
Sources
- Back and lumbar osteoarthritis, Arthrolink site, Laboratoires Expanscience, February 15, 2024
- Osteoarthritis, The MSD Manual – Healthcare Professional Version, November 20222
- How is osteoarthritis treated today?, French Society of Rheumatology, September 10, 2019
Read also :
⋙ Living better with osteoarthritis: 12 tips from specialists
⋙ Calm osteoarthritis pain
⋙ True or false: 6 preconceived ideas about osteoarthritis