From the Guidelines
Arthritis in the spine does not directly cause arthritis in the shoulder, but they can coexist due to similar underlying conditions, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Both spinal arthritis (spondylosis) and shoulder arthritis often develop from the same risk factors, including aging, genetic predisposition, previous injuries, and systemic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, as noted in 1.
- Systemic forms of arthritis can affect multiple joints throughout the body simultaneously, which is a key consideration in managing patients with axial spondyloarthritis, as discussed in 1.
- When someone has spinal arthritis, they might change their posture or movement patterns to avoid pain, which can place abnormal stress on the shoulder joint over time, potentially accelerating wear and tear, a concept that is supported by the recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis in 1.
Management and Treatment
- If you're experiencing both spinal and shoulder pain, it's essential to have both areas evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the specific type of arthritis and appropriate treatment options, which might include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, activity modifications, or in severe cases, surgical interventions, as outlined in the guidelines provided in 1.
- The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents, as well as non-pharmacological interventions, should be considered based on the individual patient's needs and the severity of their condition, as recommended in 1.
From the Research
Arthritis in the Spine and its Relation to Shoulder Arthritis
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that arthritis in the spine can cause arthritis in the shoulder 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, studies have shown that spondyloarthritis, a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the joints and spine, can lead to new bone formation and ankylosis, which may manifest in other parts of the body 3.
- The exact etiology and pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis are still unknown, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including HLA-B*27, play a central role in its development 4.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect the cervical spine, may also have implications for other parts of the body, including the shoulders, although this is not directly addressed in the available studies 5.
- It is worth noting that the available studies focus on the pathogenesis and treatment of spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, rather than the specific relationship between spinal arthritis and shoulder arthritis 2, 3, 4, 5.