Arthritis Specialist
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Kenneth J Eaddy, MD
Board Certified in Interventional Pain Management & Internal Medicine located in Jacksonville, FL
More than 58 million Americans have arthritis, a group of chronic diseases that affect the health and function of the joints. At his self-titled practice, double board-certified interventional pain management physician Kenneth J Eaddy, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis of the spine. If you regularly experience back pain and can’t seem to find relief, don’t wait to make an appointment. Call the office in Jacksonville, Florida, or click the online booking feature today.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs when your cartilage –– a soft, padded substance that cushions your joints –– wears down, causing your bones to rub against each other. Arthritis can occur anywhere in the body where two bones meet, but Dr. Eaddy specializes in the treatment of spinal arthritis.
Spinal arthritis can occur in the facet joints of your spine or in the sacroiliac joints that connect your spine to your pelvis. If you regularly experience neck or back pain and it doesn’t improve with rest or anti-inflammatory medication, contact Dr. Eaddy right away.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Symptoms of arthritis include:
- Back and neck pain
- Swelling and tenderness near the affected vertebrae
- Loss of spine flexibility
- Stiffness
- Whole-body weakness and fatigue
- Headaches
As arthritis in your spine gets worse, you might also experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your legs and feet.
What are the types of spinal arthritis?
Dr. Eaddy diagnoses and treats several types of spinal arthritis, including:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs because of general wear-and-tear caused by the natural aging process. Over time, osteoarthritis causes the facet joints in your lower back to degenerate. As the condition worsens, your vertebrae rub against each other, resulting in pain and mobility issues.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints (synovium). This process causes your spine and surrounding tissues to become inflamed, resulting in pain, stiffness, and mobility issues.
Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis is a disease that affects the joints, ligaments, and tendons. Though similar to rheumatoid arthritis, there are differences. Common examples of spondyloarthritis include reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
How is spinal arthritis diagnosed?
To diagnose arthritis of the spine, Dr. Eaddy reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and conducts an exam. He checks your strength, posture, and range of motion during the exam and tests your reflexes and mobility.
If these measures aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, Dr. Eaddy might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These diagnostic imaging procedures capture detailed photos of the bones and soft tissues in your spine, allowing Dr. Eaddy to identify the source of your discomfort.
If you’re concerned about arthritis of the spine, make an appointment at the practice of Kenneth J Eaddy MD, by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
