Correlation between Lumbar and Cervical Arthritis

Dear Ask The Doctor: What is the correlation between lumbar arthritis and cervical arthritis? I have had lower back pain for many years and now I have cervical arthritis and i would like to know If my lumbar arthritis could have caused over time the cervical arthritus.

Dear Daniel: The real answers is - It depends.

Arthritis is not caused by a contagious agent that can "spread" in the body but it is reasonable to assume that some of the risk factors that cause arthritis in one part of the body would lead to artritis in other parts of the body.

Risk factors for arthritis include:

Age:  The space between weight bearing joints degenerates over time and cartilage looses its ability to repair itself as we age.

Genetics:  If it runs in your family, you are at increased risk of arthritis

Weight:  Excess weight can lead to arthritis. This is especially true of the hips and knees that can be worn quickly in heavier patients.  The longer you maintain the excess weight, the higher your risk.

Previous Injury:  Joint damage can cause irregularities in the normal smooth joint surface. Previous major injuries can be part of the cause of arthritis.

Illness or Infection:  People who experience a joint infection (septic joint), multiple episodes of gout, or other medical conditions, can develop arthritis of the joint.Certain STD's can also lead to joint arthritis.

While there is no correlation between lumbar and cervical arthritis, if you have any of the above risk factors, they could lead to both.

I hope this helps.