Spinal Osteoarthritis Treatment In New Jersey

Spinal osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage within the joints of the spine gradually wears down, often leading to persistent neck or back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. When degenerative changes irritate or compress nearby nerves, patients may also experience pain, altered sensation, or weakness that travels into the arms or legs.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, Dr. Joseph Pyun frequently evaluates cases of spinal osteoarthritis, developing individualized treatment plans based on the location and severity of symptoms as well as the lifestyle and activity goals of the patient. Schedule a consultation at our Wayne, Paramus, or Parsippany location to learn whether spinal osteoarthritis may be contributing to your symptoms and which treatment options can best support your comfort, movement, and daily function.

Expert Care For Arthritis Of The Spine At Modern Orthopaedics

Facet joints are the small joints at the back of the spine that help the vertebrae move smoothly and stay properly aligned. Like other joints in the body, they’re covered with cartilage that reduces friction during movement.

Spinal osteoarthritis is characterized by the gradual breakdown of this cartilage, often leading to irritation, inflammation, and stiffness in the affected facet joints. In many cases, the spine may also develop bone spurs – small bony growths that form in response to cartilage degeneration. These changes can limit spine flexibility, contribute to ongoing neck or back pain, and sometimes narrow the space around nearby nerves.

Signs You May Need Treatment For Spinal Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis can vary depending on which region of the spine is affected, the severity of joint degeneration, and whether nearby nerves are involved. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, Dr. Pyun frequently evaluates patients experiencing the following symptoms:

• Neck or lower back pain that worsens with movement
• Stiffness after waking or sitting
• Reduced flexibility when bending, twisting, or turning
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Pain that travels into the arms or legs
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Difficulty standing, walking, or balancing

Our Treatment Approach: Conservative Care First

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, Dr. Pyun emphasizes non-surgical care for spinal osteoarthritis whenever possible. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, activity level, and mobility goals, treatment may include:

Surgical Solutions For Advanced Cases

Surgery may be considered when spinal osteoarthritis symptoms remain severe, continue despite non-surgical treatment, or are linked to significant nerve compression or spinal instability.

The recommended procedure will depend on the structural changes contributing to the patient’s symptoms. Treatment may involve relieving pressure on a nerve, removing a bone spur, or stabilizing part of the spine. Dr. Pyun will carefully explain the purpose of the procedure, recovery, alternatives, and risks before moving forward with surgical treatment.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

From the initial consultation through follow-up care, the Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey spine team focuses on making each patient feel heard, informed, and supported. Dr. Pyun takes the time to understand how symptoms are affecting daily life before discussing diagnosis and treatment options.

Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Dr. Pyun draws on extensive experience treating complex spinal conditions to develop treatment plans that reflect each person’s symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term mobility goals. He will review your diagnosis with you, answer your questions, and recommend a clear path forward, beginning with non-surgical care whenever possible.

Book Your Spinal Consultation

If you live with joint pain caused by spine osteoarthritis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Pyun today to receive a comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life.