Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Some of the risk factors for spinal osteoarthritis are inevitable, while others can be highly controlled. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the controllable and uncontrollable risk factors for spinal osteoarthritis so that you can work to manage the influential factors.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors For Spinal Osteoarthritis

Before we dive into the factors you can control, let’s explore some of the factors that you have little power over. You should still be mindful that these factors play a role in your osteoarthritis risk despite the fact that you can’t directly control them. Some of those uncontrollable factors include:

• Age
• Gender
• Natural spinal degeneration
• Genetic predisposition
• Family history

For example, an older woman with a family history of spinal osteoarthritis will inherently be at a higher risk for the condition compared to a younger man without the same family history. Knowing your uncontrollable risk factors can help you understand your personal risk and prioritize the management of your controllable factors.

Controllable Risk Factors For Spinal Osteoarthritis

Now let’s take a look at some of the factors you have more control over when it comes to spinal osteoarthritis risk. Working to manage these factors can greatly reduce your overall risk of being affected by spinal arthritis. Some of those controllable factors include:

• Weight
• Dietary choices
• Exercise/Physical activity
• Alcohol and Tobacco use
• Use of Medications

The two most important factors on this list are diet and exercise. Getting an array of healthy foods in your diet and striving to stay active can help you lose excess weight or maintain an ideal weight. Being overweight or obese will put additional strain on your spinal joints every single day, and over time this can greatly speed up the rate at which spinal osteoarthritis develops. Stay active, eat a healthy diet and be aware of how tobacco, alcohol and certain medications can negatively affect your spine health, and you’ll be able to greatly reduce your risk of developing symptomatic spinal arthritis.

Spinal arthritis is not completely preventable, but you can certainly reduce your risk and give yourself a better chance to manage symptoms by working to control the influential risk factors above. If you’re having trouble with a specific aspect, or you want help treating a spinal issue you’re dealing with, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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