Rheumatoid Arthritis Back Surgery Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is
not an age-related degenerative form of arthritis of the spine
such as spondylosis, but can sometimes be treated through back
surgery to relieve patients’ pain and discomfort. This is
particularly true of cervical rheumatoid arthritis where nerve
problems in the neck may be caused by inflammation and changes
in the structure of the joints. Decompression back surgery, or
cervical spinal surgery, may be able to relieve the pinched
nerves and provide stability to the spine. Although the usual
perception of this condition is of patients having deformities
in the hands and feet, Rheumatoid Arthritis of the spine is
evident in around 20% of RA patients and can cause significant
disability and pain. Most patients will be given a treatment
programme incorporating conservative therapies such as anti-
inflammatory medications and analgesics, immuno-suppressant
drugs, and physical therapy before surgery is considered for RA.
The Goal of Rheumatoid Arthritis B