The tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones are tendons. Made mostly of collagen, tendons in the spine support body weight and assist in movements such as extending, flexing, and stretching. Sometimes these tendons can become injured, resulting in inflammation and pain, referred to as spinal tendonitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Tendonitis?
Because tendons of the spine are close to spinal nerves, sometimes the inflamed tendon can compress a nearby nerve. If this happens, the following symptoms may be present:
- Pain, numbness, or tingling may be felt in the arms or legs
- Pain around the spine at the site of the tendon
- Decreased spinal mobility
- Weakened back muscles
- Tenderness in the affected area
- Foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the space which holds the spinal nerves)
What Causes Spinal Tendonitis?
Spinal tendonitis can occur due to a variety of reasons. However, it most commonly occurs due to overuse of the tendons over time. Age also plays a role in the development of spinal tendonitis, as tendons become less flexible with aging. The condition may also occur as a result of:
- Sudden injury
- Occupation: Jobs involving frequent reaching, repetitive movements, awkward positions, or vibrations
- Intense physical activity
- Use of antibiotics such as Cipro and Levaquin can pose a risk of tendon injury
How Is Spinal Tendonitis Diagnosed?
After reviewing your medical history and discussing your daily activity, your doctor will perform a physical exam, including some movement tests, to determine which motions are causing symptoms. Your doctor may then order X-rays to see if any surrounding vertebrae (the small bones of the spine) are affected. Finally, since tendons are soft tissues, you will have to undergo an additional imaging test, such as a CT (computerized tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to make a proper diagnosis.
What Are the Treatments for Spinal Tendonitis?
Typically, spinal tendonitis can be treated with conservative measures. The objective is to decrease inflammation and allow the tendons to heal. To do this, standard treatments include:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy: focused on exercises that strengthen tendons and the surrounding muscles, as well as stretching to increase flexibility
- Hot and cold therapy
- Massage therapy
Usually, surgery is not required unless conservative treatments fail and symptoms are severe (as in the case of nerve compression). If this is the case, different surgery options are available, and the best one will be determined in accordance with your specific symptoms.