Spinal Gout is a form of gout that affects areas of the spine. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can occur due to a buildup of uric acid. Without treatment, gout may spread to other areas of the body, including the spine. Spinal gout can cause back pain, weakness, loss of sensation, tingling, and cramping sensations.
This blog looks at how spinal gout develops, diagnosis, treatment options, and the outlook for people with the condition.
Spinal Gout May Affect 22-35% – 2021 Report
According to a 2021 report, spinal gout is a rare form of gout that affects the spine, most commonly the lumbar spine. The report states that spinal gout may affect 22-35% of people, but many cases may go undiagnosed due to a wide range of symptoms and a lack of awareness around the condition. Gout is a kind of inflammatory arthritis that can occur due to elevated uric acid levels. Without treatment, gout may progress into and formation of tophi, which are hard deposits of uric acid that form under the skin, can occur.
Spinal Gout Difficult to Diagnose – 2016 Review
According to a 2016 review, without treatment, gout may spread to the spine. Gout usually affects joint spaces, so areas of the spine such as facet joints may be susceptible to deposits of urate crystals. According to a 2019 article, spinal gout can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and currently has no definite diagnostic criteria. A doctor may perform a physical examination to check for nodules around the joints, which could indicate gout. The medications to treat spinal gout are the same as those that treat gout affecting more typical areas. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin or naproxen, can help treat symptoms in acute gout attacks.
Surgery to Treat Compression – 2019 Review
According to a 2019 review, prompt diagnosis and treatment of spinal gout may help to relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing. In one case study, a person underwent surgery to treat compression in spinal gout, which resulted in significant improvement in radiating pain.
Summary
Spinal gout is a rare type of gout that affects areas of the spine. Although gout usually affects the toes and other joints in the lower body, over time, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the spine. Doctors may use blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies to diagnose spinal gout.
