El Paso's Chiropractic Team
I hope you have enjoyed our blog posts on various health, nutritional and injury related topics. Please don't hesitate in calling us or myself if you have questions when the need to seek care arises. Call the office or myself. Office 915-850-0900 - Cell 915-540-8444 Great Regards. Dr. J

Spinal Arthritis Diagnostic Imaging Approach Part II

spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • Spinal Arthritis
  • Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL). Less frequent than DISH.
  • Greater clinical importance d/t spinal canal stenosis and cervical myelopathy
  • Asian patients are at higher risk
  • Both OPLL & DISH may co-exist and increase the risk of Fx
  • Imaging: x-rad: linear radioopacity consistent with OPLL
  • Imaging modality of choice: CT scanning w/o contrast
  • MRI may help  to evaluate myelopathy
  • Care: surgical with laminoplasty (above right image) that has been pioneered and advanced in the Far East

M/C Inflammatory Arthritis In Spine

spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • Rheumatoid spondylitis (Rheumatoid arthritis) d/t inflammatory synovial proliferation pannus rich in lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells
  • C/S RA may affect 70-90% of patients
  • Variable severity from mild to destructive disabling arthropathy
  • RA IN C/S m/c affects C1-C2 due to an abundance of rich synovial tissue
  • Typically infrequent in the thoracic/lumbar region
  • Sub-axial C/spine may be affected later due to facets, erosions, ligament laxity and instability showing “Stepladder” appearance
  • Clinically: HA, neck pain, myelopathy, etc. inc. Risk of Fx/subluxation. Any spinal manipulation HVLT ARE STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED.
  • Rx: DMARD, anti-TNF-alfa, operative for subluxations, etc.

Rheumatoid Spondylitis C1-C2. Perform X-radiography initially with flexed-extended views. Note Dens erosion, C1-2 subluxation (2.5 mm) that changes on mobility

spinal arthritis el paso tx.
spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • RA spondylitis: an erosion of the odontoid with the destruction of C1-C2 ligaments and instability
  • Stepladder aka Step-step sub-axial deformity d/t facets erosions and ligamentous destruction/laxity
  • MRI required to evaluate cord compression/myelopathy 
spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • Sagittal T2 WI MRI of pt with RA. Rheumatoid pannus formation is present at C1-2 (arrow) causing mild cord compression
  • RA pannus may develop early before frank x-radiography changes noted
  • Clinically: HA, neck pain, tingling in UE, positive Lhermitte phenomenon d/t cervical myelopathy

Operative Care of Rheumatoid Spondylitis and Its Complications

spinal arthritis el paso tx.

Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
  • Enteropathic Arthritis (EnA) (d/t IBD: Crohn’s & UC) identical to AS on imaging
  • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
  • Reactive Arthritis (ReA)
  • All share the following features: m/c HLA-B27 marker, RF-, Sacroiliitis, Enthesitis, Ocular Involvement (i.e., conjunctivitis, uveitis, episcleritis, etc.)
  • AS & EnA are radiographically virtually indistinguishable, but EnA typically presents with less severe spinal changes than AS
  • Both PsA & ReA present with virtually identical spinal changes, but ReA typically affects the lower extremity compared to PsA affecting hands and feet
spinal arthritis el paso tx.
spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • AS: likely autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease that targets SIJ, spinal facet joints annuls of the disc, rib joints and all spinal ligaments.
  • Key path feature: enthesitis.
  • Extraspinal features: uveitis, aortitis, pulmonary fibrosis, amyloidosis, cardiovascular disease.
  • M:F 4:1, age: 20-40 m/c. Clinic LBP/stiffness, reduced rib expansion <2 cm is > specific than HLA-B27, progressive kyphosis, risk of Fx’s.
  • Imaging steps: 1st step-x-rays to id. Sacroiliitis/spondylitis. MRI & CT may help if x-rays are unrewarding.
  • Labs: HLA-B27, CRP/ESR, RF-
  • Dx: clinical+labs+imaging.
  • Rx: NSAID, DMARD, anti-TNF factor therapy
  • Key Imaging Dx: always presents initially as b/l symmetrical sacroiliitis that will progress to complete ankylosis. Spondylitis presents with continuous ascending discovertebral osteitis (i.e., marginal syndesmophytes, Romanus lesion, Anderson lesion), facets and all spinal ligament inflammation and fusion with a late feature of “bamboo spine, trolley track, dagger sign,” all indicating complete spinal ossification/fusion. Increasing risk of Fx’s.
spinal arthritis el paso tx.

Key Dx of Sacroiliitis

  • Blurring, cortical indistinctness/irregularity with adjacent reactive subchondral sclerosis initially identified primarily on the iliac side of  SIJs.
  • Normal SIJ should maintain a well defined white cortical line. Dimension 2-4 mm. May look incongruous d/t 3D anatomy masked by 2D x-rays.
spinal arthritis el paso tx.

Key Imaging Dx In Spine

  • Marginal syndesmophytes and inflammation at the annulus-disc (above arrows) at the earliest dx; by MRI as marrow signal changes on T1 and fluid sensitive imaging (above top images). 
  • These represent enthesitis-inflammation that will ossify into bamboo spine.
  • Lig ossification: trolley track/dagger sign
spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • AS in extraspinal joints: root joints, hips, and shoulders
  • Symphysis pubis
  • Less frequent in peripheral joints (hands/feet)
  • All seronegatives may present with heel pain d/t enthesitis
spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • Complication: Above Carrot-stick/chaulk-stick Fx
spinal arthritis el paso tx.
  • PsA & ReA (formerly Reiter’s) present with b/l sacroiliitis that virtually identical to AS
  • In the spine PsA & ReA DDx from AS by the formation of non-marginal syndesmophytes aka bulky paravertebral ossifications (indicate vertebral enthesitis)
  • For a clinical discussion of Spondyloarthropathies refer to:
  • www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0615/p2853.html

Spinal Arthritis

Post Disclaimers

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Spinal Arthritis Diagnostic Imaging Approach Part II" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Comments are closed.

Again, I Welcome You.

Our Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, practical strength training, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages.

As an extension to effective rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, and young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises, and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the city’s premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-level competitive athletes the possibility to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities.

We’ve been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last three decades allowing us to restore our patients’ health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs.

Our programs are natural and use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, unwanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living.

With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age or disability.

Join us in improving your health for you and your family.

It’s all about: LIVING, LOVING & MATTERING!

Welcome & God Bless

EL PASO LOCATIONS

East Side: Main Clinic*
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste 128
Phone: 915-412-6677

Central: Rehabilitation Center
6440 Gateway East, Ste B
Phone: 915-850-0900

North East Rehabilitation & Fitness Center
7100 Airport Blvd, Ste. C
Phone: 915-412-6677

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, ATN, IFMCP
My Digital Business Card

Clinic Location 1

Address: 11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 128
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
Email: Send Email
Webwww.DrAlexJimenez.com

Clinic Location 2

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
Webwww.ElPasoBackClinic.com

Clinic Location 3

Address: 1700 N Zaragoza Rd # 117
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
Webwww.ChiropracticScientist.com

Push As Rx Crossfit & Rehab

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
Webwww.PushAsRx.com

Push 24/7

Address: 1700 E Cliff Dr
El Paso, TX 79902
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
Webwww.PushAsRx.com

Just Play 24/7

Address: 7100 Airport Blvd
El Paso, TX 79906
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
Webwww.JustPlay.us

Your New Rehabilitation & Fitness Center*

(Come Join Us Today)

Rated Top El Paso Doctor & Specialist by RateMD* | Years 2012 thru 2022

Top Rated Chiropractor El Paso

EVENTS REGISTRATION: Live Events & Webinars*

(Come Join Us & Register Today)

No Events Found

Call (915) 850-0900 Today!

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

  1. Online Appointments or Consultations:  bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment
  2. Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History
  3. Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed
  1. General Disclaimer *

    The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, or licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

    We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

    Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

    email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

    phone: 915-850-0900

    Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

    Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
    My Digital Business Card

Post Disclaimers

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Spinal Arthritis Diagnostic Imaging Approach Part II" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card