Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Spinal Arthritis


Spinal arthritis is a type of inflammation of the joints in the spine. It can occur anywhere along the spine, but is most common in the lower back and neck.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of spinal arthritis. This is causes by wear and tear on your spine. Other causes of spinal arthritis may include infections, genetics, or autoimmune disorders, although often the cause is unknown.

Your age and being overweight or obese can increase your risk of spinal arthritis.

Symptoms are different for each person, but may include:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Spinal stiffness
  • Swelling and tenderness over the spine
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • A grinding feeling when moving your spine
  • Pain or numbness in your arms and legs

Treatment includes:

  • Pain medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Steroid injections
  • Surgery, in severe cases

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Neurosurgery

We provide comprehensive surgical treatment of the spine for trauma, degenerative conditions, congenital problems, and more. Our surgeons are experts in less invasive surgical tec…
Neurosurgery
department

Orthopedic Surgery

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery offers orthopedic services from head to toe for acute injuries, as well as chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, to help you get b…
Orthopedic Surgery
department

Spine Surgery

BMC’s spine surgery program provides all that and more, with spine surgeons who have developed and perfected new techniques and have cared for all spinal problems, including the m…
Spine Surgery
department

Spine Surgery

We provide comprehensive surgical treatment for all spine-related conditions, including less invasive surgical techniques that lead to faster recovery times and reduced pain.
Spine Surgery