Kissing spine is a relatively common cause of back pain, especially in athletes and older individuals, that is often overlooked. Also known as Baastrup’s sign or Baastrup’s syndrome, the condition is named for Christian Ingerslev Baastrup who first documented the condition in 1933. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why the condition develops, how it is categorized and how a specialist can help you treat it.
What Is Kissing Spine?
Kissing spine gets its name from the mechanism by which symptoms develop. Pain and inflammation in the region occur when the spinal processes of two adjacent vertebrae touch one another, hence the kissing nickname. These spinal processes are the thin, bony projections that extend off the back of each vertebrae. If you run your fingers along your spine, you’ll be able to feel the spinal processes.
The condition is most common in the lumbar spine where vertebral segments can become more flexible. It’s a much more common condition than people realize, but many patients don’t develop symptoms. Data suggests that roughly 4 out of 5 patients over the age of 80 have Baastrup’s syndrome at one spinal segment, but again, not all of them are symptomatic.
Kissing spine is oftentimes caused by natural spinal degeneration, hence why it often affects older individuals. As spinal discs wear down, more space is created in the area and the vertebrae become more flexible, which can lead the processes to touch one another as you bend and twist. Kissing spine can also be an indication of other spinal disorders, as increased segmental flexibility is associated with other painful spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Aside from natural degeneration, kissing spine is more common in athletes who frequently bend and twist their spine, occurring in more than 1 in 20 college athletes. Poor posture and obesity can also be risk factors for the condition.
Symptoms of the condition including:
- Pain
- Pain that worsens when arching the back
- Pain that alleviates when rounding your back
- Numbness
- Leg weakness
Diagnosing and Treating Kissing Spine
Kissing spine is oftentimes overlooked, but it can be diagnosed by a professional with the right tools. They’ll begin with a physical exam and by asking about your symptoms. They’ll also ask you to perform some physical tasks to observe the spine and look for symptom development or relief. Imaging tests in the form of an X-ray, CT scan or MRI can help provide a clear diagnosis and help illustrate the exact location of the contact.
Treatment can be performed in a few different ways depending on your needs. Painkillers and corticosteroid injections can make movements less painful, and physical therapy can help to strengthen nearby muscle groups and take pressure off your spine. This will also help to prevent further disc degeneration and segmental flexibility. Nonsurgical treatments are oftentimes successful at helping calm symptoms, but if non-operative treatments fail, surgery may be in order.
Surgery may involve an osteotomy to improve bone alignment, a partial or total removal of the affected spinal process, or a decompression operation to make more room in the area. Your surgeon can walk you through your options should it come to this, but again, many people find relief and can prevent further progression with some simple conservative steps.
For more information about kissing spine, or to talk to a specialist about your back pain, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.
