Spinal Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

1 min read
Picture of Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano
Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano

Principal Orthopedic Spine surgeon at Montesano Spine & Sport.

Physical therapist assessing spinal tendonitis

Table of Contents

Subscribe for Newsletter

inflammation or irritation of the tendons that support the spine

1. Causes of Spinal Tendonitis

Repetitive strain or overuse
Poor posture
Sudden increase in activity
Trauma or injury
Muscle imbalances or weak core
Underlying conditions
Symptoms of Spinal Tendonitis

Localized pain near the spine (neck, mid-back, or lower back)

Sharp, burning, or aching
Tenderness to palpation
Stiffness after inactivity

 Treatment Options

🔹 Conservative (First-Line)

  • Rest and activity modification

  • Ice/heat therapy
  • NSAIDs or topical anti-inflammatories

  • Physical therapy
    Massage or myofascial release

🔹 Advanced Treatments (if persistent)

  • Trigger point injections or tendon sheath steroid injections
  • Dry needling or acupuncture
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections (off-label for chronic cases)
  • Bracing for short-term support in lumbar tendonitis

Subscribe for Newsletter

Related Posts

Physical therapist evaluating C3-C4 cervical spine symptoms
Learn C3-C4 cervical spine symptoms, causes, warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment for nerve-root compression or spinal cord involvement.
Causes of arthritis in the back consultation at Montesano Spine and Sport
Learn what causes arthritis in the back, including facet-joint wear, inflammatory disease, injury, and risk factors, plus diagnosis and treatment.
Physical therapist assessing a patient with tech neck at a computer workstation
Learn how to fix tech neck with seven practical strategies for screen setup, movement, exercise, sleep, and knowing when to seek medical care.
Spine specialist reviewing a herniated disc on MRI with a patient
Learn what a herniated disc looks like on MRI, how to read common report terms, when imaging is needed, and how results guide treatment.