How To Treat Severe Arthritis In Lower Back

What Is Arthritis Back Pain

Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints and it affects every single joint in the human body. Once diagnosed with arthritis, a person can only slow down the effect and reduce the symptoms. This situation cant be cured.

Almost 28% of the US adults are affected by this condition. Arthritis causes immobilization and reduces flexibility.

Depending upon the body part affected, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, Polymyalgia rheumatic, fibromyalgia, Enteropathic arthritis, Cervical spondylosis that affect various parts of the body.

One of the common arthritis is spinal arthritis that specifically affects the spine. One of the common symptoms is an intense back pain.

Other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, neck arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause back pain. So, it is important to properly diagnose your symptoms before taking treatment.

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Expert Q& A: Back Strain Or Arthritis

Understand the difference between spinal arthritis and other types of back pain, and try these pain-relieving tricks.

Question: I am a 35-year-old man who has had pain in my lower back for the past couple of weeks, and Id like to know some methods for low back pain relief. Because my mother and an aunt both have arthritis, Im also wondering if Im developing arthritis, too.

A: Its possible, but very unlikely, that you have arthritis of the spine. The most common cause of acute low back pain in people your age is back strain. This condition is caused by strain to the muscles or ligaments supporting the spine or a herniation of the lumbar disks . It is not always possible to differentiate between the two causes, nor is it necessary. In the vast majority of cases, the pain improves and subsides over several weeks.

Assuming your problem is simple back strain , the following advice can help you achieve low back pain relief:

Doyt Conn, MD

Emory University School of Medicine

Atlanta, Georgia

Medications To Help Relieve Spinal Arthritis Pain And/or Inflammation

There are many types of medications available to help patients control the pain level and to reduce the swelling around the painful joints that leads to pain. Some medications, such as Tylenol, focus just on reduction of pain.

Others, such as NSAIDs , focus on reduction of joint inflammation as well as pain relief.

There are also creams for pain relief and nutritional supplements that are believed to provide pain reducing benefits to patients.

See Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for Osteoarthritis

Many patients will need to regularly employ a combination of all three of the above techniques, as well as others discussed later in this article, in order to be able to focus on rehabilitation, exercise and maintaining a healthy level of daily activities.

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Surgery For Back Arthritis

Surgery is a last resort when it comes to arthritis in the back. Know that 95 percent of people with back pain will not need surgery, and 75 percent will fully recover within three months, says Dr. Tiso.

Doctors recommend that you try medications, physical therapy, and weight loss before considering surgery, says Dr. Kilian. The best surgical outcomes often occur in patients who are actively involved in physical therapy and have a healthy body weight, he says.

The type of surgery depends on the type of arthritis and region of the back that is affected. Depending on the procedure performed, surgery aims to decompress any pinched nerves and free up the nerve roots from bone spurs and other tissues that may be pressing on them.

Types Of Spinal Arthritis

Arthritis can develop in any joint of the body, including the spinal vertebrae. The most common types of arthritis are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the body attacks and destroys joint cartilage.
• Osteoarthritis: A wear-and-tear disorder in which the cartilage weakens and breaks down over time. Also called degenerative joint disease, it is the most common type of arthritis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the joints and the areas where ligaments and tendons attach to the bones. When it occurs in the spine, it is called ankylosing spondylitis . In severe cases, it can lead to several vertebra fusing together.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing arthritis of the spine. These include excess weight, menopause, diabetes, genetics, previous injuries and repetitive movements from certain occupations or activities that put excess stress on the spine.

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Diagnosis Of Back Pain

Regardless of what type of doctor you see, there are some things you can expect your doctor to do during your visit. Your doctor first will ask you a number of questions, the most common of which are listed as follows:

• What are your symptomsâthat is, what aches or pains do you have?
• Exactly where is the pain?
• Where is the pain the most severe?
• When did the pain begin?
• How long have you had it?
• Did something specific cause your back pain, such as an accident or injury?
• What home treatments have you used?
• Were you under any additional stress when the pain began?
• Do you have any other health problems?
• What kind of work do you do?
• In what types of recreational activities do you participate?

Think about these ahead of time so you can answer them easily. You also may have questions youâd like to ask the doctor. As you think of questions at home, jot them down and take them to the appointment.

Next, your doctor will give you a physical exam. During the exam, the doctor may perform any of the following: observe your muscles and joints ask you to sit and lie down ask you to move your back in different positions observe and feel the area of most pain and/or check to see if other areas of your body are tender or painful If the doctor can identify the likely cause of your back pain at this point, no further tests will be needed.

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Tips For Easing Back Pain

Use these self-care tips to ease your back ache and pain associated with arthritis.

1. Relief is Possible

2. Get Wet

3. Move and Strengthen It

4. Find Your Zen

5. Cinch It In

6. Trim It Down

7. Visit China

8. Manipulate It

9. Apply Pressure

10. Put It Together

11. Medicate It

Managing Pain

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Make Sure Your Doctor Knows About All Medications Vitamins And Supplements

Talk to your doctor about which pain medications are best for you. Be sure to let your doctor know what other medications you are taking, even for other health problems. Besides other drugs you take, tell your doctor about any vitamins, supplements or herbal products you use. This can help you to avoid drug interactions. Here are other .

How Do I Prepare For Spinal Stenosis Surgery

To prepare for spine surgery, quit smoking if you smoke and exercise on a regular basis to speed your recovery time. Ask your provider if you need to stop taking any non-essential medications, supplements or herbal remedies that you may be taking that could react with anesthesia. Also, never hesitate to ask your healthcare team any questions you may have or discuss any concerns.

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Nonsurgical Treatment For Osteoarthritis Of The Spine

If osteoarthritis of the spine is diagnosed early, doctors may recommend nonsurgical treatment to manage symptoms. NYU Langone physicians, physical therapists, and physiatrists, who specialize in rehabilitation medicine, can help you relieve pain and stiffness, improve flexibility, and build strength in muscles that support the spine.

These treatments do not reverse damage to cartilage or bone or prevent the progression of osteoarthritis, but they may make it possible for you to continue an active lifestyle.

How Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Managed Or Treated

Ankylosing spondylitis is a lifelong condition. While theres no cure, treatments can prevent long-term complications, reduce joint damage and ease pain. Treatments include:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can slow or stop disease progression. Many people experience worse pain when theyre inactive. Movement seems to lessen pain. Your healthcare provider can recommend safe exercises.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs :NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen , ease pain and inflammation.
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs : Medications such as sulfasalazine reduce pain and joint swelling. The drugs also treat lesions caused by inflammatory bowel disease. Newer DMARDs called biologics help control inflammation by changing the immune system. Biologics include tumor necrosis factor and interleukin inhibitors .
• Corticosteroids: Injectable corticosteroids temporarily ease joint pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: A small number of people with ankylosing spondylitis may need surgery. Joint replacement surgery implants an artificial joint. Kyphoplasty corrects a curved spine.

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Pain And Other Symptoms Of Spinal Osteoarthritis

The intensity and type of pain people experience as a result of arthritis in the spine varies from mild to severe, and occasional to episodic to chronic. Each type of pain is treated differently. Of course, it is not uncommon for arthritic neck or back pain to be accompanied by other symptoms, such as tingling sensations, numbness, or muscle spasms. Learn more about the range of osteoarthritis symptoms.

Where Can I Get More Information

For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute’s Brain Resources and Information Network at:

Office of Communications and Public LiaisonNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institutes of HealthBethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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Overview Of Medications Used To Treat Spinal Arthritis A Common Cause Of Back Pain Also Called Osteoarthritis Or Spondylosis

The type of arthritis that more commonly affects the spine is osteoarthritis, also called spondylosis. Other types of arthritis that are inflammatory in nature include rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Here, youll learn about medications for osteoarthritis that affects your neck , mid back , and/or low back .

It is not uncommon for arthritic neck or back pain to be accompanied by other symptoms, such as tingling sensations, numbness, or muscle spasms. Photo Source: 123RF.com.

Expert Q& a: Back Strain Or Arthritis

Understand the difference between spinal arthritis and other types of back pain, and try these pain-relieving tricks.

Question: I am a 35-year-old man who has had pain in my lower back for the past couple of weeks, and Id like to know some methods for low back pain relief. Because my mother and an aunt both have arthritis, Im also wondering if I’m developing arthritis, too.

A: It’s possible, but very unlikely, that you have arthritis of the spine. The most common cause of acute low back pain in people your age is back strain. This condition is caused by strain to the muscles or ligaments supporting the spine or a herniation of the lumbar disks . It is not always possible to differentiate between the two causes, nor is it necessary. In the vast majority of cases, the pain improves and subsides over several weeks.

Assuming your problem is simple back strain , the following advice can help you achieve low back pain relief:

Doyt Conn, MD

Emory University School of Medicine

Atlanta, Georgia

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The Best Arthritis Of The Spine Treatments

There are quite a few strategies available, some of which you may not have heard of before. Because you are unique, as are your underlying pain causes and triggers, you may want to experiment with a variety of these techniques to see which one, or which combination, gives you relief.

Its important to remember and realize that if you are having back pain, theres a very good chance your muscles are out of balance, and this is the source of your pain. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Body-wide imbalances in your stress levels, hormone levels and nutrition may trigger or exacerbate joint degeneration. Weak core muscles are another common issue, which can negatively impact your posture, leading to neck and back pain, and furthering degeneration.

Some of the BEST in terms of safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness arthritis of the spine treatments include:

• Inversion Therapy / Spinal Decompression Therapy, to help with decompression and stress on the joints of your spine

• Muscle Balance Therapy, which can help generate balance and stability in your pelvis and spine, and minimize excessive wear and tear of the disc and other joints of your spine

• Trigger Point Therapy, to help restore proper muscle function and address localized pain

• Far Infrared Heat, which is deep penetrating and longer lasting for pain relief and to increase joint range of motion

How Will Osteoarthritis Of The Spine Affect Me

The first sign of osteoarthritis of the spine is usually pain and stiffness in your back or neck.

The condition can be difficult to diagnose, as it can be hard to tell which symptoms are linked to osteoarthritis. It can even be hard to spot back and neck problems on x-rays of the spine, as changes caused by osteoarthritis dont always cause pain.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the spine will vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are:

• pain in your back or neck
• stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting
• crunching or grinding noises when moving your back or neck.

People who have osteoarthritis in their neck might also have headaches or feel pain in their shoulders and arms.

Its normal for the cartilage in our joints to get thinner, especially as we get older. But in people with osteoarthritis, its the bodys normal process of repairing damage to joints that can cause pain and stiffness.

When the body starts to repair damage to cartilage, the whole joint can be affected including the bone, tendons and ligaments.

During the repair process, the edges of the bones in the spine can grow outwards, forming bony spurs. These are known as osteophytes . The discs between the vertebrae in the spine can also become thinner.

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Nondrug Therapies And Lifestyle Changes To Ease Back Pain

Learn how assistive devices, mind-body therapies and healthy choices can provide back pain relief.

An estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of American adults will experience back pain. Whether because of a traumatic accident, a simple injury or osteoarthritis, there are ways to find relief. If you have a type of inflammatory arthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis or non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis, you also need to seek care from a rheumatologist to manage the inflammation that is driving your back pain. But these self-care tips can help to ease back pain.

Nerve Pain Or Numbness

As the joint breaks down due to arthritis, bone spurs can form. These bone spurs can come in contact with nerves in the spinal column and cause pain, tingling, and numbness in other areas.

You may not notice these sensations all the time, but they can become problematic when doing even the most basic activities, like bending over to tie your shoes, or reaching up to get something from the top shelf.

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Spinal Arthritis: What You Need To Know

• Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the spine.

• Arthritis can occur anywhere along the spine, but is more frequent in the lower back and neck.

• Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of spinal arthritis.

• Causes of spinal arthritis are still largely unknown except for osteoarthritis, which is typically a result of wear and tear.

• Spinal arthritis treatment may include pain medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery in severe cases.

Rest To Prevent Painful Spinal Arthritis Flare

Treatment plans for osteoarthritis should include regularly scheduled rest and breaks, including taking breaks from such tasks as using a computer. Patients will benefit from learning to recognize the body’s signals, and knowing when to stop or slow down.

Resting sore joints decreases stress on the joints and muscles, and relieves pain and muscle spasms. Patients are asked to simply decrease the intensity and/or frequency of the activities that consistently cause them joint pain until they can get their muscles stronger.

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When Back Pain May Mean Arthritis

Many forms of arthritis and related conditions can cause back pain, stiffness and swelling.

About 80% of back pain is acute and usually lasts one to seven days. Otherwise, its considered chronic and may be caused by arthritis. The lower back is the most common site of arthritis back pain. Several types of arthritis are part of a group of conditions called spondylarthropathies . Spondylarthropathies can affect adults and children.

If you are experiencing pain, swelling and stiffness in the back, you may have one of the following types of arthritis or related conditions.

Axial Spondyloarthritis

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects hip joints and the joint that connects the bone at the bottom of the spine to the pelvis .

There are two types of axSpA: Radiographic axSpA includes damage to the sacroiliac joints and spine that can be seen on X-rays, and nonradiographic axSpA does not include damage you can see on X-rays but it may show up on magnetic resonance images .

Osteoarthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects joints and usually the skin . For about 20% of people with PsA, the disease involves the spine . In some cases, bony overgrowth can cause two or more vertebrae to grow together , causing stiffness.

Reactive Arthritis

Enteropathic Arthritis

Spinal Stenosis

Getting a Proper Diagnosis

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