How Is Spinal Arthritis Treated
The treatment for spinal arthritis depends on many factors. They may include your age, level of pain, type and severity of arthritis and personal health goals. Because the joint damage caused by arthritis is irreversible, the treatment usually focuses on managing pain and preventing further damage.
Nonsurgical treatments for spinal arthritis may include:
-
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids to reduce pain and swelling
-
Other medications targeting specific symptoms or triggers of inflammatory arthritis
-
Physical therapy to improve back muscle strength and range of motion in the spine
-
Lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation or stress on your spine: losing weight, quitting smoking, changing your posture, etc.
What Types Of Arthritis Can Affect Your Back
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of spinal arthritis, and the risk typically increases with age. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the joints wears away. As the cartilage degenerates, it can lead to pain and stiffness.
Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis is a term for different types of arthritis that share specific symptoms, typically inflammation in the spine. There are two main types of SpA: axial and peripheral .
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a kind of peripheral spondyloarthritis that occurs in response to an infection in your body, often caused by gastrointestinal conditions.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is another sort of spondyloarthritis that can cause back pain, although it usually affects the peripheral joints, such as those in the knees, fingers, and toes.
What Is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac dysfunction is a common cause of back pain. In most instances, the discomfort that comes with it can be managed through conservative treatment however, some cases may require back surgery.
The sacroiliac joint is located in the lower back between the spine and hip joint, and normally does not move much. Inflammatory arthritis , degeneration of the sacroiliac joint, or misalignment of this joint can cause pain associated with sacroiliac dysfunction.
Donât Miss: How Early Can You Get Arthritis
Also Check: Does Turmeric Work For Arthritis
The Basics Of Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis includes disease of the vertebrae in the neck and the middle , and the lower back . These bones are separated by discs that serve as joints and cushion the bones. These bones can deteriorate because of chronic diseases or degeneration due to aging. This causes arthritis.
There are two major types of arthritis:
- Inflammatory arthritis: This type of arthritis can affect patients of all ages and is caused by chronic autoimmune disorders. Patients report stiffness, limited mobility in the back, and pain in the neck or back. Patients often can improve by taking part in certain exercises or physical therapy. Medicine regimens have also been shown to help these patients.
- Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis more often hits older adults, as it is often caused by degeneration as the person gets older. The bones along the spine wear down over time. They sometimes develop narrowed or ruptured discs, bone spurs, and cysts. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
Heat And Cold Therapy
Scientists have proven that applying heat or cold continuously or in frequent intervals can considerably reduce even chronic back pain and offer great relief.
Heat can be either moist or dry. Heating lamps, pads, and wearable heat packs are some of the dry heat sources. A warm bath and warm clothes that are soaked in warm water can be the moist sources.
*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Cold compressor filled with ice, cold therapy are also beneficial. However, it should be noted that ice should never be applied directly to the skin as it can cause sudden sensation in the nerves and joints around the area.
Also, keeping ice for too long can result in joint stiffness and may even increase the pain. A period of 20-25 minutes is considered as ideal and it can be done 2-3 times a day for best results.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Test For Arthritis
What Is Arthritis In The Spine
Arthritis back pain is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage between the vertebrae in the spine. The bones that make up the spinal column have spaces in between them and in between these spaces are cartilages that prevent the bones from grinding into each other. In cases where arthritis hits this area this can cause pain, although there are also cases when its asymptomatic. Osteoarthritis in the spine can also produce spurs that puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal column. This causes pain and also weakness in the arms and legs.
Arthritis in the spine can also lead to spine stenosis, a condition that refers to the narrowing of the spaces inside the spinal column. As the nerves inside the spine are forced into narrowing channels, this can subject them to too much pressure which results to pain. The pain often comes with tingling and numbness, muscle weakness, and even abnormal bowel or bladder functions. Although spinal stenosis can be caused by normal wear and tear in the spine, the ones caused by arthritis can come in faster with doctors having no choice but to perform surgery to address the problem.
Surgery For Spinal Arthritis
Surgery may be recommended for spinal arthritis if other treatments dont sufficiently relieve pain. The goals of the surgery may include:
-
Stabilizing the spine by fusing several segments together in a procedure called spinal fusion
These surgeries can be performed as open procedures or with a minimally invasive approach. There are pros and cons to each method. The surgeon will review and discuss the options before the operation.
Read Also: What Is The Best Thing For Rheumatoid Arthritis
How Arthritis In The Back Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing arthritis in the back begins with taking your medical history and doing a physical exam of your back and legs to assess your mobility/flexibility and make sure your nerves are working properly. The doctor will ask questions about:
- Where the pain is occurring
- How long the pain has lasted
- What the pain feels like/how severe it is
- What situations/activities make the pain feel better or worse
- How the pain is affecting/limiting your daily function
Imaging tests are usually needed to help confirm a diagnosis of arthritis. X-rays are typically the first imaging test ordered. They can joint damage/bone spurs, but cannot show damage to soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, or bulging discs. Other tests may be ordered to look for changes or damage that is not visible on X-rays. These may include MRI, CT, ultrasound, bone scans, or other tests as needed. The gold standard to diagnose arthritis in the back is actually an injection called a medial branch block, but its not often necessary, says Dr. Kirschner.
If your doctor suspects you could have a type of inflammatory arthritis, they may order blood tests to look for signs of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Other blood tests may look for genetic markers associated with axial spondyloarthritis, such as HLA-B27, or antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis .
What Are The Symptoms
AS usually strikes a person between the teen years and the age of 40. The classic picture of AS is a man between the ages of 15 and 40 with intermittent, dull lower back pain, and stiffness slowly progressing over a period of months to years. Although AS was once considered to predominantly affect men, it is now known to affect women as well. There may also be differences in symptoms and outcomes in men and women with AS.1
Recommended Reading: Can Arthritis In The Knee Cause Leg Pain
You May Like: Is Grapes Good For Arthritis
Early Signs Of Arthritis In The Back
Arthritis in the back arises due to the inflammation of facet joints in the spine or sacroiliac joints between the spine and the pelvis. The main reasons for arthritis in the back include
- Professions involving lifting heavy machines or loads
Some of the early signs of arthritis in the back include
Some of the late signs of arthritis in the back include
- Pain that radiates to the arms and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Loss of coordination or changes in the ability to walk
- Severe back spasm
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.
Read Also: What Medication Is Prescribed For Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Can I Do For Low Back Pain At Home
If your lower back pain has just started, the best thing you can do is start a log. Record your symptoms, times, dates and which activities trigger the pain or make it worse or better. Take this information to your family physician if the pain doesnt resolve on its own. It will make diagnosing the cause much easier.
Once you know which motion or position causes your lower back pain, try to avoid it and see if you get better. Icing the painful spot can also help. And so can over-the-counter pain relievers that help reduce inflammation. Just remember that pain killers treat only the symptom pain and not its cause.
Current Conservative Treatment Options
Furthermore, there are few secondary prevention intervention techniques specifically aimed at treating symptomatic spine degeneration. Injection therapy has been a popular treatment technique targeting spine features for LBP, and Karppinen et al. have recently summarized evidence on this therapy. Facet joint injection therapy to treat LBP has increased dramatic in recent years. Among Medicare beneficiaries, intervention for facet joint pain has increased substantially with annual growth of 60 % from 1997 to 2006 . However, there is little evidence to support the use of this therapy, with recent practice guidelines recommending against the use of facet joint steroid injections .
Also Check: What Can Be Done For Arthritis
Recommended Reading: What Is The Treatment For Arthritis In The Neck
How To Treat Oa Of The Spine
Theres no cure for osteoarthritis of the spine, and the condition isnt reversible. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and to improve the mobility of the affected joint. Your doctor can discuss possible treatment options with you. Mild cases of OA of the spine may respond to over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen . Take this medication as directed to avoid liver damage. You can also relieve pain and inflammation with ibuprofen and naproxen sodium . Side effects of these medications include upset stomach, bleeding problems, and organ damage, so its important to take as directed.
If symptoms dont respond to over-the-counter medication, your doctor may suggest antidepressants used to treat chronic pain. Another option is a corticosteroid injection directly into affected joints. Surgery isnt a common treatment for OA of the spine, but in severe cases you doctor may recommend a procedure to replace damaged discs in your spine.
Other therapies for treating and coping with osteoarthritis of the spine include:
- gentle exercises to reduce pain and improve range of motion in the remaining cartilage
- heat or cold therapy
Donât Miss: What Is Chronic Back Pain A Symptom Of
Tai Chi Instead Of Yoga
Alternative exercises like yoga are known to build strength and flexibility. But tai chi may be a better bet for alleviating pain from back arthritis.
Tai chi originated as a fighting technique, but has transformed into gentle, continuously moving stretches. Many poses work from the waist, which enhances spinal stretching.
Unlike yoga, tai chi puts little stress on the joints and helps improve balance. If youre new to tai chi, consider signing up for a class. The exercises can also be modified for severe arthritis back pain.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Lower Back Problems
Don’t Miss: What Are The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Hands
Spinal Arthritis May Contribute To Other Issues In The Spine
Spinal arthritis may cause bone spurs overgrowths on the edges of the bones. In the spine, bone spurs particularly affect facet joints, making them grow larger. This condition is called facet joint hypertrophy. Although bone spurs on their own are not harmful, they may narrow the passages for the spinal cord and the nerves exiting the spine. This may lead to two painful conditions:
-
Spinal stenosis compression of the spinal cord inside the spinal canal
-
Radiculopathy pinching of the peripheral nerves as they exit the spine
Ankylosing spondylitis may also cause additional problems such as:
-
Stress fractures in places where new bone has formed
-
Collapsed vertebrae
-
A spinal deformity called kyphosis
Half Crunch On The Ball
Do 2 sets of 5 to 10 repetitions.
Repeat 10 times.
The number of repetitions and sets recommended here are just thatrecommendations. You may do more or less depending on your ability. Remember that keeping good form is more important than doing multiple sets or repetitions. If you have questions about form, a doctor or physical therapist can help guide you.
Read Also: How Much Advil Can I Take For Back Pain
Recommended Reading: What Medication For Arthritis Pain
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.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment May Include:
-
MedicationsAs with more common osteoarthritis, treatment often begins with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications . Although most patients’ symptoms respond well to anti-inflammatory medication, these drugs do not treat the underlying disease. Sometimes medications are not strong enough.
Unlike osteoarthritis, in inflammatory arthritis, certain medications can affect the actual disease. For example, TNF-blocking drugs may help block a protein that can cause inflammation . Adalimumab , etanercept and ixekizumab are three types of TNF-blockers that may stop disease progression.
-
Physical therapy, therapeutic exercisePhysical therapy stresses proper posture, joint mobility, and deep breathing. Some patients may develop forward posture therefore, postural training and extension exercise is helpful. Stretching and range of motion exercise helps keep the facet and rib joints mobile. Additionally, deep breathing expands the chest and aids lung function.
Also Check: Can You Have Psoriasis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Is The Best Chinese Liniment For Arthritis Pain
Chinese liniments for muscle pain, joint pain, and arthritis are fairly common in alternative medicine. After all, liniments are often made to target the aches and pains that are found with arthritis.
If you are looking for high-quality liniments for Black Friday for arthritis pain, Zheng Gu Shui is the name to remember.
What Will Happen To Me
For most people low back pain is an unpleasant but common condition that settles down fairly quickly. This usually takes 1-2 weeks but can last several weeks for some people. After two months, 9 out of 10 people will have recovered. For many people, low back pain can return over the years but your experience and learnings from your previous bout can support you in returning to normal function more quickly.
Read Also: What Not To Eat When You Have Arthritis Rheumatoid