What Is Good For Arthritis In Your Back

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.

How Weight Lifting Helps Arthritis

Weight lifting eases joint pain and stiffness. An analysis of research published in the journal Rheumatology suggests that strengthening the muscle groups around affected joints improved function and eased pain in people with osteoarthritis. In another study, Finnish researchers found early RA patients who did strength training exercises twice a week for two years improved muscle strength by up to 59 percent they also saw more reductions in inflammation, pain, morning stiffness, and disease activity when compared to RA patients who did only range-of-motion exercises.

Weight lifting boosts bone strength. Rheumatoid arthritis itself, along with some medications used for treating rheumatoid arthritis , can increase your risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens your bones and makes them more prone to fracture. Inactivity due to joint pain can also contribute to bone loss as does aging, more so for women, adds Dr. Sutton. By gently stressing your bones, strength training can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Learn more about the connection between arthritis and osteoporosis.

Weight lifting helps maintain a healthy weight. A high body mass index can make osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis even worse. It puts more pressure on your joints, particularly your knees. Also, as you age, you naturally begin to lose muscle mass, which slows down metabolism and can contribute to gradual weight gain.

Reactive Or Enteropathic Arthritis

Both reactive and enteropathic arthritis are tied to lumbar arthritis symptoms.

Reactive arthritis is triggered by an infection in your body. It typically results after a bacterial infection, such as chlamydia or salmonella.

Enteropathic arthritis is typically tied to inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease.

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Mattress Warranty And Other Policies

A companys policies may play a role in your purchasing decision. The shipping, trial period, and warranty may be particularly important to consider.

Customers who suffer from joint pain may find it more challenging to set up their mattresses. If you need assistance, you may want to consider whether the company offers White Glove delivery. Most online mattress companies offer trial periods that give customers a chance to try the mattress at home. Arthritis sufferers may use this window to determine whether the mattress provides any relief. Finally, the mattresss warranty can provide customers with additional protection for their purchase.

Advantages & Benefits Of Using A Back Brace:

When using most back braces today, they will have a compression strap that pulls the back brace snugly around you. When the strap or straps are pulled, this causes a compression to the core musculature resulting in an overall decrease in volume of the intra-abdominal soft tissue. It is this decrease in volume of soft tissue that acts as a STABILIZER directly surrounding the spine.

Many back injuries or back conditions end up in a revolving circle of inflammation and muscle spasm due to an acute injury or a chronic condition that flare up. Although the causes of back pain are varied, because of the anatomy and function demanded of our spinal column, bracing is a good choice for conservative treatment.

When there is back pain the reaction of the spinal musculature is to contract into involuntary spasm or voluntary contraction of the muscles to protect the injured or inflamed joint or soft tissue structure. The muscles often go into overdrive with good intentions of protecting the spine. In effect, what happens is the vicious circle of pain and spasm begins. There are a number of ways to break into that vicious circle: medication, physiotherapy And lastly, as an external stabilizer: a back brace.

When using a back brace, it allows the core muscles that are supporting the spine to relax and not be in overdrive protection mode all the time. When this happens you are able to get up from sitting or lying down and move around more than you would with a back in spasm.

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Strong Muscles Help Manage Arthritis Symptoms

Spinal arthritis symptoms tend to worsen when you stand up and when you lie down. When you stand, the force of gravity can compress your spine, which can cause pain. When you lie down, you have less muscular support for your spine, which may increase compression and pain.

Strengthening the muscles around your spine can help support your back, which may help prevent pain and slow the progression of the disease.

So what is the best way to get your back muscles strong to minimize compression on your spine? I spoke with Hagit Rajter, a physical therapist at the Joint Mobility Center at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, who gave me a simple exercise program designed to do just that.

Techniques For Good Posture:

When sitting:

• Sit in a firm chair with armrests to relieve pressure in your back and shoulders.
• Keep your upper back straight and shoulders relaxed. Keep stomach muscles pulled in, and maintain the proper curve in your lower back. You can do this by tightening your stomach and buttocks. Some people are more comfortable sitting with the back of the chair at a 15- to 20-degree angle. A small cushion behind the lower back to maintain the natural curve of the back also can be quite helpful.
• Keep your knees slightly higher than your hips.
• Use a footstool or book under your feet if necessary.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor or other surface.
• Don’t sit for a long period of time. Stand up every now and then to stretch tight muscles and give them a chance to relax.

When standing:

• Stand with weight equal on both feet.
• Avoid locking your knees.
• Ease tension in your back by placing one foot on a footstool.
• If you stand for long periods of time, wear flat or low-heeled shoes.
• Keep your back straight by tightening your stomach muscles and buttocks.
• When sleeping,

Lie on your side with your knees bent.

• If more comfortable, place a pillow between your knees while sleeping on your side.
• If you sleep on your back, ask your doctor or physical therapist if placing pillows under your knees would help your lower back pain or make it worse.
• Use a firm mattress.

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Are There Any Complications

Some people who have osteoarthritis in their neck might have problems swallowing or when they speak, but this is not very common. This can be caused by bony spurs affecting blood supply to the spinal cord.

If you have osteoarthritis of the spine, you may have other problems that may need treating. Let your doctor know urgently if you:

• have trouble going for a wee, or feel like you need a wee when you dont
• lose control of your bladder or bowel the organs that control wee and poo
• have feelings of numbness or tingling around your genitals or bottom
• lose power in your legs
• feel unwell like having a fever or sweating.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that happens when the spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord, gets narrower. The most common symptoms are pain and weakness or numbness in the area linked to the affected part of the spine such as the legs, arms, neck, back or shoulders.

Spinal stenosis is often caused by osteoarthritis, as the bony spurs that form on the edge of the vertebrae can irritate the nerves in your spine. It can usually be treated with exercise, over-the-counter drugs and steroid injections.

Sometimes surgery will be needed to remove the spurs and make space in the vertebral column.

Can You Live A Normal Life With Peripheral Neuropathy

If peripheral neuropathy is not addressed on time, you may find it difficult to stand for long periods or walk without assistance. You may have problems with balance and you may have increased risk of falling. You may have increased sensitivity to heat and cold. You may find it difficult to do your daily tasks and activities.

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What Are Muscle Cramps

A muscle cramp is when a muscle is contracted suddenly and causes considerable pain. It may acquire and relax while cramping. That pain may sometimes soothe quickly within a few minutes. However, in some conditions, it can cause severe pain. In such situations, it is essential to be aware of the causes producing muscle cramps and solutions to treat such pain.

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The 20 Best Places To Live If You Have Arthritis

If you suffer from moderate to severe arthritis, youve probably already discovered how the climate of an area can affect your condition. Cold weather and excessive moisture can make your joints feel stiffer and begin to twinge with pain. Changes in the barometric pressure also trigger arthritis discomfort, especially when the air pressure lowers. Areas that have the most volatile weather with thunderstorms, high humidity, and extreme cold are the worst places to live if you have arthritis. In addition to considering the climate, you must also consider the healthcare system. Some places with climates that are not good for arthritis have some of the best medical care options that can help to mitigate your symptoms. If youre looking for a climate that can bring some relief, here are the 20 best places to live if you have arthritis.

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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.

Osteoarthritis Of The Spine

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of spinal arthritis. It usually affects the lower back and develops through wear and tear. As the cartilage between the joints slowly breaks down, it leads to inflammation and pain. Because the pain is from mechanical damage, it is typically more noticeable when you bend or twist your back. Past back injuries may also contribute to the development of degenerative arthritis of the spine.

Osteoarthritis of the spine usually affects the facet joints between the vertebrae. It is also known as facet joint arthritis, facet joint syndrome and facet disease. In some cases, degeneration of the spinal discs may contribute to facet joint arthritis. As discs between the vertebrae become thinner, more pressure is transferred to the facet joints. This leads to more friction and more damage to the cartilage.

When these degenerative changes occur in the neck, this condition is called cervical spondylosis. Arthritis in the neck doesnât always cause pain, and many people have no noticeable symptoms.

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Hot & Cold Therapy Wraps

We talked about a heating pad earlier, but arthritis pain can be alleviated with hot and cold treatment. Usually, apply heat before long walks, travel or exercise and apply a cold therapy AFTER the long walk, travel or exercise.

Think: Warm-warms up muscles and Cold-cools inflammation.

There is a great product that offers both options based on what is needed for your arthritic dog. These hot/cold therapy actually get strapped onto your dog so he can wear it for 20 minutes leaving your hands free to whip up dinner.

If you are finding success with a heating pad, these strap on arthritis therapies make your life a little easier. Plus, you can get the right style for your your dogs arthritis. They can be geared toward the arthritis of the spine, hips, elbows or all.

Home Remedies For Arthritis But Only One Works

Arthritis is a common disease affecting millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of new cases are identified each year in the United States.

When you are suffering from arthritis, it quickly becomes clear that its not just joints that are affected. RA can also cause severe fatigue, fevers, weight loss, anemia, in addition to causing additional problems throughout the major organs . Sufferers often experience dry mouth, dry eyes, shortness of breath, damaged nerves, malaise, and small skin lumps, just to name a few.

So, how do you get relief? If you would prefer not to take prescription medications nor undergo surgery, there are several natural home remedies that have some reported rates of success in treating symptoms of RA. Want to know whats so great about these methods, in addition to getting some relief from your symptoms? The products used in these natural remedies are very easy to find. The following seven treatments are the most common homeopathic remedies. Bear in mind that response to these remedies will be different for each individual as the disease presents and progresses differently in each individual. Make sure to discuss with your doctor any home remedies that you are considering as they may interact with your body and prescription medications in ways that you did not realize.

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How Does Ra Cause Back Pain

RA is an autoimmune condition that causes swelling and pain in joints throughout the body. It can affect the facet joints in the spine.

The paired facet joints run all along the spine. They connect with the bony bumps that a person can feel when they run their hands down their back. Facet joints support movement and flexibility in the spine.

RA-related inflammation in the facet joints can cause back pain. In some cases, extended inflammation can destroy the facet joints. As a result, the vertebrae become less stable.

Instability in the spine can cause a vertebra to slip out of place, which usually means that the upper vertebra slides over the lower one. Doctors call this spondylolisthesis.

If slipped vertebrae put pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back, it can cause sciatica.

Sciatica can cause:

• loss of bowel or bladder function
• loss of coordination
• pain that radiates to the arms and legs

However, unstable or severely damaged vertebrae can also press on other vital parts of the body. If left untreated, cervical spine RA can have severe consequences, including:

As RA progresses, it is more likely that people will experience symptoms in their spine.

One study suggests that around 64.5 percent of people with RA may experience lower back pain. The researchers found that people with RA and lower back pain reported a lower quality of life, and that some were at increased risk for depression.

What Is Inversion Therapy

Inversion therapy is also called spinal traction. The theory is that being upside down eases the pressure of gravity on your nerves and the disks in your spine. You use it to temporarily create more space between vertebrae that are smushed together.

You can use these tables to relieve:

• Sciatica pain
• Kidney stones

Some people also use them as a general way to gently stretch joints and muscles, or just to relax.

They arenât the only way to do this therapy. You can also hang upside down with your feet strapped into gravity boots attached to a bar in a doorway. Fabric yoga slings help you hang upended, and then gently return you to an upright position. You can also do yoga poses that flip you over.

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Back Arthritis Physical Therapy Will Pt Help

In short: YES!

Physical therapy is very effective arthritis back pain treatment.

A licensed physical therapist, like the ones at In Motion OC, can teach you how to perform movements that can relieve your symptoms and get you back on your feet.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek professional help from a physical therapist.

Strengthening the muscles around the vertebrae allows the muscles to do the worknot the joints. Stronger muscles will help you move with less pain and discomfort.

Physical therapy is crucial to reducing the symptoms of back arthritis.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Arthritis And Joint Pain

Hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and foam mattresses are the major types of mattresses currently sold. Each mattress model may have some variations from other mattresses that use similar constructions due to differences in materials, quality, and construction techniques. However, there are some common similarities between mattresses in each category.

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Further Proof That Apple Cider Vinegar Works

The Mayo Clinic suggests that there are several reasons for leg cramps. Some people get cramps after intense exercise, and some individuals experience cramps as a result of dehydration along with a deficiency in potassium, calcium or magnesium. When the nerves of the legs are compressed while walking, running or exercising, this can result in cramping.

It is also important to note that some people are simply more at risk for getting leg cramps than others. As we age, we lose muscle mass, which means that the calves are more likely to experience strain and cramping.

Women who are pregnant may also experience leg cramps due to additional pressure on the lower extremities, and people who have nerve pain, liver issues or diabetes could have leg cramps because of circulation issues.

There are medications to treat leg cramps, including Neupro, Requip, and Mirapex. However, these medicines could have harmful side effects for some individuals.

According to eMedicine Health and RxList, Neupro can cause nausea, weight gain and redness or irritation of the skin, Requip can cause vomiting, more intense cramping and anxiety in some individuals, and Mirapex causes some people to have blurred vision and swollen hands and feet.

Apple cider vinegar could be a safer alternative treatment for these individuals and is also a nutritious supplement that can promote overall well-being.