Receiving a degenerative spinal arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially because there is no actual cure for the condition and symptoms can worsen over time. However, plenty of patients are able to continue living their lives by following doctor-prescribed treatments and properly managing their symptoms with lifestyle changes.

What is Spinal Osteoarthritis?

Degenerative spinal arthritis – or as it is more accurately termed, “spinal osteoarthritis” – is a condition that affects the facet joints (the joints that are located in between the vertebrae), causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, and tenderness in the back and/or neck. The condition is most commonly related to aging and as it so happens, the majority of people will receive a spinal arthritis diagnosis by age 70.

So, what happens when spinal osteoarthritis sets in? The primary indicator of this condition is the wearing away of the cartilaginous lining of the facet joints, which can reveal the raw bone underneath the cartilage. Once exposed, the joint bones begin to grind against one another. This grinding and the subsequent inflammation irritate the medial branch nerves that feed into an affected joint, leading to localized pain and stiffness.

After a while, bone spurs, or osteophytes, can grow on vertebrae in response to joint instability and friction. If bone spurs come into contact with nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord, the patient will experience more pain, but this time, the pain can travel along the entire path of a nerve root and into the extremities.

Types of Treatments

Once a doctor has confirmed that a patient’s symptoms are due to osteoarthritis, he or she will likely recommend a course of conservative, or nonsurgical, treatments. These treatments focus on managing pain and often include:

– Physical therapy – to strengthen muscles and improve motion in stiff joints

– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain

– Bracing – to stabilize and/or support weak joints

– Cold therapy – to numb and soothe painful, inflamed areas

– Heat therapy – to promote nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood circulation throughout the tissues surrounding affected joints

Additionally, holistic alternative treatments, such as massage, yoga, acupuncture, and chiropractic therapy may also be helpful in relieving spinal arthritis pain. While attempting alternative methods are not encouraged by most mainstream medical doctors, some patients who have tried alternative therapies report finding relief from their spinal arthritis symptoms. Patients should always consult their doctor and a licensed complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) professional before attempting any holistic treatment plan.

Manage Symptoms with Simple Changes

Beyond the treatments mentioned, patients who have received a spinal osteoarthritis diagnosis can also implement certain lifestyle changes, which can make living with osteoarthritis more manageable. Eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein can provide the necessary nutrients the spinal components need to function. Overweight patients should consider losing weight, as this can help to reduce the pressure placed on arthritic joints, particularly in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. Oftentimes, spinal arthritis symptoms can be aggravated by too much activity, so it’s also important to avoid overexertion. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption and tobacco use can also help a patient live with more comfortably with spinal arthritis. Alcohol can contribute to inflammation, and smoking can constrict the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body, as well as contribute to other health problems.

Sometimes lifestyle changes and conservative treatments do not sufficiently manage spinal arthritis symptoms. In rare and highly advanced cases of spinal osteoarthritis, surgery may be recommended. Due to the high risk factors present with any spinal operation, an individual facing the possibility of a surgical procedure should obtain multiple medical opinions and conduct thorough research before signing a consent form.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal arthritis and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute offers safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal arthritis and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/arthritis_of_the_spine

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal arthritis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal arthritis