As people grow older, the normal wear and tear of the body can lead to a host of ailments, one of which is spinal arthritis. Spinal arthritis is one of the main causes of back pain, and has been diagnosed as Osteoarthritis, Spondylosis, Spinal Arthritis, and Degenerative Joint Disease.
Arthritis of the spine also lays the groundwork for a condition known as Facet Joint Syndrome. It has been a great source of debate why some people who develop arthritis of the spine can experience a lot of pain, while most may have little or no pain occurrence at all.
Arthritis of the spine can be a very painful and debilitating problem that often affects individuals 40 or older. If left untreated, it can lead to physiological problems such as muscle breakdown or weakness, as well as psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Sometimes, a person with arthritis of the spine can suddenly suffer excruciating pain that will keep him or her bedridden and unable to perform normal daily activities.
Spondylosis - Spinal Osteoarthritis
The degenerative condition of the spinal bone structure is technically known as Spondylosis. This degenerative joint syndrome is characterized by advancing age, and is also known as Spinal arthritis or Osteoarthritis of the back.
As Spinal arthritis is a normal part of ageing and usually causes little or no pain, treatment is normally not needed. However, in the segment of the older population experiencing moderate to severe pain, treatment may be administered to alleviate these symptoms.
What causes Spinal Arthritis ?
In a word: imbalances. These imbalances can occur in your stress levels, hormone levels, and nutritional levels. Muscle imbalances can adversely affect posture, which can lead to neck and back pain. The causes may vary from one person to the next, but usually degeneration in the bones along with calcium build-up are factors. Sometimes past injuries or surgeries are to blame. Nerves become pinched or compacted, causing severe pain or numbness in the affected areas. Many who suffer from arthritis of the spine will also be affected by herniated discs and bone spurs.
What are the symptoms of Spinal Arthritis
Classic symptoms include pain and numbness in the back, neck, head, and shoulders. Symptoms may be different for different people, and the frequency and intensity will also vary. Some areas may ache from time to time and be all right other times. Bending and other everyday movements may also cause pain. Numbness is the neck area is very common, although other areas, including the arms and legs, may also experience numbness. In some cases, frequent urination or the urgent need to urinate may occur.
Common Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis
Joint pain in the spine caused by bone rubbing against bone, or the development of bone spurs surrounding the spinal joints.
A tingling sensation, numbness and weakening in the joints due to constriction of nerves or nerve roots, usually caused by bone spurs. Bone spur formation takes up the space normally reserved for the nerves within the spinal column.
Joint stiffness and limited joint movement in the region of the back, particularly in the mornings.
Grinding and popping sounds that occur when the bones of the joints rub against each other. This symptom is known as crepitus, and although painless, may cause a lot of apprehension in the sufferer.
Pain experienced when sitting down or lifting an object may be a symptom of Lumbar osteoarthritis.
Pain during neck movement may signal the onset of Cervical osteoarthritis.
How is your condition diagnosed?
You will need to go over your medical history with a doctor and undergo a physical exam. During the physical exam, you likely will be asked to do a few simple exercises so your doctor can see if your range of motion has been affected. These may include bending forward, side-to-side, or backwards. You also may be asked to lie down and raise your legs. Let your doctor if any of these movements causes pain. Because symptoms of arthritis of the spine are similar to other spinal conditions, it is important for your doctor to rule out other - possibly more serious - problems. To do this, you may need to undergo a variety of tests such as blood tests and x-rays.
What are the most common treatments?
A common treatment is to restrict movement of the neck and back with a cervical collar or other bracing. If your condition does not improve after this kind of treatment, surgery may be an option. Commonly used drugs include acetaminophen (Tylenol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opiods such as codeine and morphine. Non-drug treatments include hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises. Stimulating blood flow using massage or a hot tub may also help. Alternative treatments include yoga and relaxation therapy.
Why do traditional treatments fail?
Most traditional treatments fail to provide long-term relief because they merely address the symptoms and fail to address the cause of the condition. Unless the cause is fully understood, trying to get rid of the problem becomes a guessing game. One thing is certain: No treatment has been found to be the "one thing that works for everyone."
Which treatments work best?
Because Arthritis of the spine is a degenerative process combining various treatment approaches is critical to achieving sustainable results...
Inversion Therapy can help with decompression and stress on the joints of the spine...
Muscle Balance Therapy can help generate balance and stability in the pelvis and spine and minimize excessive wear and tear of the disc and other joints of the spine.
Daily Trigger Point Therapy can help restore proper muscle function and address localized pain.
Healing Heat is far different then the heat you are used to, it is deep penetrating and longer lasting for relief of pain and increase in joint range of motion.
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