Arthritis is a
condition of degenerative joints of the bones that cause lots of pain
and trouble along with swelling. But, when joints of the spine get
degenerated and cause the pain, it is arthritis back pain which is
medically termed as osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis or
spondylosis. This is a degenerative joint disease which is natural to
many aging people. But the good news is many treatment options are
available for arthritis back pain relief.
How degeneration of the spinal
joints take place? As we age the bones of the vertebra become
weak and the joints of the spine having gaps shrink due to gravity
and body weight. The compressed bones of the vertebra exert pressure
on the nerve roots, ligaments and tendons which cause the pinching
and sharp pain in the back. Thus the treatment of arthritis aims at
relaxing the ligaments and nerve roots from the pressure of the
bones.
Apart from prescription and over the
counter medications, the treatment options for spinal arthritis
include:
-
Chiropractic care
-
Acupuncture
-
Epidural Injections
-
Heat therapy
-
Massage
-
Physical therapy
-
Knowledge therapy
-
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
-
Surgery:
a) Foraminotomy
b)
Laminectomy
c) Spinal Fusion (Note: surgery should be the last
option.)
As you can not stop
the aging process, it is difficult to control degenerative joint
disease as well. Therefore to help the osteoarthritis patients, it is
most important to concentrate on the pain management. With some
lifestyle changes like weight management and regular exercising, you
will notice the good results.
Exercising basically helps in toning
the muscles and improves the motion of the joints.
Some exercises for arthritis back
pain relief:
-
Lie on the floor with your back
and remain in a relaxed position. Slowly raise one of your legs
upward and try to keep it as straight as possible. Count up to
fifteen, and slowly bring down the leg. Do the same with the other
leg.
This exercise relaxes the compression of the joints by
stretching them back.
-
Inversion of the body is done to
relieve the stress of weight from the spinal joints. When a person
is in inverted position, the gravitational pull is inverted in the
body. This, in turn stresses the bone joints in opposite direction.
As a result, the space between the joints gets enlarged which
reduces the tensions in the nerves and the cartilages. You can do
this exercise on an inversion chair or table that you can buy in the
market.
Lastly, stretch
your back in a proper posture as your fitness trainer has taught you.
You may use yoga or massage therapy as well, but the key to spinal
arthritis relief is to have a particular regime and follow them
strictly.
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