Is Spinal Arthritis Curable?
Unfortunately, at this moment in time, there is no cure for most types of arthritis, but there are lots of different types of treatments available to reduce the amount of pain, numbness and stiffness a person may be experiencing. It is a very common problem that people face throughout the world. Nowadays due to science and medication people live longer. Over 50 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis, however due to people living longer this figure is expected to grow each year. It’s estimated around 80 million people will suffer from arthritis by 2040. For more information if you have problems with your back, dr. Hosny can help.
What Are Common Causes Of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that affects almost 30 million people in the United States. Age can be a key factor, most people who are diagnosed with osteoarthritis are middle aged and upwards. This is caused after years of wear and tear of the joints. Although it is not very common that younger people will experience chronic pain, some youths who have experienced trauma may be diagnosed with osteoarthritis at a young age. A history of osteoarthritis in a person’s family can also play a part. Many people who suffer from osteoarthritis often have family members that have been diagnosed with the same issue. If you have a family member that is diagnosed with osteoarthritis or similar spinal issues it might be a good idea to bring your medical history with you if you decide to see a specialist. Gender can play a part, statistics show more women suffer from Osteoarthritis than men. Sports injuries such as a torn cartilage or dislocated joints can often lead to osteoarthritis. Jobs that require physical labor can play a role. Day in day out many physical labor jobs can cause lots of damage to a person’s spine, especially if their posture is not correct and they are lifting with their back instead of their legs. People who sit at a desk each day for hours staring into a computer can lead to problems, again especially if their posture is bad.
What Are Common Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a progressive illness, with most sufferers experiencing a dull ache of the joints. Over time the pain can worsen and spread to different areas of the body. People often experience pain for the first 30 minutes after waking up in the morning. This is due to inactivity after a night’s sleep. People may also experience stiffness and numbness, especially after sitting down for a long period of time. In the past people might have felt they were much more mobile and flexible prior to having osteoarthritis. It can cause the joints to swell which is one of the reasons why many people feel discomfort while doing simple daily tasks. People sometimes experience weakness and numbness.
What Are Some Of The Non-Surgical Treatments Used To Treat Osteoarthritis?
Surgical treatment is often the last option people tend to go for. Fortunately most patients can have pain relief from many of the different types of non-surgical treatments available.
In many cases natural supplements can prove to have reduced the pain of osteoarthritis. Although very little research has been carried out on the success rate in comparison to over the counter medication, surgery and prescribed medication, lots of people have had plenty of success stories using natural supplements. Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate and omega 3 are a few examples that are commonly used.
A spine specialist may prescribe their patient with medicine to help reduce the inflation and pain caused by osteoarthritis. NSAIDs are available over the counter, but often a prescription can be given for a much stronger non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drug. Opioids are a form of medication that helps with the pain caused by osteoarthritis. This powerful treatment is normally given to patients in severe pain and is recommended that patients take these for a short period of time due to side effects and the possibility of addiction. Acetaminophen can reduce the inflammation and swelling and has very little side effects. Those who experience muscle spasms might be recommended to take a muscle relaxant. However, these don’t heal the pain, the drug tricks your brain into thinking you are not experiencing pain. Again, this is a temporary solution as muscle relaxants can often have some very dangerous side effects.
Is Exercise And Physical Therapy Used To Treat Arthritis In The Spine?
Physical therapy and exercise in many cases has proven to have some great results in reducing the pain caused by spinal arthritis. It can often be a better solution and have better results than taking medication or having to go under the knife. It can help reduce the pain and help your body in the future experiencing more pain. A personal trainer will make an exercise routine specifically for their client, depending on where the pain is, what form of spinal arthritis they have, what age and weight the client is. This may take time, however some patients feel pain relief after only 2 weeks of physical therapy. The PT will aim to correct their clients posture, educate them on techniques like lifting and give their clients a daily exercise routine that normally consists of stretches. They will also aim to build up muscle in the back.
Will Changing My Diet And Quitting Smoking Help?
Changing your diet and adding exercise to your daily routine is often a very good solution. Those who are overweight or suffer from obesity tend to put lots of stress on their spine. A change of diet combined with NSAIDs, anti inflammatory medicine and pain relievers is the most common treatment for arthritis of the spine. Smoking not only causes birth defects, heart disease, lung cancer but it can also have a terrible effect on your spine. Tobacco can increase the rate at which the discs degenerate. Many smokers who have experienced chronic coughing can cause extra pressure on the discs.
