worker with backache
Spinal arthritis is a common condition that can often be found in persons that are older, obese, athletic, heavy lifters, or those who previously suffered from spinal injury. This condition can become very painful especially as it affects those that are over the age of 40. A person may be experiencing spinal arthritis if there is a stiffness, inflammation or pain noticed in the joints. Some of these symptoms can include a stiffness that one may experience if they are sitting or being still for long periods of time. This stiffness can also be noticed in the morning upon waking and attempting to get out of bed. If this is the case, a little stretching or light exercise should offer a little pain relief.
Spinal arthritis may be caused by a great imbalance in stress, hormone and nutritional levels. This imbalance can occur in muscles affecting posture and resulting in pain. Though causes vary with individuals, in most cases calcium build-up along with degeneration tend to be factors. There have been researchers that have suggested that viral or bacterial infections can trigger this as well.
Spinal Arthritis also tends to manifest in a back pain that comes and goes. This pain can even occur in the neck which can result in tenderness or numbing in the area. There have been reports by those suffering with spinal arthritis that a crunching feeling (almost like the sound of bones rubbing together) is noticed. If spinal arthritis is located centrally in your lower back (often referred to as lumbar spine arthritis) pain has been known to run down into the buttocks, pelvic area, thighs, knees, legs and sometimes the feet. In some cases there can be difficulty walking, jogging or bending with a limited range of motion and frequent or sudden need to urinate may occur.
There are several treatments to consider for spinal arthritis, most of which are non-invasive:
• Pain relievers: You may want to try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, preferable an ibuprofen. These drugs can reduce swelling in the affected area which can cause a reduction in pain.
• Exercise: Those suffering from spinal arthritis may be reluctant at first but exercise can be the best treatment for you. Range on motion exercises can be done daily as it helps to maintain normal joint movement while increasing flexibility. Also, strengthening exercises can be done to produce muscle that can help better support the back.
• Compresses: Try using hot and cold compresses on your back at 20 minute intervals. Begin with the cold compress to reduce swelling and pain for 20 minutes before following up with the hot compress, which also relieves pain by relaxing tissues and increasing blood flow, for the same allotted time.
• Brace: Many find back braces to be helpful in controlling range of motion while promoting good posture. These braces offer a support that help to relieve pressure on the vertebrae.
There are several at home remedies for spinal arthritis and other back pain. For more information and possible treatment read Arthritis of the Spine today!
