The spine is one of the most important parts of the body because it allows you to stand, bend, and move while also protecting the spinal cord. Unfortunately, our spine becomes susceptible to arthritis as we age. There are several types of arthritis, but they all cause debilitating joint pain. While there’s no sure way to prevent arthritis from occurring, there are non-operative treatment methods that can help you deal with your pain and continue to live a healthy lifestyle.

Spinal Arthritis

Arthritis develops in the facet joints that are located in between the vertebrae of the spine, and can be found anywhere from the neck to the lower back. Pain occurs when the cartilage lining of the joint wears away and causes inflammation.

Symptoms

If you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact a doctor and consider your treatment options immediately. Your arthritis pain won’t go away on its own, and if it worsens, it could lead to serious damage in your joints. Be sure to call your doctor at the first sign of pain.

• Swelling and warmth in one or more joints
• Tenderness of the joint when pressure is applied to the spine
• Steady pain in one or more joints
• Inability to bend or move
• Abnormal curve of the spine
• Pinching, tingling, or numbness in the spine
• Increased pain with movement

Diagnosis

Your physician will perform a series of tests to determine whether you have spinal arthritis. He or she will consider your medical history, perform a physical examination, and evaluate your symptoms.

During a physical exam, the physician will pay attention to your overall health, nerve function, reflexes, and the joints in the back. He or she will also look at your muscle strength and flexibility. X-rays may also be taken to see if there is cartilage loss and bone damage.

Non-Operative Treatment Options

After evaluating your symptoms and performing the necessary medical tests, your physician will determine what treatment options are best for you. The following will help explain the most common treatment options available.

Exercise – Working with your doctor to develop an exercise program that incorporates low-impact movements and stretching will help you maintain the full range of motion in your spine. Keeping joints mobile will reduce pain and keep them healthy.

Medication – Over-the-counter medication will help alleviate pain temporarily, reduce inflammation, and also reduce stiffness.

Heat/Cold Therapy – Heating pads, warm towels, or a hot bath or shower typically relieve pain and stiffness for some people, while others find ice packs to be more helpful. Using a combination of the two, heat followed by cold, can also be beneficial.

If several non-operative treatments have not been helpful in relieving your pain, your physician may suggest that it’s time to explore your surgical options. For more information on spine and back surgery, download our e-book, The Patient’s Manual to Spine and Back Surgery. This educational guide will answer any questions you have about spinal injuries and surgical procedures so you can be as informed and prepared as possible.