Article
Exercise for Osteoarthritis
For spinal arthritis sufferers, exercise is thought to be the most effective non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement.
Arthritis
"Arthritis" describes many different diseases that cause tenderness, pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. With osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, the cartilage around the joint wears out, causing the bones in the joint to rub together, creating inflammation and pain. Most forms of arthritis can occur in any joint, including spine joints. Osteoarthritis of the spine can lead to lost flexibility, bone spurs (osteophytes), irritated nerves, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. The terms spondylosis or degenerative joint disease are used interchangeably with osteoarthritis.
Joint pain caused by facet joint disorders, also called facet joint syndrome or facet joint disease, is also a major cause of back pain or neck pain.
Article
Facet Joint Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) can cause breakdown of cartilage between the facet joints. When the joints move, the lack of the cartilage causes pain as well as loss of motion and stiffness.
It's important to get an accurate diagnosis to find the best treatments for pain from spinal arthritis. Most patients find relief from a combo of treatments.
While there is no proven treatment to stop or slow the progression of spinal osteoarthritis, there are treatments to alleviate the pain and other symptoms.
Infographic
Osteoarthritis Infographic
Article
Osteoarthritis Medications
Patients with spinal arthritis have several options for medications to control the pain. Among other factors, the level of the patient's pain and the potential side effects of the medication must be considered.
Article
Osteoarthritis of the Spine
Osteoarthritis of the spine refers to inflammation of the spinal facet joints. This condition is a common cause of back pain in older adults and is often the result of internal damage or degeneration of the facet joints.
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Osteoarthritis Overview Infographic
Studies on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are inconclusive as to whether or not the supplements can prevent or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis.
