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The human body is a musculoskeletal system consisting of muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, etc. These complex structures consisting of two bones, cartilage, a membrane called synovial membrane stuffed with a fluid called synovial fluid, allow us to make a range of motion. However, arthritis can affect these joints prohibiting movements, mobility and the quality of life.
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of each other like Lego blocks. It is connected by three joints that give them a range of movement. Gradual wear and tear, injury, stress, etc, can lead to arthritis of the spine or spinal arthritis reducing the ability to move or trigger a full range of movement.
If you are constantly complaining about back pain and inflammation, you could be suffering from spinal arthritis. Let’s dig into our take on how you can manage spinal arthritis and learn tips on arthritis management and how managing joint pain can open new avenues for you.
There are 100+ different types of arthritis that are further classified into inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Here are three major types of arthritis that affect the spine.
Classified as non-inflammatory arthritis and degenerative, Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects the lower back. It is usually caused due to wear and tear and develops over time as the cartilage between joints slowly wears down.. It affects the facet joints of the spine and contributes to pain and inflammation in the affected region where the nerves travel after leaving the facet.
Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur due to genetic or non-genetic reasons. It is an auto-immune disorder where the immune system attacks its cells. This type of arthritis affects the lining of the joints where there are cartilages and synovium. It is inflammatory meaning managing joint pain becomes unbearable if left unchecked.
Inflammatory in nature, Spondyloarthritis is a group of diseases that affects joints and entheses which is a location where tendons and ligaments attach to the bones in the body. One of the forms is ‘Ankylosing Spondylitis’ which is inflammatory by nature and affects sacroiliac joints and the spinal vertebrae. It may even cause a bunch of vertebrae to fuse giving it a hunchback look or Kyphosis – excessive curvature of the spine. Similarly, there’s Psoriatic Arthritis, an auto-immune disorder, reactive arthritis as a result of an infection in the body, etc.
In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the causes can be genetic or non-genetic such as smoking, age, infectious agents, diet etc. When it comes to Osteoarthritis, the causes are usually among the lines of wear and tear including age, and obesity, and may include underlying conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, gout, psoriasis, Lyme disease, and tuberculosis.
Talking about the symptoms of Spinal Arthritis, it could occur at any place on the spine. For instance, osteoarthritis in the cervical spine can affect the neck and the pain travels behind the head triggering headaches. Similarly, if it has occurred in the lumbar spine, you should feel tingling pain around your shoulder blades as well. You might feel fatigue, weakness and a burning pain in the affected region since arthritis causes inflammation.
You might also feel loss of flexibility, stiffness in the spine, and inability to move quickly right after you wake up. There can be swelling and tenderness in the affected region. In fact, autoimmune Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect larger organs such as the heart, brain, lungs, etc, if the damage is severe.
If you exhibit symptoms of spinal arthritis or any other back-related problems, your doctor may ask you for these tests for diagnosis.
Blood tests for RA antibodies and/or genetic markers
Medical history of the patient
Physical exam of the person exhibiting pain, loss of motion, etc.
X-rays of the spine to find arthritic joint
Testing of synovial fluid found between the joints (Joint aspiration)
Myelography, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, bone scan, etc.
Chronic back pain can put your life on hold especially when you are suffering from spinal arthritis of any kind. Doctors recommend going for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naproxen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen available over the counter. These medications help in managing joint pain by blocking down pain signals from the affected site to the brain and relieve pain. It can also help alleviate conditions such as stiffness, aching, etc.
One of the core techniques used for arthritis management is exercise. Depending upon the severity of the condition, your doctor will recommend physical therapy which is to strengthen your muscles so that it could support the spine. It essentially helps in managing to join pain by reducing the stress on them. As it helps relieve spinal arthritis, it benefits you by enhancing the motion and flexibility of the spine.
Watching weight is undoubtedly a noble technique for relieving spinal arthritis. It is because putting on a few extra pounds expedites wear and tear of the joints thereby increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Weight management includes a well-balanced diet to cut carbs, calories, while intaking enough nutrients needed to maintain a healthy weight. You can consult a dietician to create a wholesome yet balanced diet tailor-made, especially for you. Losing weight translates into lower tension on the joints and slows down normal wear and tear by a tonne.
If the problem is stemming from a poor lifestyle, doctors will recommend lifestyle changes for sure. You could perceive these changes as tiny but they have a resonating effect. For instance, try to quit smoking, eat healthy and start managing your weight, change your posture, stay active, etc, that will help you in the long run. The best thing about these lifestyle changes is that the positive impact resonates throughout your life. It’s like investing in your future but with better health choices rather than money that promises better long-term results.
Some low-impact arthritis therapies include meditation, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, yoga, swimming, etc. These can put you in good shape without putting much stress on the spine. The end goal is to strengthen bones and muscles and restore the range of motion that you were able to do before unearthing a spinal arthritis mine.
Warm or cold compresses can help with easing the pain and loosen the stiff back as well. Try using an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes in the event of swelling and then, switch to a warm or hot bag as it relaxes the muscles providing the ultimate sense of relief for sure.
Spinal arthritis can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Do you need help managing your spinal arthritis? We at QI Spine Clinic are here to help. Book an appointment at 086558 85566 to know how we can give you the utmost care so that you can start living your life to the fullest.
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