4.02.2012

Arthritis In Spine Explained

By Louis Kinchel


Of all the many different types of arthritis, some cause problems in spine joints, while others cause pain in other parts of the body such as shoulders, hips and knees. Usually it is the joints of the lower back that are affected, and in fact arthritis in its various forms is one of the most common causes of lower back pain.

Among the people that develops arthritis in spine joints, many of them have already suffered from other spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. The spinal joints may already be suffering from pre-existing conditions.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting many people as they grow older. Statistics show that 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 become disabled from arthritis, though many restore mobility in knees and hips through surgery.

Stiffness and pain in the neck and in the lower back are often symptoms of osteoarthritis. Arthritis in the spine lower down can produce the same weakness or numbness in the legs.Those symptoms can also come along with weakness or numbness in either the legs or neck.

Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the joints and causes a great deal of pain. As for all other types of arthritis, a cause is not really known, but it is possible that genetics could have something to do with it. Women are three times more likely to be affected than men. Differently than other types of arthritis, this type is more likely to affect the upper part of the spine, feet and hands.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that involves the spine. Like other types of arthritis, it is an auto-immune disease, but it affects the spine instead than the joints. As opposed to rheumathoid arthritis, it affects men more than women, and it is usually developed before 40 years of age. It causes pain and stiffness in the whole spine, and many people suffering from the condition complain of general fatigue. Inflammation of the eyes is sometimes also an issue. Relief from pain can be experienced with movement, and pain is at its worst when resting. Most people are treated with physical therapy, exercise and pain medication.

If you feel you're developing arthritis in the spinal area, you might want to assess your sleeping arrangements. Sometimes, changing your mattress to a firmer one, or even finding a different pillow, can make all the difference. Heat may also bring great relief.

You might want to ask your doctor for any possible suggestions on exercises that could benefit you by strengthening your back and making you more flexible. He or she can prescribe pain medication that is suitable for you. So, make sure you let your doctor know of your condition, and you also keep him informed if you notice any changes.

Surgery may be necessary in some cases. This is something that is usually decided depending on the case. Spinal surgery is not something your doctor will fling at you without careful consideration, but it might be an option especially if other conditions that have developed are known to positively respond to surgery.




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