Spinal arthritis is a condition that is a combination of health disorders that can make life a painful experience for the unfortunate ones who suffer from it. Apart from arthritis spine pain, spinal arthritis patients also suffer from swelling, tenderness, abnormalities of soft tissues as well as stiffness of the joints.
SPINAL ARTHRITIS CAUSES
Spinal arthritis is usually a medical condition that is associated with the natural cycle of growing old. As we grow older our spine loses its natural elasticity, flexibility as well as shock absorbing ability. Spinal arthritis pain can be caused by the breakdown of disc or joint cartilage that is present in the lower back or the neck.
It is true that most of the time spinal arthritis is a problem that develops and is found in people above the age group of 40. However, younger people also suffer from this problem and the causes of spinal arthritis in children as well young generation can be a result of a trauma or injury to the back that can be caused by a fall or motor accident, a genetic defect of the cartilage or a severe medical disorder or condition.
TYPES OF SPINAL ARTHRITIS
Spinal arthritis is majorly divided in two categories: Spinal Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Spinal Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of spinal arthritis and it usually occurs in the middle age or older age people. This problem does not have a cure however medication and treatment methods like physical therapy help patient to get respite from the pain and other uncomfortable conditions. This problem may affect multiple joints of the body and can also cause severe damage not just to the joints but also internal organs and systems. It eats away at the cartilage that is responsible for keeping joints in place.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This type of spinal arthritis affects younger age group and it is usually responsible for the soft tissues to swell that are present in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis does not cause spinal stenosis commonly but it can also cause some severe damage to joints as well as internal body systems and organs.
SPINAL ARTHRITIS TREATMENT
Treatment for spinal arthritis includes surgical as well as non-surgical options. However, doctors usually do not prefer surgical procedure like spine surgery commonly for the treatment of arthritis. Non-surgical options include physical therapy, chiropractic, exercise programs, acupuncture, massages as well as hot and old compression.