Arthritis is a degenerative disease that strikes the aged and results in pain, numbness, swelling, tenderness and stiffness. The spine is made of a number of vertebras joined by intervertebral discs. Spine arthritis can affect any of the joints in the vertebra.
There are different kinds of spine arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common, the most painful and the most disabling form of spine arthritis. In this form of spine arthritis, the cartilage degenerates and there may be an overgrowth of bone and a formation of painful spurs. It is believed that more than 30 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis: The joint cartilage gets inflamed and ultimately, it is destroyed. This form of spine arthritis can affect young people too.
Spondylitis: The pain of spondylitis develops and grows over several years. It commonly occurs in the area where the spine joins the pelvis. The pain may spread to other areas and may affect the hips and shoulders too.
Common symptoms of spine arthritis:
* Intermittent back pain, numbness and tenderness in the neck
* Stiffness and pain in the spine upon waking. The pain may recede after a while.
* Back pain that spreads to the thighs, buttocks and pelvis
* Pain in the shoulder, hips or knees
* The crunch of bone rubbing against bone
* Limited movement
The diagnosis of spine arthritis is somewhat tricky because the symptoms are the same as other back pain. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult a doctor in case of a back pain. The doctor will put you through a battery of tests including blood tests, X-rays, Myelogram tests, MRI, CAT scans and bone scans before a consluive diagnosis is made.
If you are diagnosed as suffering from spine arthritis, there are several modes of treatment open to you. Generally, there is no permanent cure for any kind of arthritis. However, doctors can help you manage and minimize the pain and discomfort using medicines, physical therapy, heat or cold compress and rest.
In case there is no improvement in the condition, then, your doctor will suggest a surgical treatment.
Fortunately, it is not necessary for patients to endure the pain of arthritis forever. These days, minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedures can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by spine arthritis. The advantage is that there is no hospitalization, no general anesthesia, no extensive cutting and no lengthy recuperation time. That means patients are able to return to a healthy, active lifestyle quickly. In fact, many patients go home with a small band-aid in the area of the surgery and they are as good as new in a matter of days.
