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Different treatments for spinal osteoarthritis

Author: Deepa Dhingra
by Deepa Dhingra
Posted: Mar 15, 2016

Spinal stenosis is a condition which takes placewhen the spinal nerve roots in lower back (lumbar spine) or the spinal cord in the nerve (cervical spine) gets compressed. There are two types of stenosis – lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis. As far as symptoms of Lumbar stenosis are considered, these leg tingling and leg pain (sciatica). The common symptom of cervical spinal stenosis is arm pain. For cervical spinal stenosis combined with myelopathy, patients find difficulty with coordination. There are different treatments for Spinal Stenosis Relief. Your doctor will prescribe the treatment after performing comprehensive checkup.

Treatment spinal stenosis might include non-surgical procedures such as activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, exercise and epidural injections or back surgery.

Treatment for Spinal Osteoarthritis

As observed in most of the cases, the main purpose of treating spinal osteoarthritis is aimed at increasing the patient’s ability to function or relieving the symptoms associated with pain. The primary goal is geared to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Initial treatment is related to weight loss, and then maintaining healthy weight. In addition to helping weight management, exercise also help in improving mood attitude, increasing blood flow, strengthening the heart and making it easier to do daily tasks.

Water aerobics, swimming, and walking are a few exercises for treating the problem of osteoarthritis of spine. Given below are the categories in which exercises are broken:

Range of motion exercises – These exercises help in increasing the flexibility of the body.

Aerobic exercises – Such exercises help making the circulatory system and heart strong.

Strengthening exercises – Such exercises make muscles supporting the joints stronger. They work via resistance using rubber bands or weights. Including rest periods is necessary in the entire treatment plan, however bracing, splints, bed rest or traction for longer durations is not suggested.

There are several non-drug treatments which are available for spinal osteoarthritis including the following:

  • Cold or heat compresses
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Pain medication might be prescribed for treating spinal osteoarthritis. Over the counter products is acetaminophen.
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) making use of a small device emitting electrical pulses onto the affected area.
  • Topical creams as well as ointments are also available for treating the pain. They are applied to the affected area; however these are not that effective.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also accessible over the counter. Some of these include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin, to name a few. However, these medications can have severe side effects and should be taken only under the guidance of the doctor. Some of the side effects include kidney damage, stomach bleeding as well as irritation, heart attack and stroke.

Most of the patients who are suffering from spinal osteoarthritis are treated without surgery. Surgery is last resort when all medications and alternate therapies fail to show signs of improvement. Spinal osteoarthritis is considered as one of the causes of spinal stenosis. Surgery is recommended in the cases where walking becomes difficult, bowel and bladder function is impaired and nervous system is damaged. Your doctor will recommend the best spinal osteoarthritis treatment after performing comprehensive checkup.

About the Author

PCC is a National Prepaid Master Dealer for T-Mobile. PCC represents T-Mobile in all channels for close to two decades.

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Author: Deepa Dhingra

Deepa Dhingra

Member since: Feb 23, 2016
Published articles: 26

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