Spinal arthritis is an incapacitating problem that usually effects individuals in the age group of 40 years or above. This problem can lead to psychological as well as physiological problems when left untreated such as depression and anxiety, and weakness and muscle breakdown. The disease takes a toll on the the affected individual by causing them to be bedridden, thus hampering their normal daily activities.

Causes of Spinal Arthritis

Imbalances in your hormone, stress, and nutritional levels is what mainly triggers the disease. Calcium build up along with deterioration of bones are also some of the other factors. However, these factors can vary from person to person. In some cases, previous injuries to the nerves can also cause this. Usually, people who are ailing from bone spurs and herniated discs are more likely suffer from spinal arthritis.

Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

Symptoms differ from person to person. However, the most characteristic symptoms are numbness and pain in the shoulders, back, head, and neck. The amount and occurrence of the pain too varies in different people. Recurrent urination or inability to control the urge to urinate have also been observed in some patients. Daily activities, especially bending over causes a lot of pain, which is another indicator.

Diagnosis of Spinal Arthritis

To diagnose this disease, a complete physical examination is required. Patients might even be asked to perform certain simple movement exercises in order to observe their range of motion. The doctor then observes if these movements cause any pain. X-ray and blood tests might also be required. As most of the symptoms of spinal arthritis are very much similar to several other spinal conditions, it makes it mandatory that the doctor rules out all other possibilities in order to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Treatments for Spinal Arthritis

Restricting the movement of the back and the neck using a cervical collar is the most common treatment. However, in severe cases, surgery is an option. Some doctors even prescribe certain drugs such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Tylenol, morphine, and codeine. Hot packs, therapeutic exercise, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, relaxation therapy and yoga are also non-drug treatment alternatives. However, some of these traditional treatments do not offer permanent relief to the ailing patient as the root of the condition is not addressed. It is very important for a successful treatment that the doctor diagnoses the disease accurately along with the causes of the condition and then treats the problem.

Most Successful Spinal Arthritis treatments

The most effective way to tackle this problem is using a mix of various treatments to combat it. Some of the treatments that can be used are healing heat therapy, where deep, piercing heat is used to provide relief and improve the range of motion in the joints; inversion therapy, which reduces the stress on spinal joints; daily trigger point therapy, which addresses localized pain and muscle balance therapy, which helps reduce too much deterioration of joint of the spine and discs and helps produce balance.