Relief For Back Pain

Posts Tagged ‘arthritis’

A recent study published by Boston University has found out that lumbar spinal stenosis affects 4.71% of the general population, which seems like a very low number. However, 47.2% of individuals in the 60-69 age group have lumbar spinal stenosis on their MRI scan, which is a significant number. The individuals that actually are diagnosed with severe stenosis will approach 20%. These patients with significant spinal stenosis have a 3 times higher incidence of back pain than the general population. As our population continues to live longer, stenosis of the spine will certainly be a significant health problem.

Spinal stenosis is the progression of arthritis in the spine occurring in the neck, as well as in the lower back. As we age, the cartilage in the discs of our spine will lose their ability to hold water. The water in the discs is what helps the disc move and remain flexible to bending and compression. As the discs lose their water content, they become more fragile.If the brittle cartilage breaks, the condition is called degenerative disc disease.As discs degenerate, they will begin to expand and put pressure on the spinal canal and nerve roots. This disc bulging will decrease the diameter of the spinal canal,a condition referred to as spinal stenosis. This slows the information that flows between the brain and the extremities. The arms will be affected by spinal stenosis in the neck and the legs will be affected by lower back (lumbar) spinal stenosis.

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis will feel back pain, as well as leg pain or fatigue. Because of the fatigue in the legs, patients will have to sit frequently during walks.Lumbar spinal stenosis will also cause patients to find benches in the mall and grab the cart at the grocery store, in order to make it through their errands due to the fatigue. Some patients may attribute their fatigue to age and as they continue to remain active later in life, this may severely limit their ability to join in their families activities.The leg fatigue can cause significant pain and cramping during activity, but is lessened when the patient sits down. The act of sitting opens the spinal canal by decreasing the curve in the lower back,which also occurs while the patient is leaning on the grocery cart.

Spinal stenosis in the neck may cause more severe symptoms. The cervical spine protects the spinal cord as it descends from the base of the brain.Because spinal stenosis in the neck puts pressure on the spinal cord, the disc pressure will cause symptoms related to the area. These include a decrease in the ability to walk as well as problems with the hands.Patients may find they tend to stumble, as it becomes harder to control the feet and legs as the disease progresses. They may also find their handwriting getting severely worse and that they have difficulty differentiating the size and feel of coins or shirt buttons.

Spinal stenosis is usually treated with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy is intended to help position the spine and open the spinal canal. With better posture and stronger core muscles, patients may find their leg symptoms and fatigue improve. They may find they are able to walk farther or faster. Oral anti-inflammatory medications are a first-line option for improving the inflammation related to the degenerating discs. When physical therapy and oral medications no longer provide relief, injections of steroid around the discs and nerves may decrease the pain and symptoms related to the nerve pressure. Some patients are able to tolerate their symptoms with a few injections per year.

When all of these efforts fail, surgery becomes an option for improving the patient s pain.Surgery is aimed toward relieving the pressure from the arthritis on the spinal canal and nerves.The mechanical pressure can only be alleviated by physically removing the bone spurs or disc protrusions. The surgical procedures involve removal of bone and disc, as well as protecting the nerve roots. Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine specialists have undergone the most intense training available in the treatment of the spine and are uniquely qualified to treat patients with spinal stenosis.

Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson is a doctor at the Orthopedic and Spine Center, a leading provider of Hampton Roads orthopedics services such as Hampton Roads spine surgery, Hampton Roads custom fit knee replacement, and many other services. The Orthopedic and Spine Center can be found online at: OSC-Ortho.com

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Causes of Spinal Stenosis and How to Cope

A recent study published by Boston University has found out that lumbar spinal stenosis affects 4.71% of the general population, which seems like a very low number. However, 47.2% of individuals in the 60-69 age group have lumbar spinal …

Chiropractic treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to review the literature on the use of chiropractic for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on 4 electronic databases (Medline, …

Spinal Stenosis: A Painful Condition Prevalent in the Senior …

Spinal Stenosis: A Painful Condition Prevalent in the Senior Population By Dr. Jeffrey R. Carlson A recent study published by Boston University has determined that lumbar spinal stenosis affects 4.71% of the general population, …

Pain in the Neck Treatments: The Causes of Back and Neck Pain and …

The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine have the most mobility and the discs there are more likely to wear down or be injured. Ninety percent of disc herniations occur in the lower two lumbar vertebrae. Spinal stenosis …

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Steroid Injections or Physical Therapy …

Lumbar spinal stenosis (stenosis of the low back) is a common cause of back problems in adults over 55 years old. Spinal stenosis describes a clinical syndrome of back, buttock, and/or leg pain. It is a condition in which the nerves in …

A Patient’s Guide to Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

As a result of many years of wear and tear on the parts of the spine, the tissues nearest the spinal canal sometimes press against the nerves. This helps explain why lumbar spinal stenosis (stenosis of the low back) is a common cause of …

 

 

Technorati Tags: arthritis, back, canal, cartilage, compression, degenerative, Disc, discs, disease, lumbar, nerve, pain, pressure, roots, spinal, spine, Stenosis

Arthritis affects millions of people each year worldwide.  It can cause debilitating effects for the person who is afflicted, causing varying degrees of symptoms and disability.

 Many people worry that certain pain they are having may be something more serious, such as in that case of arthritis low back pain. Arthritis in the lumbar spine, or the lower back, is a common problem and one which can cause a variety of symptoms.

Lumbar spine arthritis is more common in older people, but it can also be found in other age groups as well.  Some of the people who are more prone to developing arthritis in the lower back, besides the older population, include people who are obese, those who are involved in heavy labor, and those who have suffered a previous injury to their spine.

Arthritis of the lumbar spine happens in the joints that connect each segment of the spinal column, or the vertebrae.  When the joints become arthritic, movement in the back becomes stiff and painful.  Lumbar spine arthritis is sometimes found along with other spinal conditions such as disc degeneration and spinal stenosis.

Lumbar spine arthritis normally causes the symptoms of stiffness in the lower back and often severe pain.  The stiffness is especially noticeable in the morning as they get out of bed, but can sometimes become more loosened up throughout the day.  Sometimes strenuous activity and prolonged use of the lower back muscles can cause symptoms to become worse.

If lumbar facet arthritis worsens, it can result in the joints forming bone spurs and the tissue becoming inflamed.  These joints contain nerves around them which can become pinched resulting in a disorder called spinal stenosis.  This condition is seen often in patients with arthritis of the lower back.

The treatment options that are offered will depend on the severity of the person’s symptoms.  Treatment always starts with more simple measures to be sure that the patient can tolerate them and find relief.  Some of the methods of treatment include physical therapy, chiropractic care, anti-inflammatory medicine, weight loss, alternative treatment (acupuncture, magnet therapy, natural remedies, and massage), ice and heat applications, epidural injections of steroid medicine and spinal fusion surgery.  Surgery is normally a last resort after relief has not been found through other methods of treatment.

Of all the symptoms of lumbar spine arthritis, low back pain can be the most difficult to manage and live with.  The constant pain and stiffness can be the cause of much stress and can seriously alter a person’s way of life.  It is important to recognize symptoms and begin treatment early to ensure that the progression of the disease is slowed down.  Finding a treatment that works may take some time as everyone will have different levels of pain and treatment requirements.

Published by Relief  For Back Pain

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 Alternative Medicine And Back Pain

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in people without back pain. However, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the small joints of the spine. Arthritis of the spine can cause back pain with movement. …

Chair Massage Can Contribute In Treatment Of Arthritis

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Lumbar Laminectomy for Lower Back Pain

Facet arthritis and/or cysts. The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia. The patient lies face-down on the operating table. This then opens the lumbar spine for inspection and operation. …

Low Back Pain Relief With A Massage Chair For Arthritis

Of all the symptoms of lumbar spine arthritis, low back pain can be the most difficult to manage and live with. The constant pain and stiffness can be the cause of much stress and can seriously alter a persons way of life. …

Cervical Spine Arthritis

Dr. Jeffrey Wang, M.D., is the Chief of Spine Surgery and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurology at the UCLA School of Medicine. He specializes in all spine disorders in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar area. …  

Arthritis Pain Relief for Ankylosing Spondylitis 

A dramatic loss of flexibility in the lumbar spine is usually the first symptom of this disease. Arthritis might also be present in the hips, feet and shoulders. The symptoms often mimic those of other more likely back problems, …

 

 

Technorati Tags: arthritis, arthritis lumbar spine, arthritis o, back pain, chair massage, lower back pain, lumbar laminectomy, lumbar spine, lumbar spine arthritis, magnetic resonance imaging, spinal column, treatment arthritis

 

 

 

 

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One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions among sufferers is arthritis.

Often the word, “arthritis,” brings to mind a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. But, many conditions from benign to severe are listed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will limit this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the names for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. Essentially, the condition is due to the wearing out of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. When joint cartilage is injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is normally protected by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are familiarly called bone spurs. These spurs can cause painful irritation to other tissues around the joint, in this way complicating the already painful condition.

Degenerative joints principally occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity affect the degree of the condition and its onset.

Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected especially in the more advanced stages of the condition. As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is measurably worn and movement is unattainable without severe pain.

Prevention is always the best option, beginning at an early age.

• One should always guarantee that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are correctly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
• Shoes with good support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs require extended periods of standing or walking.
• Weight loss through proper diet will help to reduce stress on weight-bearing body joints.

• Care should be taken to protect knees from pain aad strain when kneeling on hard surfaces.

• The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contained in fruits and vegetables are essential for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but might help to rebuild joint cartilage.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only safe, but an effectual treatment for arthritis, and can assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of experience in helping people with arthritis pain. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Sometimes a brace is used to help stabilize the joint in an effort to alleviate pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is produced by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by acute pain and swelling. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that need to be avoided have a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. People with this condition cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, thus the buildup in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most connected with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including refraining from drinking alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The direct cause is not known, but it is thought to be due to a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness irritated by movement is generally associated with the disease. Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. There are specific blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulations. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

Published by Relief For Back Pain

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