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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