Osteoarthritis of the spine - A degenerative disease

While at present there is no proven treatment to either slow the progression or stop osteoarthritis of the spine, there are several treatment options available for alleviating pain as well as other associated symptoms. For most people who are suffering from spinal osteoarthritis, the condition will become unbearable provided they opt for timely spine treatment Atlanta. There are some patients suffering from this condition who have no or minimal pain, and might not require treatment.

Most patients suffering from spinal osteoarthritis benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, exercise and weight reduction. Most treatment plans related to osteoarthritis aim at controlling pain and improving the function of a patient’s body. Surgery is the last resort, and is suggested only in severe cases for treating disability as well as the pain of osteoarthritis of the spine. 

Spinal osteoarthritis and disc degeneration

Medical practitioners and healthcare professionals often refer to osteoarthritis of the spine as arthritis of the facet joints, spinal arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Spinal arthritis is a common condition and occurs in those above fifty years of age. It is an ongoing degenerative process which takes place in the spine. It can also be related to several other degenerative conditions associated with the spine. Particularly, spinal arthritis is related with degenerative discs in the spine.

Osteoarthritis and degenerative discs often occur hand in hand as facet joints and discs are both the similar part of three-joint complex. Often it is thought that degenerative disc can put pressure or stress on the facet joints, therefore, leading to the formation of osteoarthritis and degeneration in the facet joints, over the period of time. It is because of this reason that two degenerative conditions often occur together.   

If you have been observing back pain for a long time accompanied by tingling, numbness and weakness, then without delay consult a renowned orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Erik Bendiks and get started with the most effective treatment.