Arthritis can affect any of the joints in your body. Spinal arthritis occurs when there is inflammation of the joints in your pelvis or spine. The cause of this inflammation may be due to age, autoimmune diseases, wear and tear, infections, or trauma.
Spinal arthritis can affect any level of the spine, and it is quite common in the neck and lower back. This results in issues that may become chronic without the proper care and treatment. If you suffer from back pain, you may benefit from physical therapy in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
How Spinal Arthritis Affects You
There are many different causes of back pain. Acute pain often occurs due to a trauma or injury, and the pain usually dissipates within a week or so. However, chronic back pain can reoccur frequently or never go away. Chronic back pain may be due to an old injury that was never properly treated, or it may be due to repetitive movements at work. Arthritis is another common cause of chronic pain.
The most common symptoms of spinal arthritis are stiffness and pain, although swelling can also occur. There are different forms of arthritis that can affect the back, but osteoarthritis is the most common one. This type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear, and it consists of a breakdown of the cartilage between the bones, which affects the joints where the spinal vertebrae attach.
The problem is that movement of the bones, which needs to occur for most movements, causes even more irritation. This results in the spinal nerves being affected, which results in pain and other symptoms. This can affect how you move, and chronic pain can affect all areas of your life. If you are looking for lower back pain treatment near me, you should consider modalities that help improve the spine.
Improve Your Spinal Care
Instead of relying on pain meds to deal with the pain, you may find that hot and cold therapies work just as well. You should also focus on strengthening both the core muscles and the muscles that support the spine, abs, and hips. If exercising hurts your back, consider working out in the water, whether it is swimming, walking, or water aerobics. The water reduces the weight loads on your joints, which not only helps reduce pain, but it also makes it easier for you to move.
A physical therapist can prescribe exercises and stretches that help relieve the pain caused by spinal arthritis. It is especially important to work with a professional if you have balance issues or are new to exercising. A PT will help guide your movements until you are strong enough to perform them on your own. A physical therapist may also provide additional therapies such as manual therapy or massage.
Physical therapy for kids is also an option if your child has back pain. Osteoarthritis can affect people of all ages, although it is more common in older individuals. Some younger people, however, are more susceptible for certain reasons.
