To start, if you have lower back discomfort, be sure to discuss osteoarthritis of the spine with your doctor. Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis which frequently affects weight bearing joints such as the joints of the hip, knees and spine. Spine specific arthritis is common in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) portions of the spine. The development of lower back arthritis may be associated with bone spurs-osteophytes which result from joint bones rubbing against each other without the protective cartilage cushioning. When bone on bone friction occurs in the spine it can cause these osteophytes to form. Osteophytes can be found in different parts of the spine. Risk factors for developing osteophytes include family history, obesity and an injury to the vertebrae.
There are many treatments which can be used to provide pain relief, reduce joint inflammation and promote mobility.
Exercise is a form of treatment which promotes spinal joint health by strengthening the muscles which support the spine. Exercise helps reduce stress on joints by promoting weight loss. The motion of exercise helps prevent joint stiffness improving mobility. It is important to listen to your body when exercising and not exercise for too long of a duration-sufficient rest is very important. Specific exercises for lower back arthritis focus on strengthening lower back and abdominal muscles. Two suggested are exercises are:
1) The Pelvic Tilt: Lay flat on your back, inhale and then tighten your abdominals while you exhale and press your navel to the floor. You should hold that position for about five seconds and repeat about 10 times.
2) Knee Lifts: Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Pull your abdomen in tight and raise one foot about 3 to 4 inches, keeping your abdomen pulled in. Hold for about 5 seconds and then switch legs. You should repeat the lift five times on each leg. For upper back arthritis neck muscle stretches can be helpful. You can do chin tucks to stretch the muscles of the cervical spine. Lay on your back and bring your chin slowly to your chest so that you feel the stretch. Hold the position for about five seconds and repeat 10 times.
Someone with osteoarthritis should exercise more frequently for shorter periods of time-perhaps 10-15 minutes each session with 3-4 sessions throughout the day. Some suggested exercises types are swimming, stationary cycling, walking and light weight lifting.
Braces which support the spine can be helpful at relieving symptoms of back arthritis and providing pain relief. For cervical spine arthritis a neck collar can be worn to support the cervical spine, or a lumbar corset can be worn to help alleviate lower back arthritis symptoms and lower back pain.
Dietary supplements for treating arthritis of the lower back include bromelain, glucosamine sulfate, condroiten sulfate and boswellia. The supplement boswellia is often prescribed for lower back arthritis. In history, it has been used for centuries in India in what is called Ayurvedic medicine. Other medications available for treating joint inflammation and pain include medications taken orally, medication injected directly into the inflamed joint and topical creams or lotions. These medications are available both over the counter and through a physician’s prescription. You should speak with your physician about the many medication options for arhtritis symptoms and pain relief to find the best treatment for your specific arthritis and your specific health profile.
