What is Spinal Arthritis?
Spinal arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a condition that involves the wearing away of the cartilage in the spine as we age. This causes the bones to rub against eachother. As a result, inflammation can occur as well as the formation of bone spurs as a way to stabilize the spine. When these sharp projections come out, the spinal canal can begin to narrow, and nerve compression can occur, which leads to the development of additional symptoms.
Spinal arthritis symptoms may include joint pain, reduced flexibility in the joints, numbness or tingling in the arms or hands, and weakness or numbness in the legs. In order to treat this degenerative condition, conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, can be helpful in relieving your symptoms. To learn more about this nonsurgical technique, as well as other forms of treatment that can provide you with relief, read the following article.
How Can Physical Therapy Treat Spinal Arthritis?
If you suffer from this condition, physical therapy for arthritis can help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of arthritis. After evaluating your condition, a physical therapist can teach you low-impact exercises to help strengthen your spine and improve mobility.
To manage your condition, your physical therapist may use a brace to help support your joints as well as suggest certain tools to help with your balance. They may also recommend the use of hot and cold packs, ultrasound therapy, and manual manipulation to help treat your condition. If physical therapy for spinal arthritis and other conservative treatments do not provide you with adequate relief after several weeks or months, you may be a candidate for surgery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery with BEST Health System
BEST Health System is a modern ambulatory center with locations throughout Ohio. We accept patients with debilitating spine, orthopaedic, and neuropathy conditions. Our surgeons are board-certified and specialize in minimally invasive surgical procedures. This means that our patients can experience a faster recovery time, and less scarring, all while on an outpatient basis. BEST Health System also proudly offers physical therapy programs for patients who are looking to manage spinal arthritis without surgical intervention. Our physical therapists are dedicated to making specialty programs for patients so they can return to activities they love.
Contact BEST to learn more about our minimally invasive surgical procedures and physical therapy programs.
