Arthritis of the Spine Symptoms
While arthritis of the spine can be a painful condition, there are treatment options that can reduce its symptoms. Also known as facet syndrome, this condition can develop when the cartilage in the spine’s facet joints wears down due to years of wear and tear. When this occurs, the vertebrae in the spine can grind against one another, causing stiffness and inflammation. And, when the bones in the joint become stressed, they can respond by creating more bone in the form of osteophytes, commonly known as bone spurs. If a bone spur comes in contact with a spinal nerve root, additional symptoms can develop.
When treating arthritis of the spine, it is important to adjust your lifestyle to support a healthy spine. A large component of this is your diet. Continue reading to check out the BEST guide on great foods to eat if you have arthritis.
Six Foods to Eat for Spinal Arthritis
If you are undergoing arthritis of the spine treatment, your diet can be an important part of the overall wellness process. Here are some foods that can help improve your spine health:
- Fish. The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish, such as salmon and tuna, can help fight inflammation.
- Cherries. Cherries contain anthocyanins, which also can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Dairy. Dairy products are high in calcium and vitamin D, which can increase bone strength. Leafy greens are another option if you don’t eat dairy.
- Broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Both of these vegetables contain a high concentration of sulforaphane, an antioxidant that could help slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
- Green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, which are thought to slow cartilage destruction and reduce inflammation.
- Citrus. The vitamin C found in citrus can help you maintain healthy joints.
Another important factor in treating any type of degenerative spine condition, including arthritis of the spine, is exercising and maintaining a healthy diet so you can shed any excess weight. This may be adding to the daily strain on the spine.
Surgical Options
For many patients, several months of conservative arthritis of the spine treatment therapies will provide the symptom relief they are looking for, allowing them to return to an active lifestyle. However, if symptoms persist, surgery becomes a possible option.
At BEST Health System, we offer modern alternatives to traditional open-back surgery. Our procedures only require a less-than-one-inch incision and our patients can return home the same day. The best part of all is that this all takes place on an outpatient basis. Contact BEST today to learn more about arthritis surgery with us.
