Arthritis Pain
Arthritis of the spine is a condition that is often unavoidable and can develop in the spine’s facet joints, which allow the spine to bend and twist with ease. Unfortunately, many years of daily wear and tear can cause the cushioning cartilage in the facet joints to wear away, allowing bones to rub against one another. This can lead to inflammation, joint stiffness, and bone spurs, and if a bone spur puts pressure on a nearby nerve root, additional painful symptoms can radiate to other areas of the body.
At BEST Health System, we understand how debilitating arthritis can be. Therefore, we encourage our patients to educate themselves on their condition so they know how it can be managed. Continue reading to learn about some activities that may exacerbate your arthritis pain.
Summer Activities That May Trigger Your Arthritis
If you are experiencing arthritis of the spine symptoms, there are a variety of summer activities you may want to avoid because there’s a chance they could increase your pain. This includes high-impact exercises, which can put an excessive amount of pressure on the spine and aggravate the affected area. Some examples of activities to avoid include:
- Jogging
- Soccer
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Heavy lifting
Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption — which can be a popular summer pastime — can also increase arthritis of the spine pain by relaxing the muscles that would otherwise support the spine, potentially increasing the pressure on the affected area.
Exercise Alternatives
A spinal arthritis diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to remain sedentary and can’t enjoy your summer. There are plenty of exercise options that won’t put undue pressure on your spine, including walking, swimming, yoga, and biking, to name a few. These activities could be part of your treatment regimen, which also may include the use of pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. As always, be sure to consult your doctor before attempting any strenuous activities.
Surgery with BEST Health System
If you have experimented with different conservative therapies and not noticed any improvement, you may be a candidate for surgery. At BEST Health System, we offer a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional open-back procedure. Contact BEST today to schedule a consultation.
