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Treatment for Spinal Arthritis

Treatment for spinal arthritis can take many forms, from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to spinal surgery. Although the proper course of treatment will vary from patient to patient, it is important to remember that, in most cases, non-invasive, conventional pain relief options should be tried before you consider the more serious decision of surgery.

Spinal arthritis affects the facet joints of the spine and sometimes intervertebral discs, both of which are located between the vertebrae of the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), and lumbar spine (lower back). Initial treatment is often aimed at taking pressure off these joints while increasing the spine’s flexibility and strength. Furthermore, since arthritis can lead to the creation of bone spurs and other swollen tissues pressing upon nerve roots and the spinal cord, treatment also may include medications and injections to reduce swelling.

Whether you suffer from osteoarthritis of the spine (degeneration of facet joints) or spinal rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of facet joints), treatment for spinal arthritis can include the following:

• Physical therapy: mild body movements that focus on the joints of the spine, which can help relieve tension and increase circulation in the affected area. Strength-building therapy can also help other parts of the spine take some of the burden off the arthritic joints. Physical therapy also might include lessons on proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, and so on.
• Spinal arthritis exercises: maintaining mobility and flexibility are crucial. Low-impact activities like swimming and walking, gentle stretching, and range of motion exercises can help your body stay agile.
• Medication: over-the-counter or prescription pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce pain so that exercise and physical therapy are more bearable.
• Steroid injections: an injection of the anti-inflammatory hormone, cortisone, can temporarily help pain that results from joint swelling and can also help your doctor to pinpoint the exact location of the affected joint
• Rest: if your spinal arthritis worsens after rigorous use of the joint, rest may be all that is needed to reduce inflammation and pain.

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If you have tried these conventional treatment options and you still find your joint pain to be debilitating, your doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment for spinal arthritis. Traditional, open-back procedures may include spinal fusion (strengthening of spinal column with use of bone grafts or screws), laminectomy (removal of significant portions of one or more vertebrae), or both.

Before deciding on surgery, let the experts at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) introduce you to our minimally-invasive, endoscopic procedures. Our outpatient surgeries have helped tens of thousands of people find relief from the symptoms of spinal arthritis, with much shorter recovery periods than traditional surgeries. Contact us today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan. Let us help you rediscover a life without pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.