1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Conditions Overview
• »
• Conditions Overview
• »
• Arthritis of the Spine
• »
• Treat Arthritis Spine

How to Treat Arthritis of the Spine

If you’ve ever wondered how to treat arthritis of the spine, you may be surprised to know how many options there are for pain relief. From conventional, non-invasive treatment options to minimally invasive procedures, there is hope for a treatment that’s just right for you.

Spinal Osteoarthritis Overview

Having a thorough explanation of the condition is the first step to knowing how to treat arthritis of the spine. Arthritis of the spine, which normally refers to osteoarthritis, affects the facet joints of the spine, which are the hinge-like connections between adjacent vertebrae. As you age, the cartilage surrounding the facet joints begins to degrade. When joints lose their soft padding of cartilage, movements of the back and neck can be extremely painful. The most common cause of this degenerative condition is normal wear and tear, though other causes include:

• Obesity
• Overuse of joint
• Genetic predisposition
• A lowered immune system

Treatment Options

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Basically, knowing how to treat arthritis of the spine means knowing how to minimize pain. For instance, weight loss may help to reduce stress on the affected joints. Patients also may try rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or gentle chiropractic work. Many patients also find steroid injections to be helpful. These are slow-release doses of cortisone that help to reduce inflammation and numb pain. Gentle, low-impact exercises have also been known to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, and endorphin levels.

If none of these treatments prove helpful, your doctor may suggest surgery, which includes various risks and a fairly long recovery period. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can offer alternatives to a traditional back operation—our minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures have helped tens of thousands of people rediscover a life without severe chronic back pain. Contact us today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

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