Arthritis of the spine, also known as osteoarthritis, is a condition that involves the wearing away of the cartilage in the spine as we age, causing bones to rub against each other. 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.

Arthritis of the spine 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.

What can a physical therapist do to relieve arthritis of the spine symptoms?

If you are suffering from this debilitating condition, physical therapy can help to reduce your symptoms and slow down the progression of arthritis of the spine. After evaluating your condition, a physical therapist can teach you low-impact exercises and stretches to help strengthen your spine and improve your mobility without causing further damage.

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. He or she may also recommend the use of hot and cold packs, ultrasound therapy and manual manipulation to help treat your condition. If physical therapy, and other conservative treatments, do not provide you with adequate relief after several weeks or months, then contact USA Spine Care to find out how we can help ease your symptoms.

Surgical arthritis of the spine treatment options

At USA Spine Care, we offer a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery,^ in the form of our minimally invasive spine surgery. Our arthritis of the spine treatment involves the use a small incision to remove part or all of the damaged disc and decompress the pinched nerve, depending on the severity of the condition. If a stabilization procedure is necessary, an implant will then be inserted into the empty disc space to stabilize the spine.

Since 2005, our minimally invasive procedures have helped more than 75,000 patients find lasting relief from their chronic neck or back pain, setting us apart as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. To find out if you are a potential candidate for our arthritis of the spine surgery, reach out to our dedicated team today and ask for a free MRI review.*