Of all the many different types of arthritis, some cause problems in spine joints, while others cause pain in other parts of the body such as shoulders, hips and knees. Usually it is the joints of the lower back that are affected, and in fact arthritis in its various forms is one of the most common causes of lower back pain.
Among the people that develops arthritis in spine joints, many of them have already suffered from other spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. The spinal joints may already be suffering from pre-existing conditions.
The majority of people suffering from arthritis usually suffer from Osteoarthritis, and the condition is fairly common in old age. About 1 in 10 people over 65 will be disabled due to osteoarthritis, although most of these cases refer to knees and hips which can often be restored to mobility through surgery.
Stiffness and pain in the neck and in the lower back are often symptoms of osteoarthritis. Arthritis in the spine lower down can produce the same weakness or numbness in the legs.Those symptoms can also come along with weakness or numbness in either the legs or neck.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease in which the joints become inflamed and painful. Nobody really knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but it appears that genetics might be playing a part. Women run a risk of developing it about three times higher than men. Unlike other types of arthritis that affect joints, this type mostly affects the upper part of the spine, feet and hands.
Ankylosing spondylitis is another type of arthritis, and this one affects the spine. Again this is an auto immune disease but it affects the spine more than other joints. This condition appears to affect men more than women, and many develop it before they turn 40. There is back pain and stiffness, sometimes affecting the whole spine, along with general fatigue. Some even experience inflammation of the eyes. The pain may be relieved by movement, worse when resting. Treatment is based on physical therapy, careful exercise and pain relief.
If you suffer from arthritis in spine areas the first thing to do is to consider your sleeping arrangements. Sometimes, you might be able to find relief by sleeping on a firmer mattress or by switching your pillow. Heat treatment may also be recommended.
Your doctor may also suggest exercises that you can do to strengthen the spine or maintain as much freedom of movement as possible. Your doctor may even prescribe medication for pain relief that's suited to the condition. So make sure you inform your doctor of your condition, and if there are any noticeable changes.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases. This is something that is usually decided depending on the case. Spinal surgery is not something your doctor will fling at you without careful consideration, but it might be an option especially if other conditions that have developed are known to positively respond to surgery.
Among the people that develops arthritis in spine joints, many of them have already suffered from other spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. The spinal joints may already be suffering from pre-existing conditions.
The majority of people suffering from arthritis usually suffer from Osteoarthritis, and the condition is fairly common in old age. About 1 in 10 people over 65 will be disabled due to osteoarthritis, although most of these cases refer to knees and hips which can often be restored to mobility through surgery.
Stiffness and pain in the neck and in the lower back are often symptoms of osteoarthritis. Arthritis in the spine lower down can produce the same weakness or numbness in the legs.Those symptoms can also come along with weakness or numbness in either the legs or neck.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease in which the joints become inflamed and painful. Nobody really knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but it appears that genetics might be playing a part. Women run a risk of developing it about three times higher than men. Unlike other types of arthritis that affect joints, this type mostly affects the upper part of the spine, feet and hands.
Ankylosing spondylitis is another type of arthritis, and this one affects the spine. Again this is an auto immune disease but it affects the spine more than other joints. This condition appears to affect men more than women, and many develop it before they turn 40. There is back pain and stiffness, sometimes affecting the whole spine, along with general fatigue. Some even experience inflammation of the eyes. The pain may be relieved by movement, worse when resting. Treatment is based on physical therapy, careful exercise and pain relief.
If you suffer from arthritis in spine areas the first thing to do is to consider your sleeping arrangements. Sometimes, you might be able to find relief by sleeping on a firmer mattress or by switching your pillow. Heat treatment may also be recommended.
Your doctor may also suggest exercises that you can do to strengthen the spine or maintain as much freedom of movement as possible. Your doctor may even prescribe medication for pain relief that's suited to the condition. So make sure you inform your doctor of your condition, and if there are any noticeable changes.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases. This is something that is usually decided depending on the case. Spinal surgery is not something your doctor will fling at you without careful consideration, but it might be an option especially if other conditions that have developed are known to positively respond to surgery.
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