Degenerative Arthritis In Spine - Degenerative Spine

Degenerative Arthritis In Spine: An Overview

Degenerative arthritis in spine is one of the most common problems which can affect your spine. It is also known as osteoarthritis. This problem is commonly found in people who use their body parts, especially the spine for carrying heavy load.

The human spine is made up of a group of individual bones known as vertebrae. These bones provide a support to the spine. Intervertebral disc connect these vertebrae in the front of the spine. This provides an easy support and movement to the spine. There are many ligaments and muscles attached to the back of the spine, which provide the power needed for movement.

Degenerative arthritis in spine occurs due to the degeneration of joints caused by misuse and aging. Another major cause is the loss of cartilage formation of bone spurs and overgrowth of bones. Due to this the bones under the cartilage rob together and cause pain, swelling and a loss of motion.

Degenerative arthritis in spine can cause pain and stiffness in the neck and the lower back area. When the upper spine and neck are affected at that time it is known as cervical arthritis or cervical spondylitis and when the lower back and pelvic area is affected it is called, lumbosacaral or lumbar arthritis.

The Degenerative arthritis in spine can be diagnosed and detected with some medical tests. Some these tests are: X-rays, CT scan, MRI and some other physical tests

There are some possible treatments for degenerative arthritis in spine, but the treatments are different for different patients. For, the treatments depend upon the results produced by the diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis, your physician will decide upon your treatment which may include medications, acupuncture, physical therapy, various exercises like cycling, swimming or a combination of these.

If the diagnose shows the degenerative arthritis in spine, is mild case, then you should first of start controlling your weight by doing proper exercises. This will stop the problem from aggravating further. The patient should also take proper rest and avoid unnecessary stress. In the case of a pain they are advised to apply heat for 10-12 minutes.

A patient with severe degenerative arthritis in spine should also control his/her weight and should go for a surgery when the doctor recommends it. A surgery will be helpful in removing bone fusion and fragments to improve and increase the stability.

However there are some risks related to the surgery such as excessive bleeding, weakness in the body, irritation and a feeling of deficiency.

Still the risk factor is nothing compared to the problems caused by degenerative arthritis of the spine, therefore one should get it treated as soon as it is diagnosed.

Degenerative Spine