Spinal osteoarthritis treatment –Timely treatment for spinal problems

Osteoarthritis of the spine is one of the most common causes of pain in the back. An increasing number of people are facing this problem. It is a condition in which mechanical breakdown of cartilage occurs between the aligning facet joints in the posterior (back portion) of the spine that triggers mechanically induced pain. Spinal osteoarthritis treatment varies from patient to patient. Each patient is different so is their treatment options.  Spine surgeon or orthopedic surgeon makes sure that the patient gets the best treatment as per their condition.

The facet joints, also known as zygophyseal joints or vertebral joints, get inflamed and progressive joint degeneration causes frictional pain. Flexibility as well as back movement decrease in proportion to the progression of pain in the back, which induces while sitting, standing or walking.

Over the period of time, bone spurs (that is a small and irregular growth of the bone, also known as osteophytes) form in the facet joints along with the spinal vertebrae. The bone spurs are the attempt of nature to help in returning the stability to the joint.

The enlargement of the bony structure is an indication of the spine degeneration. As a matter of fact, bone spurs are considered as a normal process of aging and are not responsible for causing direct pain. However, they might be very large to causing entrapment or imitation of nerves which passes through spinal structures, and might lead to a diminished room for the spinal nerves to pass.  .

It is very important to consult spine surgeon specialists in Atlanta timely for the treatment of spine problem.    If left untreated, spine problems can affect your daily activities and lifestyle.  While choosing a spine surgeon, make sure that he is board certified and has years of experience in treating spine problems. Dr. Erik Bendiks is one of the spine surgeon specialists in Atlanta who has been treating patients suffering from spine problems for more than ten years. 

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Treatment Options For Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to a condition in which spaces in the spine start narrowing causing pressure on the nerves as well as the spinal cord. Going by what studies and report indicate, near about 75 percent cases of spinal stenosis affects the lower back, also known as the lumbar spine. In majority of the cases, the narrowing of the spine is related to stenosis compressing the nerve root which can trigger pain along the back of the leg.  There are several ways which a healthcare professional or orthopedic surgeon might choose for treating the problem. However, surgery is the last resort for Spinal stenosis relief. 

Treatment for spinal stenosis

As slated above, there are different ways for treating spinal stenosis. Listed below are some of the most common options.

Medications – As observed in some cases, inflammatory swelling causes pressure on the nerve. Patients are usually prescribed NSAIDS that anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin for alleviating symptoms. 

The rest – Rest is usually an important part of treatment.It can be followed by a gradual resumption of the activities as advised by the  doctor. Often aerobic activity like cycling is also recommended.

Surgery – It is  the last resort when all other options and method of treatment for spinal stenosis fail to show results. Surgery helps in relieving the pressure placed on the affected nerves. 

Changes in lifestyle and posture – Patients who are suffering from the condition might realize that flexing spine by leaning forward at the time of walking may relieve symptoms. Lying down with knees drawn right up to the chest can also provide respite from severe pain. Also, some changes in lifestyle and eating habits are suggested for improving the condition.

Above slated are treatment options for the pain in lower back, which triggers because of spinal stenosis. There can be several other reasons too for pain in leg and lower back. Lumbar herniated disc is one such reason. The moment you feel pain in the lower back which runs down the leg, it is time to see a doctor.  

Postoperative Care After Lumbar Fusion

It is apparent to a person suffering from chronic spine problem to look for the best of the available treatment problem in the spine can restrict moment making one dependable on others even for basic tasks.  For those who are suffering from spinal osteoarthritis might be well –aware of the problems it brings along. On the basis of your current condition,the orthopedic surgeon will recommend the best spinal osteoarthritis treatment.

There are different types of spinal problems which are faced by people. In some cases, orthopedic surgeon recommends lumbar fusion surgery.  Once the surgery is performed, there is need for post-operative care. As a matter of fact, post-operative treatment is very important for a successful fusion result. Post spine fusion surgery, it takes near about three months for the fusion for successful set up and achieve the maturity.  In the first three months, it is strongly suggested to avoid any such activity which can put a bone graft at the risk. Hence, surgeons restrict the activities involving twisting, lifting and bending the lower back and vigorous activities like running as well as other sports.

As restriction of activities following spinal fusion surgery is the first step for post-operative care.  It is very important for people to prepare for post-operative care.  For instance, arranging necessary items which are accessible within the reach is important.  Stocking up groceries so that you have to do no lifting is yet another preparation. If possible get some extra help from friends, family or relatives. 

On the basis of the type of spinal fusion performed on the patient, the orthopedic surgeon might be a brace to be used post-surgery. It can be either rigid plastic custom molded orthosis or soft corset brace. Sometimes, spine surgeons might augment the fusion area with bone growth stimulators.  Taking proper post-operative care is important for fast recuperation after lumbar fusion.