Lumbar Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or many joints of the body and is commonly referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Arthritis is characterized by a progressive loss of cartilage, joint margins, and subchondral bone (the bone that lies underneath the protective cartilage layer). DJD typically leads to joint-space narrowing, osteophyte (bone spur) formation, and ankylosing (joining or fusing of the bones). Joint degeneration is most common in the lower lumbar segments which bear the highest mechanical loads. Arthritis is common in the aging adult as the loading on your joints accumulates over the years, eventually leading to joint pain. Common causes of arthritis are poor biomechanics and posture, trauma, genetic or metabolic causes, weakness in the surrounding musculature and occupational or recreational choices. Typically, in the low back, we can see arthritis between two segments of the spine or in the joints that connect the segments of the spine, which are called facets. Facet arthritis is seen most commonly at L4-5 (79%) followed by L3-4 (72%), L2-3 (66%), L5-S1 (59%), and L1-2 (53%).
What Will Arthritis Look and Feel Like?
Although the clinical presentation of lumbar arthritis is variable and inconsistent, it is often characterized by slow onset of dull, achy pain associated with joint movement. Swelling can occasionally accompany pain. Typically, pain is worse in the morning and closely paired with stiffness and decreased range of motion. Radiographic studies have demonstrated that a group of men with very similar findings of degeneration on x-ray demonstrated differing clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe pain. Symptoms may intensify with strenuous or prolonged activity and may be relieved by sitting or lying down. A major concern with arthritis is the likelihood of progressing to a more severe, painful condition. Without intervention, arthritis can progress and cause narrowing of the tunnel where nerve exits the spinal cord and ultimately cause nerve root irritation or disc issues.
How Do We Treat Lumbar Arthritis?
Although arthritis is not reversible, there are certainly things we can do to treat symptoms to decrease the progression of the disease and the associated pain. Management of lumbar arthritis is directed at relieving inflammation, reducing compressive forces by improving strength around the spine, and restoring normal mechanics. Joint dysfunction is a primary risk factor for the development & progression of degeneration, therefore using joint manipulation techniques to restore joint function are an important part of treatment. At least one study demonstrated that spinal manipulation decreases pain and improves mobility in patients with degenerative changes.
Restoring function is the number one priority when it comes to treatment. Implementation of an exercise program has been shown to help back pain patients. These conservative programs that incorporate intensive exercise rehabilitation will include stretching of tight muscles around the low back and hips as well as strengthening the hip and core stabilizers to give the affected segments more support to ultimately decrease pain.
At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, our doctors treat arthritis with a combination of treatments including Class IV Laser Therapy, Active Release Technique, chiropractic adjustments, flexion and distraction, muscle stimulation, and physical therapy.
If you feel you have been suffering from arthritis, click below to schedule an appointment today to find out how we can help you get out of pain.