A spine specialist is an individual who addresses the concerns and health issues associated with various spinal disorders. These medical professionals know how to diagnose, treat and prevent a variety of spine-related health problems including congenital abnormalities and spine injuries. One of the diseases this specialist may commonly diagnose and treat is spinal osteoarthritis.
What Is Spinal Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the spine refers to a condition where the cartilage breaks down in the joints and discs in the lower back and neck. Bone spurs may appear on the spinal column applying pressure to the nerves that branch out from there. The result can be discomfort, pain and weakness in the legs, arms, neck, shoulders back and hips. An age-related condition, spinal osteoarthritis affects certain people and not others.
Who Gets Spinal Osteoarthritis?
Spinal osteoarthritis is more common among older people. For those over age 45, women predominate. For those who get the disease when they are younger than 45, characteristics and causal factors tend to be different than for the older groups. Younger suffers:
- Are predominantly male.
- Have suffered an injury to the affected joint.
- Have had a trauma to the joint.
- Have a genetic defect relating specifically to the affected cartilage of the joint.
Common Characteristics for Either Age Groups Are:
- People who are overweight tend to have the disease more than others.
- People who take part in a sport with repetitive and stressful activities for certain joints.
- Who have a job that is repetitive in nature and actions for certain joints.
- A spine specialist will discuss the potential direct and indirect causes of spinal osteoarthritis as it affects each patient.
Treatments for Spinal Osteoarthritis
There is no cure for spinal arthritis. The specialist will discuss and implement one or a combination of the various treatment options available for relieving the pain and improving the range of motion. Among common approaches are:
- Weight loss. If applicable.
- Strengthening exercises. To help improve the ability of muscles to support the weight of the joints.
- Over-the-counter medications. Including acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen.
- Topical materials. Sufferers may apply various pain relief ointments.
- Prescription medication. Painkillers of various types such as mild narcotics and corticosteroids injections.
- Alternative approaches. Ranging from acupuncture to yoga.
Only in a few cases will the specialist encourage seeking a surgeon,
Consulting a Spine Specialist
Arthritis can strike any part of the body. An insidious disease, it comes in as many as 100 different forms including osteoarthritis. With no cure in sight, when someone suffers from spinal osteoarthritis, the best approach is to see someone who works exclusively with spinal problems – a spine specialist.
If a medical professional suggests you visit a spine specialist, contact the experienced staff at Suburban Orthopaedics. They have been dedicated to serving their patients with compassion and expertise for more than 25 years. For more information about how they can best meet your needs, contact the staff online at www.suburbanortho.com. You can follow them on Twitter for further news and updates!
