By This kind of arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints becomes worn down due to wear and tear, aging, misuse, and injury. This disease in the USA alone affects nearly 50 million people. Figures for the whole world are unknown. The demographic affected by this disease may vary but there are some people who are more susceptible to this disease than others are. A person’s susceptibility to this disease depends on the factors prevalent in that person’s life; factors, such as age, trauma to the bones, illnesses, family history, obesity, and weakened immune system, among others.
Spinal osteoarthritis is actually the most common. It is proven to be the most painful and disabling as well. A healthy individual’s spinal column will have enough cartilage within the joints to lubricate the movement of the bones. However, for people with this type of arthritis, the quantity of cartilage is just not enough anymore. As a result, the bones will rub against each other, thereby causing inflammation, pain, and the development of bone halts.
The general symptoms of arthritis of the spine are inflammation, stiffness, and pain. However, there are also other symptoms namely: (1) deformed spine, (2) limited range of motion, (3) soreness and pain in the hips, knees, heels, or shoulders, (4) numbness of arms and legs, (5) back pain, (6) numbness and pain on the neck, (7) grinding sound and sensation, and (8) pain the lower back. The sufferer may experience one or several of the symptoms. When you experience one or more of these symptoms mentioned, it would be best to visit your doctor.
Like other types of arthritis, spine arthritis treatment is based upon the assessment of your doctor. Even though there exists advanced surgical procedures that are less invasive, the doctor would reserve surgery as the final option. Then again, the best option would be prevention. Even though there is no definite way to prevent this disease, a healthy lifestyle would surely minimize the probability of you being affected by this. It is better than not having a plan at all.
Nathaly Dedeyan is co-owner of GeorgiaMedical.com, a news, training, and community information website specifically for the Georgia medical scene. http://www.GeorgiaMedical.com is an online medical resource that contains medical journals, medical careers and a comprehensive medical directory http://www.GeorgiaMedical.com
