What is Best Treatment for Arthritis in Lower Back

Are you a victim of lower back pain with symptoms like stiffness, posture problems, and muscle spasms? Do these signs range from mild to severe, giving you a hard time walking or generally, moving? If yes, you may be suffering from arthritis in the lower back, medically termed as spinal arthritis.

This condition is the inflammation of the joints present in your spinal column that runs from your pelvis up to the neck. Sometimes, the pain goes away, while other times, it stays and becomes chronic with time.

Therefore, if you want to lead a healthy life, find ways to eliminate or reduce the pain. But what is the best treatment for arthritis in the lower back?

To find out more, read the discourse below.

Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis in Lower Back

Spinal arthritis is often caused by infection, autoimmune diseases, and regular ‘wear and tear’ of your back. However, you must know that this issue isn’t a single disease. There are many types of arthritis that may be blamed for your back pain.

For instance, osteoarthritis is a common back arthritis that leads to stiffness in the back. The risk of this problem rises with age.

Similarly, rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men. It also harms the lining of the joints, affecting your spine’s cervical area.

Therefore, before you find the right treatment, be sure to visit your doctor to determine the right cause of arthritis in your lower back.

You may also want to discuss some common symptoms like:

• Stiffness
• Inflexibility in the spine
• Swelling in the lower back
• Feeling of grinding
• Unbearable pain
• Numbness in arms, legs, hands, feet, or toes.

Once you have communicated these symptoms correctly to your doctor, they will advise you to go for some tests before finally analyzing the root cause of your arthritis in the lower back and its correct treatment.

What Is the Best Treatment for Arthritis in the Lower Back?

Fortunately, there is more than one treatment for arthritis in the lower back, depending on the severity of the condition.

Most doctors generally suggest over-the-counter medicines as the first way of treatment. They would mostly advise you to take OTC pain relievers such as Tylenol to eliminate the pain temporarily. They might also suggest a few popular topical pain relievers like sprays, gels, and creams to reduce the pain for some time.

However, if these medications fail to work, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger options such as Zorvolex. You may also be instructed to take anti-inflammatory medications like steroids, depending on your current condition.

If the cause of the pain is an autoimmune problem, your doctor may advise you to follow immunosuppressive therapy.

What if all the above options fail to work even after a consistent approach? In that case, you may be advised to go for a surgery. According to research, RFA, or Radiofrequency Ablation, works effectively for most arthritis patients. The treatment uses heat to burn nerve fibers that carry pain. Most patients feel better within a week or two of taking this treatment.

Complementary Therapies for Arthritis in Lower Back

Medicines alone may not do wonders in managing your excruciating pain. You may also have to follow a few practices or therapies to feel better again.

Massage

Massage therapy helps in pain management by manipulating your muscles and tissues. The process releases tension in your body, boosts blood circulation, and reduces muscle inflammation.

A good massage can also increase your motion range and flexibility. Most importantly, it can help alleviate pain in your lower back, giving you better mental and physical health.

Acupuncture

As per research, this Chinese procedure helps reduce your pain significantly. It also improves your quality of life by increasing your motion. The practice uses small needles to stimulate the acupuncture points on your lower back. When positioned correctly, these needles stimulate your nervous system and release chemicals.

Meditation

Stress can cause tension in your muscles, leading to continued pain in your lower back. Therefore, meditation may help release this tension to allow your body to relax. A study suggests that low-stress levels help reduce inflammation. This leads to a reduced pain response in your body.

Meditation is also good for your mental well-being. It helps you feel emotionally stable, allowing you to sleep with ease.

A well-rested body is also a great way to keep any pain at bay.

Home Remedies for Lower Back Arthritis

A treatment for your lower back arthritis is more than just some medicines and procedures. You will also have to follow a few daily lifestyle changes to feel better in no time.

Take a look at what you can do at home to relieve pain.

• Stay physically active to manage spinal arthritis. If you can’t workout vigorously, opt for yoga or Pilates with low impact. Alternatively, you can choose to follow cardio, weight, or strength training to improve posture, strengthen your spine, and boost blood circulation.
• Reduce your weight by following a good diet, workout sessions, and a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, carrying extra weight puts excess pressure on your spine, making it difficult to come out of your lower back pain.
• If you work regularly, make sure that you join a physical therapy expert who can help you with the best tricks to exercise safely. Don’t experiment with this aspect on your own!
• Finally, quit smoking and alcohol. You may not see a sudden difference with this move, but eventually, your body will feel less stressed and more energetic.

Wrap Up

It isn’t easy to live with arthritis in your lower back area. That is why it is necessary to take productive actions before it is too late. Instead of finding a treatment yourself, visit your healthcare specialist, communicate your symptoms, and do what they suggest. Meanwhile, look after your health by working out, dating right, sleeping well, and meditating every day.

There is no one remedy to fix it all. Since everybody and pain are different, you will have to work out a plan as per your condition’s requirements. Arthritis can get worse if not dealt with properly, so don’t take this pain for granted.