Arthritis in the Back? Physical Therapy Can Help

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from arthritis, you know how debilitating it can be. Not only is it painful, but it can also make performing everyday tasks very difficult. If you are struggling with arthritis in your back, physical therapy may be able to help. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for arthritis in the back and how it can help improve your quality of life.

What Is Arthritis In The Back Called?

Arthritis in the back is a common condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the spine. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common type affecting the back is called osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage between the vertebrae in the spine breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the spine. This condition mostly occurs in people over the age of 50, but it can also occur in younger people if they have a family history of arthritis or if they have injured their back.

What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis In The Back?

The most common symptom of arthritis in the back is pain. This pain is often worse with activity and at night. Other symptoms can include:

• Stiffness in the back
• Inflammation in the back
• Swelling in the back
• Weakness in the back
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Difficulty moving the back

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so they can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment options.

How Is Arthritis In The Back Diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely start with a physical examination and review of your medical history. They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to get a better look at your spine. These tests can help rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

What Causes Arthritis In The Back?

The exact cause of arthritis in the back is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors for developing arthritis in the back include:

Age – the risk of developing arthritis in the back increases as you get older

Family History – if someone in your family has arthritis, you are more likely to develop it

Obesity – carrying extra weight puts additional stress on the joints and can lead to arthritis

Joint Injury – an injury to a joint (such as from a fall or car accident)

What Can Be Done For Arthritis In The Back?

Arthritis in the back is a common problem that can cause significant pain and disability. While there is no cure for arthritis, physical therapy can be an effective treatment to help reduce pain and improve function. Physical therapy helps by reducing inflammation, improving joint function, and increasing muscle strength.

Physical therapy for arthritis in the back typically includes a combination of:

Exercise: Exercise is an important part of physical therapy for arthritis in the back. A variety of exercises can help to improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength. Exercises like walking, swimming, and Tai Chi can also help to improve overall fitness and reduce pain.

Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and trigger point release can help to reduce pain and improve function. Massage will help to increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension. Joint mobilization can help to improve the range of motion. Trigger point release can help to break up areas of muscle spasm.

Education: Education about arthritis and proper self-care is an important part of physical therapy. Learning about the condition, proper exercise techniques, and ways to modify activities can help to reduce pain and improve function.

If you are suffering from arthritis in the back, physical therapy can help. Contact a physical therapist today to learn more.

What Makes Arthritis In Back Worse?

There are a few things that can make arthritis worse in the back. These include:

Inactivity. When you don’t move around, your joints can stiffen and the muscles supporting them can weaken.

Obesity. Carrying extra weight puts more stress on your joints, particularly your knees, hips, and back.

Poor Posture. Poor posture can put extra strain on your back and lead to pain.

Repetitive Motions. Doing the same thing over and over again can stress your joints and muscles and lead to pain.

These are just a few of the things that can make arthritis worse. If you have arthritis, it’s important to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and practice good posture. Additionally, if you do repetitive motions, be sure to take breaks often and try to vary your movements.

What Can Arthritis Lead To?

Arthritis is a medical condition that can lead to pain and inflammation in the joints. In some cases, arthritis can also lead to problems in the bones and muscles around the joints. In severe cases, arthritis can even lead to disability.

There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common type is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down. This can happen due to age, injury, or overuse of the joints.

If left untreated, arthritis can eventually lead to joint damage and deformity. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and slow down the progression of the disease. One such treatment is physical therapy.

What Is The Fastest Way To Relieve Arthritis Pain?

If you’re dealing with arthritis pain in your back, you may be wondering what the fastest way to get relief is. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, physical therapy can be a helpful and effective treatment option for many people.

For instant relief, you might ice your back for 20 minutes several times a day or take over-the-counter pain medication. But these measures are only temporary, and they don’t do anything to address the underlying causes of your arthritis pain.

If you’re looking for lasting relief, physical therapy can be a great option. Physical therapists are movement experts who can help you identify and correct the underlying causes of your pain. They can also teach you exercises and stretches that can help reduce your pain in the long term.

If you’re interested in exploring physical therapy as a treatment option for your arthritis pain, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about what might be right for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, physical therapy is an effective treatment option for arthritis in the back. It can help to improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and increase strength. If you are considering physical therapy for your arthritis, be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your therapist. With proper treatment, you can expect to see improvements in your condition.

Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.