Spinal Arthritis Causes Vary from Case to Case
There are a wide range of spinal arthritis causes that lead to the deterioration of cartilage that characterizes osteoarthritis. These causes include several uncontrollable factors, such as heredity, gender, and age. Women and people over 45 are more likely to develop arthritis, as are those with certain types of inherited joint problems.
However, there are other arthritis risk factors that are within your control; the first being body weight. Obesity forces a person’s spine to bear more weight than it is designed to, which creates stress on the vertebrae. That added pressure can lead to the breakdown of cartilage. The second controllable cause is injury. While you can’t always avoid getting hurt, you can take precautions to protect your spine. When lifting, bending, and twisting, be conscious of your body and don’t put undue stress on your back. If you perform repetitive motions at work, stop frequently to give your body a rest. You should also maintain good posture and utilize any equipment available to support your back.
If you’ve done your best to avoid spinal arthritis causes and you still develop the condition, there are several treatments available to ease your pain. In fact, many arthritis sufferers achieve relief with over-the-counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications. Some also perform special exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, which can help ease the pressure. Unfortunately, though, a portion of spinal arthritis sufferers have to use more aggressive treatments, like prescription medication and spinal steroid injections, to relieve their pain. In a small number of cases, surgery may be required for relief.
At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), we offer minimally invasive procedures that are highly effective at treating spinal arthritis, no matter what the causes. They also have fewer side effects than traditional treatment. Contact us today for more information.



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