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Spine Arthritis Treatment
Spinal arthritis is a degenerative disease that is usually associated with the normal aging process. It involves the slow breaking down of cartilage in the spine, primarily in facet joints of the vertebrae. Although osteoarthritis cannot be “cured,” there are many spine arthritis treatment options available that can lessen the severity of symptoms caused by the condition.
Conservative approaches for managing symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis include:
- Pain medications - OTC and prescription
- Cortisone injections
- Hot and cold compresses
- Rest
- Strength exercises
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
Surgery as a Spine Arthritis Treatment
For most people, the conservative methods above will alleviate their symptoms enough for them to live a normal, happy life. However, some people find that even after these treatments, their spine arthritis continues to negatively impact their quality of life and make even everyday tasks nearly impossible. For these people, surgery is a last resort for relief.
However, this does not have to mean a hospital stay, general anesthesia, or even a lengthy recovery period; there is a successful alternative to open back and neck procedures known as endoscopic spine surgery. It allows for of the reduction of spine arthritis symptoms without many of the downfalls of open back or neck procedures. Using tiny tools fed through a Depuy tube, surgeons are able to access the spine without the need for a large incision, or cutting of bone. Because the trauma to the body is reduced, these procedures can also be performed using local anesthesia and IV sedation rather than general anesthesia, which allows the patient to return home or to their hotel room the same day.
For more information on spine arthritis treatment options, to learn about endoscopic spine surgery at Laser Spine Institute, or for a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan by one of our medical professionals, contact us.