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Treating Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis is a condition in which the joints in the spine degenerate and become stiffer due to inflammation and the wearing down of the cartilage that usually provides cushion and allows vertebrae to glide smoothly as we twist and bend. While there is technically no proven spinal arthritis treatment that can rid you of the condition, there are many reliable treatments for minimizing the related symptoms. The best treatment for you depends on the specifics of your individual situation, and only your doctor can tell you which will be the most effective.
Conservative treatments for spinal arthritis symptoms include:
- Stretching
- Pain medicines
- Anti–inflammatory medication
- Spinal cortisone shots
- Rest
- Heat/ice therapy
Surgery as a Spinal Arthritis Treatment
When conservative treatments for spinal arthritis fail to bring enough relief for the sufferer to live a happy, fulfilling life, the doctor may say that spinal arthritis surgery is the only option left. In this situation, endoscopic procedures are a proven and safe alternative to the more common open back and neck surgery. Endoscopic procedures come with significant advantages over open surgeries, including:
- Use of local rather than general anesthesia
- Lower risk of infection
- Lower chance of both internal and external scarring
- Smaller incision
- Reduced trauma to the body
- Faster recovery time
- Availability to some people who are not eligible for open back and neck procedures
For more information on your options with regard to a spinal arthritis treatment, including the endoscopic procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute facilities, contact us. We will be happy to review your MRI or CT scan free of charge and have our doctors discuss your treatment possibilities including your eligibility for one of our minimally invasive procedures.