Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions of people worldwide.
It is widespread among the elderly and is considered a frequent cause of back, lumbar and neck pain.
Osteoarthritis of the spine therefore has an impact on healthcare systems around the world, with rising treatment costs.
These include prescription drugs, surgical interventions and physical therapies, not to mention the costs associated with lost quality of life that influence attendance and performance at work and affect the simple pleasures of daily life.
The prevalence of facet joint-mediated pain in clinical populations increases with age, suggesting that facet joint osteoarthritis may play a particularly important role in the development of spinal pain in the aging population.
Studies show that healthy posture, regular mobilization and manual therapy are an excellent way to prevent osteoarthritis of the spine.
Chiropractors are front-line professionals who are particularly skilled not only in detecting and eliminating joint dysfunctions, but also in helping you prevent and maintain joint health, which is the best way to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.
What is osteoarthritis of the spine?
Osteoarthritis of the spine, also known as spondylosis, is a degenerative condition in which joint surfaces and intervertebral discs show premature wear.
This wear often starts slowly and progresses insidiously, often without pain.
Falls, sports-related accidents in youth and even a sedentary lifestyle can all accelerate premature wear and tear on the spine.
The absence or modification of joint mobility is one of the key factors influencing joint health and degeneration.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but is particularly concentrated in the facet joints, or zygapophyseal joints, located in the posterior part of the spine.
These facet joints form the only true synovial joints between the vertebral levels of the spine, enabling movement.
Anatomy of the spine
The spinal column is made up of several superimposed bony segments, including three articular structures: the disc, formed of cartilage, and two facet joints.
Together, they form a synovial joint and are involved in the movement of the cervical, dorsal and lumbar spine.
These facets enable the spine to move, while the disc absorbs the shock and weight exerted on the structures.
This ensures total structural and functional integrity during everyday activities such as bending, twisting and lifting.
The orientation of the facet joints is the key to determining the possible ranges of movement for the different regions of the spine.
These inclinations also explain the natural curve of the spine in its anatomical position.
For example, the joints in the cervical region allow more rotation, while those in the thoracic region have a greater natural inclination and rotation, enabling a greater variety of movements, such as rotation and lateral flexion.
In the lumbar region, on the other hand, the facet joints form a more vertical curve, which limits rotational movements.
This can affect the golf swing, for example, and may explain why simple gestures such as shovelling can cause pain, since they involve rotation.
It's therefore essential to maintain healthy movement, which is invaluable for back health, helping to prevent osteoarthritis and influence quality of life.
An understanding of how this works is essential for diagnosing movement deficiencies and correcting anomalies that are closely linked to pain, such as the widespread facet syndrome responsible for back pain.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the back?
Osteoarthritis of the back can cause a number of different symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.
Here are the most common:
- Localized pain and stiffness around the spine
- Fatigue
- Reduced range of motion and back mobility
- Muscle spasms and cramps
- Inflammation around back joints or discs
- Sensitivity or persistent pain
Osteoarthritis of the back is irreversible and can become a difficult condition to manage due to its chronic nature.
It's therefore important to take care of your mobility from an early age through healthy lifestyle habits involving exercise, healthy postures and periodic chiropractic check-ups to prevent premature aging of your spine.
How does osteoarthritis of the spine evolve?
The evolution of osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive degradation of the cartilage between joints, leading to inflammation, swelling and stiffness.
Further degradation of the cartilage can lead to pinching of the joint, affecting the nerves leaving the spinal cord.
In these cases, symptoms progress from tingling, numbness and burning in the extremities to difficulty walking or even standing upright.
Osteoarthritis can therefore have serious repercussions on quality of life, with reduced flexibility, loss of mobility and significant pain.
That's why it's important to recognize the first symptoms, so you can administer the appropriate treatments, such as chiropractic manipulation, decompression, rest and thermotherapy.
How is osteoarthritis of the spine treated?
Fortunately, there are several treatment options for people suffering from chronic osteoarthritis.
Conservative non-surgical treatments such as manual therapy, exercise and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce pain and improve mobility with regular implementation.
Manual therapies are known to be highly effective, enabling patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the spine to improve their quality of life.
Medications such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and opioids can also be prescribed to relieve pain.
As a last resort, if non-surgical interventions aren't enough, surgery may be necessary, despite the risks involved.
How can chiropractors relieve osteoarthritis of the spine?
Chiropractic care can bring relief to people suffering from osteoarthritis of the spine.
Treatments involve personalized interventions to help restore optimal alignment and movement to the bones of the spine.
This helps to relieve symptoms, improve flexibility, posture and joint function, and prevent deterioration.
Non-invasive techniques such as soft tissue massage, decompression therapy, active release technique (ART) and other physical modalities can also be used in combination with manual manipulation to help improve comfort and mobility levels.
Using a holistic approach that combines natural processes, chiropractic can rehabilitate people with degenerative osteoarthritis and enable patients to effectively manage their spinal health!
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