The National Institutes of Health states that arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. Furthermore, arthritis involves the breakdown of the cartilage in joints that absorb shock when pressure is placed on it. Arthritis in the back occurs when the cartilage between the backbones becomes worn and inflamed, which allow the bones in the back to rub together. Back arthritis is usually treated conservatively, but a doctor may recommend more invasive therapy for severe cases of back arthritis.
Back Pain
MayoClinic.com states that back pain is a common symptom associated with back arthritis. Back pain occurs because bones are rubbing together due to the lack of cartilage between the bones. This causes the development of bone spurs, which can push on nerves that sense pain in the back. Back pain is usually worse with bending, extending or twisting of the back. Furthermore, pain can increase during a cough or sneeze. Rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may be helpful in reducing this symptom. A doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to relieve back arthritis pain. A surgeon may be consulted in more severe cases.
Back Swelling
Swelling can occur anywhere along the vertebrae, but commonly occurs in the facet joints, or the joints that connect two vertebrae together. Swelling occurs because bone spurs in the facet joints cause inflammation which attracts fluid to the facet joints. This may also cause a feeling of fullness in the back. Swelling can be treated with ice and NSAIDs. A doctor may recommend injecting corticosteroids into the back, near the facet joints to reduce swelling. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that are used to reduce swelling. These injections are done under fluoroscopy, or live X-ray, to ensure proper placement of the medication. These medication can only be given three times per year to prevent unwanted side effects, that include bone thinning, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Limited Range of Motion
The spine is a flexible structure that allows bending, twisting and extension of the upper body. Back arthritis can reduce range of motion because bone spurs form in facet joints. Movement at these joints is primarily responsible for the flexibility of the spine. Thus, reducing swelling in facet joints is important to increasing range of motion. In addition, physical therapy may also be useful because the physical therapist can help improve range of motion through flexibility and strength training exercises.
