Arthritis can cause many changes in the body, including pain and limited mobility in the lower back. Normal wear and tear with age can cause a degenerative process in the vertebrae, which may contribute to the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis. Injuries and other diseases can contribute to this condition as well. The lower back can also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. The treatments for arthritis of the spine will depend in part on the type of arthritis and how severe the damage is. It is always best to have lower back pain properly diagnosed before starting any treatment program, as the wrong approach can do more harm than good.
Postural Training
No matter what type of arthritis a person suffers from, it is important to establish a lifelong habit of using good body mechanics and posture to avoid placing strain on the lower back. The American Arthritis Society recommends always lifting properly, avoiding twisting movements, refraining from over-reaching the arms, not sitting for extended periods and setting up work stations properly. Everyday activities done incorrectly can place too much pressure on the back and make pain and stiffness worse. An occupational or physical therapist can teach ways of doing daily chores and hobbies without straining the lower back.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Heat can be used to soothe sore back muscles and reduce pain, states the Arthritis Foundation. This can include applying dry or moist heat with a wrap or heating pad. Taking a warm bath or shower can also help to relax tight muscles. Cold therapy in the form of wraps or using ice can help to cut back on inflammation and numb painful areas. Use caution with heat if a form of inflammatory arthritis is causing the symptoms as heat increases blood flow and can make swelling worse. Do not use cold therapy for long periods at one time as this can increase stiffness. Applying either for about 15 to 20 minutes at one time is usually safe and heat or cold can be used throughout the day or at times when symptoms flare.
Medication
The lower back is a common site for osteoarthritis and if the symptoms interfere with everyday life, medications may be helpful, states the Mayo Clinic. This can include pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and in some cases steroid injections. Each case is different and it may take some experimentation to find the right dose and combination with the lowest incidence of side effects.
Exercise
The right intensity and type of exercise can also help to relieve lower back arthritis. Exercise can help to strengthen and stretch the muscles that support the lower back, which can take pressure off of the spine. Exercise can also help to shed extra pounds which may be placing a strain on the lower back. The Merck website suggests aerobic exercises such as walking, biking and swimming to keep the entire body in good shape. This should be combined with gentle stretching for the back and hips along with strengthening exercises for the low back and abdominal muscles. Exercise should only be done at a pain-free level.
Surgery
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can both progress to the point where damage to the spine can cause severe symptoms that interrupt daily life. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, when pain is significant, weakness and numbness cause difficulty walking or bladder and bowel functions are interrupted, surgery will be considered. This can involve removing damaged areas of the spine, reshaping the bones of the vertebra to take pressure off of nearby nerves or fusing vertebra together. A physician can review the history of symptoms and use x-rays and other scans to determine when surgery is appropriate and the best method to use.
