Osteoarthritis, or spondylosis, is a form of arthritis that is characterized by excessive and abnormal wear and tear of the joints. It can occur in any of the joints of the body, but is very common in the spine due to the complex anatomy and mobility that occurs in the spine. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain, inflammation and loss of mobility and can lead to numbness and tingling or loss of sensation. Osteoarthritis leads to the breakdown of the joint and the spinal discs, which are spongy shock absorbers between each vertebra. When osteoarthritis affects the disc, it can cause the disk to push out of its normal confines and put pressure on nearby nerves. There are many treatments for spondylosis that are aimed at reducing symptoms.
Medications
In most cases of osteoarthritis, over-the-counter medications are suggested to help reduce joint pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, are a first line in treating OA because they have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. According to the Mayo Clinic, long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs can cause side effects, such as cardiovascular problems, kidney damage and liver damage. In cases where OA causes severe pain, stronger prescription versions of NSAIDs or other pain medications may be prescribed by a doctor.
Lifestyle Changes
Osteoarthritis is generally caused by excessive stress leading to wear and tear on the joints. This stress can come from additional body weight, smoking, lack of exercise and by generally not taking care of your spine. According to Spine Health, most people who require treatment for osteoarthritis will benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight reduction and smoking cessation.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat biomechanical dysfunction in the spine. It is precisely this type of dysfunction that leads to excessive strain and wear and tear on the spinal joints. Chiropractic care can help restore muscles and joints to proper working order and help alleviate any excesses spinal stress. Like all treatments, chiropractic care can not reverse joint damage that has already occurred, but can help alleviate pain and stop the progression of the joint destruction.
Traction
Traction has been utilized by chiropractors and physical therapists for many years to treat osteoarthritis. As this disease progresses, it causes the edges and surfaces of the vertebra to become rough and to even grow bone spurs. These bone spurs, or osteophytes, can put pressure on nerves and interfere with mobility. Traction of the spine can reduce pressure and can help rehydrate or even heal the degenerated discs, leading to pain reduction and greater range of motion.
Surgery
In severe cases where osteophytes have grown to a point where the pressure cannot be relieved otherwise, or where a spinal disc has deteriorated completely, surgical intervention may be required. Symptoms can almost always be managed through conservative treatment and surgery is a last resort.
