The first thing you must be aware of is, there is no cure for spinal arthritis, at best there are therapies and treatments that can be used to help to reduce any symptoms you may be having to that you can lead a more normal and full life.

These therapies and treatments can be developed with the help of your doctor and will be tailored to your lifestyle and what you expect to get out of it. You will want to make sure before committing to anything, that this is a plan that you can follow and be 100% committed to, and it is possible that you may need to try many treatments before finding that right mix, but never be discouraged. Through the use of medications, various therapies and surgery this disease can be managed.

The most commonly used therapies and treatments are medications, physical therapy, exercise and rest. While surgery can sometimes be an option, keep in mind that this is a degenerative disease and it will worsen over time.

While this may not be what you wanted to hear, it’s never a good thing to find out that what you have can never be fixed, but it is not the end of the world.

Ways of managing your pain

• Weight loss – If you are overweight you should seriously think about shedding a few pounds. The heavier you are the more stress you put on the bones, joints, and muscles in your back.

• Medications – These can be used to reduce pain and/or inflammation

• Epidural steroid injections – An injection of an anti-inflammatory that can help lessen pain.

• Physical therapy – Exercises is a great way to lose weight and strengthen your back muscles. There are many ways of doing this, from swimming, walking, Yoga, Pilates to more conventional ways of exercising. Pick something you enjoy, if it is not fun you won’t keep up with it in the long run.

• Cold therapy – Can help reduce pain and inflammation

• Heat therapy – Can help reduce pain

• Massage therapy – This can help reduce pain and inflammation. It also promotes faster healing by increasing blood circulation to the damaged areas of your spine

Slowing down the degenerative process

• Weight loss – See above for an explanation

• Physical therapy – See above for an explanation

• Surgery – Spinal Fusion is the only surgery is effective in treating spinal arthritis. This is a major surgery with real risks attached to it. Fused vertebrae have been known to damage the ones above and below it, once this happens you may need surgery to repair that damage.

No matter what you end up choosing to cope with your back arthritis, choose something that works for you and is the best fit for your activity level. Also keep in mind that arthritis is not a death sentence and there are many people with this degenerative disease that live active and productive lives but it will be up to you.

Only you are able to follow through on the things that can help slow down the degeneration of your spine. Don’t let arthritis beat you down, educate yourself and find the best way to manage your condition and symptoms.