Osteoarthritis and the Spine

Your Health

Arthritis comes in as many as 100 forms, affecting the body in as many different ways.  One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative arthritis and colloquially referred to as a “wear and tear” condition.  While people may commonly associate the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis with major joints like the knew and shoulders, the condition can also affect the spine and cause lower back pain.

The spine has gliding joints, called facets.  Discs are the cartilage-covered cushions between the vertebrae that make up the spine.  Discs are subject to “wear and tear” just as the cartilage is in any joint.  Discs in the lower back are especially susceptible to this degeneration.  As they compress, the facets become less fluid, making the spine less flexible and more vulnerable to injury from things like sudden, unexpected movement or lifting.  The compression can also squeeze nerves, causing pain in the lower back and other parts of the body.

Chiropractic adjustment of the spine can help restore proper motion and position of malfunctioning bones and relieve pressure on nerves.  Talk with a chiropractor about ways treatment can help loosen your tight back.