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Spinal Osteoarthritis Pain Relief From Trusted Bournemouth Chiropractors | Charminster Chiropractic Clinic

ByTobias Toska

Pain Relief for Spinal Osteoarthrits From Bournemouth Chiropractors at Charminster Chiropractic Clinic

Spinal Osteoarthritis is very common and is known to get worse especially as we age. The Bournemouth chiropractors at Charminster Chiropractic Clinic can offer spinal osteoarthritis pain relief by improving the movement and function of the spine’s joints and soft tissue treatment. Osteoarthritis in the spine develops when the joints and discs in the spine wear down over time, leading to stiffness, pain, and sometimes nerve irritation.

It’s important to be aware there’s no cure for osteoartritis in the spine and therefore most people maintain their symptoms with pain relief from conservative care using soft tissue work, exercise, weight management and improving posture. Severe cases may need injections or even surgery, but this is less common.

What Is Spinal Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is often called “wear and tear arthritis.” It happens when the smooth cartilage that cushions our joints wears down over time. When this happens in the spine, the small joints in the back called facet joints are most affected. These joints help the spine bend, twist, and stay stable. 

As the cartilage wears away, bones may rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness. The body may also grow extra bits of bone, called bone spurs (osteophytes), which can further limit movement or press on nearby nerves.

In many cases, the discs between the bones of the spine also lose height and flexibility, which puts extra stress on the joints. This is why spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes lumped together with terms like “spinal degeneration” or “spondylosis.”

Common Causes of Spinal Osteoarthritis

There isn’t one single cause. Instead, we have to remember there may be several factors that usually combine to bring it on in the first place.

  • Getting older – The biggest risk. Unfortunately, cartilage and spinal discs will naturally wear down as we age.
  • Everyday stress and strain – Repeated bending, lifting, or twisting can slowly put strain on the back and damage the spine little by little over a long period of time. Certain jobs or sports may put more pressure on the back and can therefore speed up this process.
  • Family history – Genes play a role, so if parents had arthritis, the risk is higher that it can pass on.
  • Weight – Carrying extra pounds puts more load on the spine and may wear down the spine quicker.
  • Old injuries – Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries that strained the spine in the past may increase the risk of arthritis later on.
  • Posture and alignment – If you have a poor posture or the spine curves more than normal, or joints are shaped differently, it can cause uneven wear and tear particularly to the spinal joints and discs.
  • Other health issues – Conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or long-term inflammation can also make OA worse.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Osteoarthritis

You might be surprised to know that not everyone with spinal osteoarthritis feel pain. However, when symptoms do appear, they can be quite debilitating and make everyday living difficult and the need for pain relief increases.

  • Low Back Pain or Neck Pain – Low back pain or neck pain often get worse after standing, walking, or working. On the other hand, it may feel better when sitting or lying down.
  • Stiffness – Especially in the morning or after resting.
  • Reduced movement – Trouble bending, twisting, or turning your neck or low back.
  • Grinding or popping sounds – You may experience grinding or a sand-like noise when moving which are coming from the joints in the spine.
  • Nerve symptoms – If bone spurs press on nerves, pain may travel down the arms if the neck is affected, or your legs if the low back is affected. Sometimes this pain may also be accompanied or exclusively be causing tingling, numbness, burning, cramping or weakness.
  • Muscle tightness – Back muscles may spasm or feel very sore either on movement or to touch.
  • Everyday difficulties – Putting on shoes, standing in line for prolonged time, or walking for long periods may become harder.

When To Seek Urgent Help For Spinal Osteoarthritis

Most people can manage spinal osteoarthritis without emergency care and receive pain relief from conservative care from chiropractors. The following symptoms could point to more serious conditions and have to be taken serious as it may not be caused by arthritis alone. 

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble moving your arms or legs.
  • Severe and debilitating pain that doesn’t get better with rest.
  • Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss with back pain.
  • History of cancer and new back pain.
  • Back pain after a major fall or accident.

Risk Factors For Spinal Osteoarthritis

There are certain risk factors associated with spinal osteoarthritis. You may be more at risk of developing spinal osteoarthritis if you have a personal or family history of certain factors.

  • Aged over 50 years old.
  • Family members with osteoarthritis.
  • Overweight
  • Work in a physically demanding job (lifting, twisting, bending).
  • Severe spine injuries in the past.
  • Poor posture or weak core muscles.
  • Female > Male (especially after menopause).
  • Chronic health problems such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome or long-term inflammation in the body.
  • Over time, smoking can deflate the discs and make the space narrower between each vertebrae causing inflammation of the affected bones.

Examination & Diagnosis For Spinal Osteoarthritis

Chiropractors refer patients for radiography in order to diagnose spinal osteoarthritis by combining your story, a physical assessment and imaging in order to see the severity and confirm the findings. It’s important to remember: not all people with “arthritis” on scans feel pain, and not all back pain is caused by arthritis. This is important when given pain relief from various hands-on techniques and exercises provided.

  • History – We will ask a lot of questions regarding your pain such as when it started, what makes it better or worse. Moreover, if you have any other symptoms such as nerve problems like tingling or weakness.
  • Physical Examination – We will test how far your neck or back moves, check your muscle strength, reflexes, and look for areas of tenderness.
  • Imaging – X-rays can show the severity of osteoarthritis and pick up on bony outgrowths (bone spurs) and joint changes. MRI scans can show soft tissues such as discs, ligaments and nerves. CT scans give clearer detail of the bones.
  • Special tests – Sometimes, chiropractors may refer you to have injections into a joint to see if pain improves. These injections can help confirm the problematic area.

Chiropractic Pain Relief For Osteoarthritis In The Spine

Some people with spinal osteoarthritis try chiropractic care and finds some pain relief. Chiropractors mainly use hands-on techniques to improve movement and work on muscles in order to reduce pain. As mentioned earlier; there is no cure for spinal osteoarthritis and chiropractic care does not cure or fix the condition. Chiropractic care aims to offer pain relief by aiming to improve the function and movement of the spine.

  • Spinal manipulation – Depending on the severity of the osteoarthritis, chiropractors may or may not perform spinal manipulation. However, if indicated and safe, we would perform quick, gentle manipulation on stiff joints to improve movement.
  • Mobilisation – Mobilisation is more common for us to use as it involves slower movements within pain threshold. The goal is to gain more movement by gently moving and stretching the joints to improve the movement in the spine.
  • Massage & soft tissue work – Massage and soft tissue work is very helpful for pain relief as it helps to relax tight and sore muscles often associated with spinal osteoarthritis.
  • Gentle traction – Very gentle pulling and stretching the spine can be an effective pain relief in order to take pressure off painful and stiff joints.
  • Exercise advice – Exercise and rehabilitation plays an important part for recovery such as strengthening core muscles, stretching, and improving posture.
  • Lifestyle tips – Ergonomic advice for sitting, standing, or lifting is important to avoid further aggravating the symptoms.

Prognosis For Osteoarthritis In The Spine

What can you expect if you have spinal osteoarthritis? The outlook depends on age, health, lifestyle, and how well chiropractic care is followed. Most people do not need surgery and some people may experience pain relief with on-going chiropractic care and maintain better spinal movement and function.

  • It’s long-term – Unfortunately, arthritis doesn’t go away, but symptoms can often be managed.
  • Progress is slow – For most people, changes happen gradually. Pain may flare up sometimes and settle at other times.
  • Good news – Many people live well with spinal OA, especially if they exercise, maintain a healthy weight and diet, and keep the spine flexible.
  • Complications – In some cases, arthritis can cause bone spurs big enough to pinch nerves, leading to sciatica or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). Surgery may then be considered.

The key to living well with spinal osteoarthritis is staying active, strengthening the back, and seeking chiropractic care early if symptoms worsen. With an early approach, many people maintain good quality of life despite this condition.

By following these tips and working with our Bournemouth chiropractors at Charminster Chiropractic Clinic, you can receive chiropractic care to increase the likelihood of pain relief and get better spinal movements for spinal osteoarthritis. Book your chiropractic appointment here today!

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