What Does Spinal Arthritis Feel Like?

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Most people suffering from spinal arthritis feel pain and stiffness in the lower back area.

Normally, the pain feels at its worst after waking up in the morning. The first 30 minutes upon waking can be very painful. Some say the pain can diminish within the day, but on the other hand, most sufferers claim the pain can get worse.

In most cases… 

These symptoms can be because the patient is suffering from lumbar spine arthritis which is typically experienced by middle-aged to older people. 

Lumbar spine arthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the spine. A person suffering from cervical spondylosis often finds pain and stiffness in the neck area, however many won’t experience any pain. 

Read on as Amr Hosny, M.D., who is with the Spine And Rehab Group, explains everything you need to know about spinal arthritis. 

What Does Osteoarthritis In The Spine Feel Like?

Osteoarthritis is the world’s most common form of arthritis. 

In the United States, approximately 50 million people suffer from arthritis, with more than half of those, suffering from osteoarthritis. It is rarely found amongst younger people. However, it is pervasive for those middle-aged and older.  

The main symptom people feel when suffering from osteoarthritis is a pain in the lower back area, especially in the morning due to inactivity while sleeping. Over time the pain can get worse due to wear and tear of joints. Other symptoms related to osteoarthritis is joint tenderness and stiffness. 

Many find it challenging to move into certain positions, like bending down to pick up an object. Many people experience pain or numbness in the legs or arms. A tingling feeling in the legs is not uncommon either. Pain can also move into the shoulder and down the arms. Sometimes, people with osteoarthritis don’t suffer any pain, whatsoever, like what I mentioned earlier. 

What Are The Causes Of Osteoarthritis In The Spine?

The cause of osteoarthritis is still unknown in the medical industry. 

However, there are many factors that are common for those suffering from it. Unfortunately, there is one key factor that we can’t change, and that is age. You are much more at risk of getting osteoarthritis as you get older. As you get older the pain often gets worse. 

Genetics can also play a part. Many people who have arthritis commonly have a family member that has the same issue. 

Joint stress while playing sports or at work has been a common factor, too. This is due to repeated overuse of the joints.  On the contrary, statistics also show that those who are overweight are likely to suffer from osteoarthritis, because of not having an active lifestyle. 

Previous joint or nerve injuries can also be one of the reasons.

What Does Cervical Spondylosis Feel Like?

The name “cervical spondylosis” originates from the Latin word cervix, which means neck. 

The most common issue with sufferers is pain in the neck. The pain varies with each patient. This pain often gets worse when the neck is kept in the same still position for a length of time. 

People whose jobs involve working in front of the computer often feel this type of pain. A great number of people get a stiff neck that can cause pain while doing some of your everyday activities. They may find it hard to move their neck up and down or side to side. 

This pain often makes it difficult to drive a vehicle or can even cause issues while walking, and even laughing or sneezing can bring a great deal of discomfort. 

Cervical spondylosis is also felt in other parts of the body. 

Sufferers sometimes complain about having headaches. These headaches tend to start from the top of the neck and may spread to the forehead. 

It can also be a major cause of weakness in the legs. A sufferer might feel that their legs are heavier and may experience difficulty walking. 

Feelings of numbness in the shoulders and arms are also common. 

What Causes Cervical Spondylosis? 

Cervical spondylosis is often caused by wear and tear of the body. 

In many cases, physical activity or sports might be the main factor in why somebody is suffering from cervical spondylosis.

Researchers also claim that there is a strong possibility that it is also hereditary. Many people who suffer from this, most of the time have family members that were diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. 

In some cases, a previous neck injury might also be the cause. 

Cervical Spondylosis is also commonly found amongst those who smoke tobacco. It can affect both men and women in middle age and beyond. However, it is believed that men develop symptoms earlier than women. 

Can Exercise Help Treat Cervical Spondylosis And Osteoarthritis?

Luckily, there are non-surgical treatments available to patients suffering from both cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis. 

Surgery tends to be the last option for treatment that people go for. Other treatments such as taking medicine and a change of diet have proven to be successful. 

Exercise has also been a great way to help reduce the pain. But the type and frequency of exercise should be discussed with and be approved by a spine doctor first, to avoid causing even further damage to the area. 

Regular cardio throughout the week to get the heart pumping can also help ease the pain. Range-of-motion exercises help your joints move and can often relieve the feeling of numbness and stiffness. 

Many spine doctors will teach you a range of neck movements and exercises. If done correctly and regularly, many of them feel that it can help reduce pain. 

Yoga can help with the body’s posture and show positive signs with those suffering. Strength exercises are advised in many cases. 

There are lots of exercises available, like the curl-up crunch. It is a common technique that helps improve the joints in the area and build up strength in the back. 

The exercise is fairly straightforward. 

  • The patient must lie down on their back with knees bent and feet firm on the floor. 
  • Their arms and hands must be crossed across their chest. 
  • They must raise their upper torso off the floor and then lower down. 

Doing a few sets of these each day has had some great results. 

Last Updated on November 24, 2020

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