Older man and woman preparing food in the kitchen. The woman is wearing Bauerfeind Spinova to relieve back arthritis symptoms

80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. There are a lot of back pain causes, such as the normal wear and tear of joints in the neck and spine, lifestyle and work environments, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, infections and quite possibly arthritis.  

Research shows that people may have arthritis in the back without having any symptoms - at least initially. 10% of people in their 30s have lumbar arthritis while 80% of people over the age of 80 will have at least one type of arthritis. 

 

SYMPTOMS 

Arthritis in the back is not one disease. It can be a series of underlying issues or arthritis in several parts of the body such as the neck and spine. Some of the symptoms can include the following: 

  • Back pain 
  • Tingling, numbness, weakness, and/or sharp shooting pains in the arms and legs 
  • Headaches and fatigue  
  • Limited range of motion 
  • Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the spine, such as being unable to straighten or twist your back  
  • Pain/swelling/stiffness in other joints, such as knees, hands, and feet (common in inflammatory arthritis)  

CAUSES 

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the back, but they're either the result of mechanical or inflammatory issues. 

  • Mechanical causes include osteoarthritis and is more common 
  • Inflammatory causes may include rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.  

The differences between mechanical and inflammatory back pain can sometimes be subtle, so it is important to get the proper diagnosis so your condition can be treated accordingly. 

OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES OF BACK PAIN 

As mentioned, there are different types of arthritis that can affect the back including: 

  • Osteoarthritis 
  • Spondyloarthritis 
  • Axial Spondyloarthritis 
  • Psoriatic Arthritis 
  • Reactive Arthritis 
  • Enteropathic Arthritis 
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis 
  • Other conditions that can be the cause of back pain can include Lumbar muscle strains, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Fibromyalgia, Degenerative Disk Diseases and other Spinal conditions such as Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. 

DIAGNOSIS 

X-rays are usually the first imaging tests ordered to see any joint damage and bone spurs. Other tests such as MRI, CT scans, Ultrasounds, and Bone Scans may be conducted to show soft tissue damage with muscles, ligaments, and bulging discs. 

You should see your doctor immediately if you are experiencing the above symptoms or other concerning manifestations such as tingling or numbness in your leg, and if you are prone to infections. 

It is also important to take note of relevant information regarding your condition and how you have been managing it so your doctor/clinician can best put a plan together for you. 

Your doctor may ask questions such as where the pain is occurring, how long you have been experiencing pain, the severity of your condition, activities that induce pain, and how it affects your daily life. 

 

TREATMENT 

Treatment for arthritis in the back can depend on several factors including age, severity of pain, and the type of arthritis that is affecting the area. Joint damage caused by arthritis is irreversible. But there are ways to manage it and even slow its progression.

Whilst common medications such as  

  • Analgesics and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) 
  • Corticosteroids 
  • Radiofrequency Ablation 
  • Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) 

may be prescribed and utilised, it is important you don't heavily rely on them. Over time, they may lose effectiveness. And as they don't do much to support your spine or strengthen your muscles, using them alone may result in increased pain and a further reduction in mobility.

So, aim to use them alongside back supports. Back braces provide relief and compression to the affected joints and serve as a way to support the back and slow degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine. Given it is a non-invasive approach with research papers proving a further stimulation of surrounding muscle activity, patients can be confident that medical-grade back support will assist with pain relief and improve day-to-day mobility.  

And with the go-ahead of your physio, start a back workout program. Strengthening the muscles reduces pressure on degenerating vertebral cartilage. Additionally, performing a good set of back stretches can go a long way to relieving stiffness. 

 

LUMBOTRAIN 

Ideal for mild lower back pain and support while lifting. 

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SACROLOC BACK BRACE 
Ideal for mild issues in the lower vertebrae, pelvic pain and instability, sacral pain, sciatica 

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Sports Back Support 
Ideal for support and pain relief of mild back pain, especially during periods of high activity  
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PREVENTION 

Pain management and prevention can be done by maintaining healthy habits and adapting to a few lifestyle changes: 

  • Weight management and weight loss can be beneficial in preventing further joint damage and ensuring support throughout the back area 
  • Staying active and engaging in sports, indoor and outdoor activities, walking, etc. 
  • Physical Therapy is a good way to monitor body conditions 

 Maintaining a mindful lifestyle and incorporating healthy habits with your diet and activities can help prevent early signs of back arthritis. Be sure to check with a medical professional in order to be certain of your diagnosis and which treatments are the most suitable for your condition. 

 

If you require assistance selecting the right product for your needs or wearing the brace, call us on 098015660 or contact us via live chat.

Do you have private health? Most private health extras will cover Bauerfeind Products. Check to see if yours is included. Bauerfeind Private Health Insurance Inquiry.  

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