Arthritis in Back – Arthritis in Back is More Common than You Might Think
Most people think that arthritis mainly affects joints in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. However, it can also affect the back. Arthritis in back starts in the spinal vertebrae as cushioning begins to break down. There are many reasons for this to develop including back injuries, weight issues, and aging. Those that develop arthritis in back usually start seeing symptoms in the neck and extremities. The spine goes up through the vertebrae. As the vertebrae begin to show signs of arthritis, the wear and tear can start causing nerve damage. These are just a few things to think about if you have arthritis in back.
Osteoarthritis can set into the joints between the different spinal vertebrae. The spine is a series of bones and joints that surround the spinal column. Arthritis in back can create a great deal of pain among other symptoms. The cartilage and bones can begin to degrade. As this starts to happen, pressure can ensue on the nerves coming out of the spine into the rest of the body. With arthritis in back, it is important to work with a qualified doctor to manage the pain and other symptoms. Most doctors take a conservative approach to treating arthritis in back due to the critical role that the spinal column plays.
Reasons for arthritis in back include age, weight, and back injuries. As people begin to age, the joints naturally begin to wear down. That is a major reason for osteoarthritis to begin forming as arthritis in back. Weight also plays a role. As the body carries excess weight, it can put undue pressure on the vertebrae and the surrounding tissues. It can create the perfect conditions for arthritis in back to develop. Back injuries often provide the impetus for arthritis in back to develop at an earlier age. The injury can cause the bones and cartilage to break down sooner than age would normally make it happen.
Symptoms of arthritis in back include neck pain, back pain, numbness, cramping, and weakness. As the arthritis begins to put pressure on the nerves that can lead to pain and numbness in the limbs. Many times sit starts out as a mild pain with stiffness in the mornings. As the arthritis, in back progresses the pain can increase. In some cases, it can be come unrelenting. Many people with arthritis in back report numbness or tingling in the limbs as well as the torso. That happens when the vertebrae settle onto the nerves and disrupt signal transmission.
