7 Tips for Managing Spinal Osteoarthritis Pain

It is estimated that 27 million Americans have some type of osteoarthritis affecting their joints, including the facet joints in the spine. Spinal osteoarthritis can result in localized neck and back pain, as well as radiating pain, weakness and numbness in the arms and legs. If you have been diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis and are living with chronic pain, there are ways to minimize the pain and improve your quality of life. Here are seven tips you can use to manage your spinal osteoarthritis pain.

1. Daily Exercise
   Strengthening and stretching the muscles that support your spine can help control pain. Using specific exercises that target the back muscles can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Your doctor or physical therapist will recommend daily exercises you can do at home or at the gym.
2. Warm and Cold Therapies
   Alternating low-level heat (around 104 degrees F) with cold packs for 15-20 minutes on painful areas of the neck or back can help manage spinal osteoarthritis pain.
3. Lose Weight
   If you are overweight, this can add pressure and strain to your spine and spinal joints. Losing excess weight may help reduce pain and improve your overall health.
4. Use NSAIDs
   Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can offer relief for managing spinal osteoarthritis pain. Use as recommended by your doctor to combat inflammation and pain.
5. Braces and Supportive Devices
   Some people with spinal osteoarthritis benefit from wearing a back brace or using supportive devices to alleviate stress on their spine. Talk to your spine specialist about options that may give you relief.
6. Injection Therapy
   At Hanowell Spine Clinic, we offer many types of injection therapies that can help with spinal osteoarthritis pain. These can include PRP injections and facet joint injections that work to slow arthritis progression and offer pain relief.
7. Spinal Cord Stimulation
   In some cases, spinal cord stimulation, or a dorsal column stimulator, may be recommended for long-term relief from spinal osteoarthritis pain. We offer spinal cord stimulation options at Hanowell Spine Clinic.

Spinal osteoarthritis does not have a cure, but there are many different ways to reduce pain and improve your mobility. If you have been diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis or have any type of chronic neck or back pain, come see us at Hanowell Spine Clinic. We will devise a customized treatment plan to help you manage your pain and improve overall health and quality of life.