Arthritis Back Pain

There are many different types of causes for arthritis back pain and over 80% of individuals who are 50 or older will suffer from some form of arthritis. Arthritis can occur at any area of the body where two bones have the potential to rub together. Spinal arthritis occurs in the back. The back is constructed of vertebrae, which are connected by cartilage and discs. Other muscles and ligaments attach to the spine and control movement.

When the disc and cartilage in the spine breaks down then arthritis pain occurs. This breakdown can be from misuse, bone spurs, bone overgrowth, injury, aging and just normal wear and tear. When the bones rub together then swelling occurs which causes pain. The pain from spinal arthritis can occur in the neck and lower back. Stiffness and pain in the neck and upper spine is called cervical arthritis and lumbar arthritis occurs in the pelvic and lower back.

Individuals who participate in specific activities or have certain lifestyles are much more likely to have spinal arthritis than others. Older individuals, women, athletes, individuals who use their joints a lot for work or play, overweight individuals, and those who have many injuries are at risk to develop arthritis back pain.

Individuals with a genetic disposition for diabetes, liver disease and cancer, and individuals with a weakened immune system are all more likely to develop arthritis back pain or spinal arthritis. Women are also more likely to have arthritis than men.

Some symptoms that are associated with spinal arthritis include a limited range of motion, spinal deformity, difficulty walking, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, the sound of bone rubbing together or a crunching feeling, pain in the hips, heels, knees or shoulders, lower back pain that extends to the pelvic area, buttocks or thighs, pain or tenderness in the neck, morning spinal stiffness, back pain that comes and goes, inflammation, and stiffness.

If you are suffering from severe back pain then you should see a physician immediately. Try to provide as much detail as you can about your pain and when it first occurred. The doctor will most likely have you perform some basic exercises to determine what motion causes the pain. You may also have to undergo other tests to come to a conclusive diagnosis.

Spinal arthritis has many symptoms in common with more serious diseases and you need to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. With a correct diagnosis, treating arthritis back pain effectively is much easier.

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