Back Pain: What is Lumbar Spine Arthritis?
Written by Blueheronclinic.com
Back Pain from lumbar spine arthritis is mostly observed in the older people, but can affect all age groups. The following individuals are more prone for having back pain arthritis of lumbar spine.
- Obese (overweight) individuals
- People with a history of spinal injuries
- The elderly
- People working jobs which require heavy labour
Where does Lumbar Spine Arthritis occur?
Back pain from lumbar spine arthritis can occur in the joints connecting each vertebrae or spinal segment in the back. The spinal vertebrae are split by the cushion like spinal disc in front of the spine while behind the spine, vertebrae are connected by the smaller facet joints. These facet joints in conjunction with spinal disc, help in back movements including, arching the back, bending and twisting sideways.
As the facet joints become arthritic spinal movement may become stiff and painful, this is often seen with additional spinal disorders like,
Discogenic Back Pain - Discogenic back pain is thought to be a common cause of low back pain. Discogenic back pain is the result of damage to the intervertabral disc, but without disc herniation.
Spinal Stenosis - Spinal stenosis causes back pain in the aging population. As we age, the spinal canal can become constricted, due in part to arthritis and other conditions.
Spondylolisthesis - Spondylolisthesis causes back pain because adjacent vertebra become unstable and begin to slip. The most common cause of spondylolisthesis is due to degenerative changes causing loss of the normal stabilizing structures of the spinal column.
Can Acupuncture Treat Lumbar Spine Arthritis?
Acupuncture therapy along with positive lifestyle changes may have a beneficial effect on back pain issues such as Lumbar arthritis. After a consultation and diagnosis your acupuncturist may use a combination of local (e.g. around the affected area) and distal (e,g, acupuncture points on the hands or feet) Acu Points to alleviate some of the painful symptoms associated with arthritis in the spine.
Acupuncture treatment for back pain or lumbar spine arthritis would last approximately 35 minutes (not including your consultation), recommended number of acupuncture treatments for any chronic back pan issue would depend on several factors including the age and constitution of the patient as well as any possible medical complications.
The Blue Heron Clinic uses Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat lower back pain such as Lumbar Spine Arthritis
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Excercise
Moderate excercise performed daily should be part of your health plan if you are suffering from spinal arthritis. Activities such as swimming will help to loosen and strengthen the muscles in the back while increasing overall fitness levels.
Stretching
Stretching the muscles on the lower back can be of huge benefit for people suffering from back pain. In the case of lumbar spine arthritis it's crucial to keep the muscles of the lower back loose and healthy in order to reduce pain levels. Consult your doctor or massage therapist on appropriate stretches which may help you.
Loose Weight
Obese or overweight people who are suffering from spinal arthritis should consult their health care providers on options for diet and lifestyle changes that can benefit their condition. It's important to manage weight in cases of lumbar spinal arthritis as any unnecessary or excess pressure on the lumbar spine will cause the conditions to worsen while a healthy weight loss program will not only alleviate pressure on the lumbar spine but also lead to improved health and well-being.
Supplements
Green wholefood supplements such as Spirulina may be beneficial to arthritic conditions due to the high concentrations of fatty acids (omega 3) amino acids and vitamins such as vitamin B, D and E. Spirulina is easily absorbed into the digestive tract and is known to have synergistic health benefits for many conditions.