Living With Arthritis in the Back

Four tips for living with arthritis in your back

Like other joints throughout the body, the many joints in your spine are prone to developing arthritis. The most common form of this condition is spinal osteoarthritis, which occurs when the protective layer of cartilage that allows for smooth motion between spinal facet joints wears down and causes inflammation. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you know how difficult the symptoms, including aches, stiffness and radiating pain, can be. 

While there is no way to reverse the natural aging process, there are ways to effectively manage and live with arthritis in your back. One of the best methods of treatment for long-term health is physical therapy. Read on for a better understanding of the specific ways that a physical therapist can help you deal with this condition. We’re always here to help, and if you have any questions or would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out.

What therapists recommend for spinal arthritis patients

Physical therapy takes a natural and holistic approach to help patients who are living with arthritis in the back. After performing a comprehensive evaluation, your therapist can work with you to develop a plan that includes therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and other methods designed to increase functioning and relieve symptoms. 

Some of the primary objectives and advice that physical therapists are likely to recommend include: 

  1. Staying active — To fight the aches and stiffness that come with spinal arthritis, staying mobile is one of the best things you can do. Your therapist can work with you on active and passive techniques as well as recommend daily exercises to keep the spine flexible and mobile. 
  2. Strengthening your core — Strong supporting muscles play a key role in holding up the spine and taking pressure off the joints. Physical therapy programs will involve targeted treatments to strengthen core muscles and stabilize the spine. 
  3. Improving your posture — Along with a stronger core, actively focusing on posture improvement can help to evenly distribute weight and put less stress on the spinal joints, which can help with arthritis in the back symptoms. 
  4. Practicing a healthy lifestyle — From managing your weight to ergonomic adjustments to eating anti-inflammatory foods, your therapist can provide education on how lifestyle factors contribute to arthritis in the back. 

Our experts can help you live with arthritis in the back 

At SOL Physical Therapy + Performance, our compassionate therapists have years of experience helping patients with arthritis successfully manage their condition and improve their quality of life. We’ll help you design a custom treatment plan that is right for your needs and wellness goals. 

Don’t let arthritis stop you from living. Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.

About the author

Sports + Orthopedic Leaders Physical Therapy & Performance Training serves the communities of Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Orinda, San Francisco and beyond. SOLPT’s award winning team of Physical Therapists, Performance Coaches and movement experts has helped thousands reach their rehabilitation and performance goals to move beyond pain. We're committed to helping anyone of any fitness level move effectively and more powerfully for a lifetime. We offer rehabilitation and performance services to all populations, with specialties in Sports Rehabilitation, Active Release Techniques, and Manual Therapy Techniques plus Personal and Small Group Training, Sport Clinics and Wellness Services.

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