What is arthritis?
Arthritis - term to describe conditions that cause inflammation and stiffness of joints. In your back this could be caused by:
Osteoarthritis - a breakdown of the cartilage (tissue on the end of bones) of the vertebrae. This can sometimes produce bony spurs that put pressure on nerves that leave your spine
Rheumatoid arthritis - a chronic auto immune disease that has periods of 'flare ups' causing similar symptoms to osteoarthritis.
Both of these types of arthritis can affect other joints within the body.
Above: We'll teach you tecniques to help you manage your symptoms.What causes arthritis in the back?
Osteoarthritis - can be caused as a result of age related changes and weakening of the cartilage in your back as you get older.
It can also onset secondary to an injury involving trauma to joints in your back - e.g. falls, car accidents.
Rheumatoid arthritis - this can develop at any age without a particular incident to trigger its onset. It most commonly starts between the ages of 40-60 and is more common in women than in men.
What are the symptoms of arthritis in the back?
Arthritis in the back can produce a range of symptoms, if you have osteoarthritis you may experience:
- Pain in and around your spine that increases with activity
- Stiffness upon movement throughout the day
- weakness and pain in the arms or legs - if bony spurs have irritated nerves in your back
If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your back you may experience:
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Stiffness in your back that is worse after rest or first thing in the morning
- Burning pain
- Hot swollen areas of your back
How is arthritis in the back Diagnosed?
A range of back conditions can have similar symptoms. Our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio have experience of dealing with patients that have arthritis in their back. They will be able to identify if this is likely to be your diagnosis and can refer you for an x-ray if necessary. An X-ray will show if there is any degeneration (wearing away) of the bones in your back.
For further information about how Physiotherapy can help treat arthiritis, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for arthritis in the back involve?
Your initial appointment at Liverpool Physio would be for a full assessment. Our physiotherapists divide this into two parts:
Subjective
A conversation to discover how long you have been experiencing your symptoms, what activities make them worse and better, gain an understanding of your history of injuries and medical treatment and relate this back to how it all affects you and your lifestyle.
Objective
This would be followed by an assessment of your pain, range of movement in your back, muscle strength, spine mobility and a series of special tests to rule out other conditions.
What would physiotherapy treatment for arthritis in the back involve?
There is a range of treatment that can be provided for people that have arthritis in their back. At Liverpool Physio, some of the treatments we can provide you with are listed below:
- Advice on pain relief medication
- Ice treatments
- Heat treatments
- Postural advice
- Hydrotherapy
- Electrotherapy for pain relief
- Massage
- Spine mobilisations
- Exercise for strengthening, mobility and flexibility
- Advice on grading this exercise and pacing activity.
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for arthritis in the back?
If you experiencing pain in your back and discomfort during your daily activities, an assessment from one of our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio will benefit you.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
Summary
Arthritis in the back can cause prolonged impairment without treatment. At Liverpool Physio, our physiotherapists have the skills required to assess and treat you, and can ensure that your needs are met by taking your view into consideration throughout your assessment and treatment sessions.
For further information about how Physiotherapy can help treat arthiritis, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
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