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Overcoming Arthritis of the Back

Arthritis of the back is a common x-ray finding that may cause concern in people who have low back pain.  However, more and more research is showing arthritic changes should be considered a normal any are not completely responsible for why a person has back pain.  There have been many studies that show that these type of findings have a very poor correlation with pain.  In fact, quite the opposite is true. Arthritis of the spine is present in very high percentages of healthy people with no problem at all.  Arthritis of the spine is part of normal aging and is usually not associated with pain.

Pain is complex and is influenced by more than what is happening on a structural level.  In the presence of back pain, we may find tension, trigger points (knots), and tightness of lower back muscles.  In addition, stiffness of the upper back and hips might be present.  Weakness of the core and buttock muscles can be problematic as well.  In many cases, proper movement needs to be taught (e.g. how to engage the posterior chain) to help offload irritated back muscles.  However, the only way to know what may be contributing to lower back pain is to perform a thorough assessment.

After an assessment, our approach includes hands-on therapy to alleviate pain. This might include dry needling, soft tissue mobilization, or manipulation of the lumbar spine.  We also may mobilize the bones in the thoracic spine and hips to reduce pain if these regions were found to be stiff or painful.

Pain and poor mobility often go together. If we can alleviate pain and reduce stiffness and tension through the region, mobility often improves. The next step is to perform corrective exercises so the pain and mobility improvements hold.  The corrective exercises often target the muscles of the spine, core, and hips.

Once pain is controlled and muscles engage better, our next step is developing strength and durability with load.  When performed with good technique, deadlifts, kettlebell swings, and other “hinge” movements can develop strength of the core and back side and prevent injury down the road.

When addressed with a thorough physical therapy assessment and plan of care, overcoming spinal arthritis is possible.  Ignoring symptoms, on the other hand, may lead to pain that simply does not go away.  If you have back pain and have been told you have spinal arthritis, the physical therapists at Movement Solutions would be glad to be a resource for you.

We have a free guide on relieving back pain and stiffness that can give you further insight into back problems and help kickstart your recovery.  We are available for a free 15-minute phone consultation to talk about how your pain is affecting you and discuss your treatment options.

If your concerns warrant an in-person consultation, we offer a limited number of free Discovery Visits at our office.  This type of appointment of for those who are interested in working with us.  It is an opportunity to ask questions, obtain clarity about your back pain and develop confidence that we can help you.

If you’re certain that we’re a good fit and ready to book an appointment, you can inquire about cost and availability and get the process started.

If you’re in pain and unsure about what your next step  should be, call us at (864) 558-5020 and ask how we can help.

Physical Therapist Dr. Tim Varghese
AUTHOR

Dr. Tim Varghese

Movement Solutions

"We Help Active Adults, Ages 40-60+ Overcome Pain And Injuries And Get Back To Their Favorite Activities Without Unnecessary Medications, Injections, Or Surgeries."

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