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spinal arthritis
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Specialists at Nairobi spine orthopedic center are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal arthritis. This condition results from a gradual degeneration of the joints between the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column.
spinal arthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back. Sometimes, osteoarthritis produces spurs that put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column. This can cause weakness and pain in the arms or legs.
Causes of spinal arthritis
Usually, spinal arthritis is caused by the accumulated effects of wear and tear associated with aging. Many everyday movements and activities put stress on the spinal joints as they work to balance the weight of the body and allow the spine to bend and twist.
Over time, this stress causes inflammation and irritation around the joints, which may lead to pain and stiffness in the spine.
Our team of spine specialists includes orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and physicians who specialize in rehabilitation. They diagnose Spinal arthritis using advanced tests such as dynamic X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and electromyograms.
Based on the results of these tests, our doctors tailor a treatment plan to relieve spinal pain and stiffness, restore flexibility, and help you remain active.
Symptoms of spinal arthritis
spinal arthritis causes various symptoms. The most common is back pain. Pain often starts in the lower back. In the early stages of the disease, you may only have pain in the mornings due to hours of inactivity. Since this is a progressive disease, symptoms typically worsen over time. Other symptoms of Spinal arthritis include:
joint tenderness
joint stiffness
limited range of motion
weakness or numbness in the legs or arms, tingling in the legsv
Back pain caused by OA of the spine is often worse when sitting upright or standing. It usually improves when lying down. Some people who have Spinal arthritis don’t have any symptoms.
Diagnosing Spinal arthritis
Before diagnosing spinal arthritis, your doctor will ask about your family history of the disease and complete a physical examination to check for tenderness, limited range of motion, and swelling in your back.
Imaging tests are commonly used to diagnose Spinal arthritis . These tests can check for bone damage, bone spurs, and loss of cartilage in your joints.
Your doctor may order an X-ray or an MRI, which creates a detailed picture of your spine. Some doctors order a joint fluid analysis. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a needle in the affected joint to collect a fluid sample.
This test can determine whether symptoms are caused by Osteoarthritis , gout, or an infection.
Non surgical Treatment of spinal arthritis
Corticosteroid Injection. If pain caused by osteoarthritis of the spine doesn’t respond to medication and physical therapy, doctors may recommend an injection of corticosteroids and anesthesia directly into the affected facet joints.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique in which very thin needles are inserted into various points on the surface of the body. By targeting specific points along “meridians” that correspond to the nerve pathways affected by osteoarthritis of the spine, acupuncture may stimulate healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, which can improve joint function.
Pain Relief Medication. Your doctor may recommend an over-the counter pain relief medication to treat discomfort caused by osteoarthritis of the spine i.e include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Weight Management. Being overweight stresses the spine and may cause osteoarthritis to progress more quickly. Losing weight and exercising can help reduce stress on the spine, build bone mass, and increase muscle strength, which relieve pain and benefit your overall health.
You are in Great Hands
Surgical treatment of spinal arthritis
In most cases, hip surgery relieves the pain of osteoarthritis and makes it possible to perform daily activities more easily. If you are experiencing hip pain, contact NSOC today and let our qualified hip doctors get you on the road to recovery.
Our goal is to help you achieve the highest level of function as quickly as possible so that you can once again enjoy your favorite activities. The steps involved in total hip replacement surgery at NSOC in Kenya include:
NSOC doctors may recommend surgery to treat Spinal arthritis if the results of diagnostic test show that spinal changes have caused the joints and vertebrae to move out of position or to pinch nearby nerves.
Orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons at Nairobi spine orthopedic center specialize in procedures designed to restore spinal stability and decompress affected nerves, resulting in improved mobility and less pain.
If advanced osteoarthritis of the spine has led to other conditions, such as spondylolisthesis , Nairobi spine orthopedic center surgeons may recommend a procedure to stabilize the spine, relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, or both.
Your surgeon may also recommend one or more of these procedures if degenerative disc disease has led to significant pain or instability.A surgeon may use one or more techniques to relieve pain and restore stability.
Factors such as your age, how much of the spine is affected, whether the spinal cord or nerves are involved, and whether instability occurs in the lower or upper part of the spine help the doctor to determine the technique to use. Two of the most common are spinal decompression and spinal fusion.
