The Types of Back Arthritis

Arthritis in the back can decrease a person's overall quality of life, causing pain and numbness. As we age we all become more susceptible to arthritis, and a back injury or genetic weakness can make a person more likely to develop arthritis in the back. Arthritis usually affects the lumbar region of the back, but it can happen in any location.

There are a few different types of back arthritis. Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that is usually brought on by serious infections of the intestines. Ankylosing Spondylitis is another form of arthritis that can affect the back. This type of arthritis causes the spine and joints to become inflamed, resulting in lower back pain. There are also two other types of arthritis that affect the back, as well as other joints throughout the body; these are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body and causes other symptoms, such as fatigue, and possibly a shorter life span. Osteoarthritis typically targets the joints but can also occur in the spine.

Identification

• Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints and ligaments. Arthritis in the back usually takes years to develop. Over time, arthritis in the back can become worse without treatment. Some people do better with chiropractic care while others need surgery or physical therapy. Every person is different.

Causes

• Many things can cause arthritis in the back. One of the most common causes is inflammation due to aging. As we age, our joints and ligaments become weaker and arthritis can set in due to free radical damage. Free radical damage is caused by molecules within our body that are unpaired. These molecules can begin to cause destruction in the body as they frantically search for a pair to bond to. Over time this can affect our cells. Arthritis in the back can also be caused by injury.

Effects

• The effects of back arthritis can be dramatic, especially if the condition becomes worse over time. A person with back arthritis may become overweight because moving is painful and difficult. In addition, arthritis in the back can lead to poor posture. Poor posture can cause a different type of back pain in the muscles and ligaments. Over time, arthritis can even cause a person to lose flexibility.

  Each type of back arthritis also has a different effect on the body. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis affects the immune system. The pain is often more severe than other types of arthritis. A person may experience pain throughout the entire body, depending on the severity of his condition. Rheumatoid arthritis causes destruction of the joints over time, which can lead to deformed joints or loss of mobility.

  Ankylosing Spondylitis is another type of arthritis that affects the back. This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the spine. Over time, erosion and damage leads to the destruction of the spine, resulting in loss of function and mobility. The condition is not common, but some of the first symptoms are similar to other types of arthritis. A common symptom is low back pain and stiffness in the morning.

  Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to develop cracks called fibrillation. As the condition sets in, the fibrillated cartilage will weaken and gradually wear away until there is nothing left but bone. This can happen to any joint in the body, including the spine.

  Reactive arthritis can be acute and affect only one region of the body, including the spine. It is more commonly seen in the knees, ankles and feet, but it can occur in the back. This type of arthritis causes tendons and ligaments to become inflamed. People with this type of arthritis will suffer with back pain, but they may also notice other things such as sores in their mouth or around their genital area. In some cases the soles of the feet and palms of the hands can become scaly.

Considerations

• If you suffer from back arthritis, you may want to consider seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist to learn about your treatment options. It is also helpful to include plenty of healthy fats in your diet, such as omega-three fatty acids. These fats can reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. You can take fish oil, cod liver oil or flax oil, or you can include fish, eggs and nuts in your diet daily. All of these foods contain healthy fats.

Warning

• If you have arthritis in your back, it is important to be careful about self-treatment options. Avoid having other people in your home "pop" your back or try to fix the problem with deep tissue massage. Always seek care from a trained professional chiropractor, physical therapist or doctor. Treatment can take time, so be patient and allow your body to recover. You may be able to use heat packs or other natural treatments to ease the pain, but be sure to talk to your doctor first.