How to Cure Arthritis Back Pain

Arthritis in the back occurs in the spinal vertebrae. According to Spine-Health.com, an online source run by orthopedic doctors, "with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, the cartilage around the joint wears out and causes the joints to rub against each other, creating inflammation and pain." This pain can be debilitating for people, but it is curable. The best way to cure arthritis is through a combination of rest, using back braces, ice, heat, medication and exercise.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Ice pack
• Heating pad
• Back brace
• Ibuprofen

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Instructions

• 1

  Stop all physical activity for some time. Wear a back brace to limit movement of the vertebrae in your spine. Take two ibuprofen pills with water or a beverage every four to six hours, until your inflammation and pain are gone.

• 2

  Apply an ice pack or ice-packed towel and compress it against your back. Keep the ice there for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat ice treatment about every three to four hours throughout the day. Continue daily ice therapy until all swelling, inflammation and pain are gone.

• 3

  When your inflammation has improved, use a heating pad on your back several times each day.

• 4

  Lie on a hard floor with your knees propped up and your feet on the floor. Firmly press your lower back against the floor. Hold that position for up to five seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

• 5

  Extend both feet, while still lying down. Lift your right leg up, grab your right knee with both hands and pull it toward your chest. Hold your knee in that position for up to five seconds, then lower it back down. Repeat the same movement with your left leg. Do 10 repetitions on each side.