How to Deal With Arthritis & Bone Spurs of the Lumbar Spine

According to the National Institutes of Health, eight of 10 people have back pain at some point in their life. Most back pain goes away on its own, but if your condition is a result of age or a degenerative illness, you may be in for a lifetime of physical challenges. Bone spurs and arthritis of the lumbar spine are both very common disorders, especially after the age of 60. Both are degenerative disorders that can cause pain and restrict motion. You can learn to cope with arthritis and bone spurs, and hopefully regain your quality of life.

Things You'll Need

• Physical therapist
• Physician
• Orthotic device if applicable
• Pain management specialist

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Instructions

How to Cope With Arthritis and Bone Spurs

• 1

  Go to physical therapy. A physical therapist can create a program that accommodates your unique needs and concerns. The theory is that building muscle surrounding the degenerating joints takes pressure off the affected tendons and tissues.

• 2

  Get a cortisone shot. An epidural steroid injection or cortisone shot can provide therapeutic relief for some patients with bone spurs and arthritis of the lumbar spine. It can reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints. Benefits are typically temporary, but your doctor can decide if repeat injections will help you.

• 3

  Use an orthotic device. Canes, shoe wedges and joint braces could reduce pain by limiting movement. An orthotic device is especially helpful for patients who suffer from bone spurs and degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and those who find that physical therapy is just too painful.

• 4

  See a pain management specialist. Your family physician can help diagnose your condition, but a pain management doctor will work with you to actually minimize or eliminate your pain. This kind of doctor is also acutely aware of the dangers of taking pain medication for long periods of time.