What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis Explained

What is osteoarthritis? When cartilage breaks down in the joints of the body, this is called osteoarthritis. Spinal osteoarthritis takes place in the facet joints at the back of the spine, the posterior facet joints (also called vertebral joins or zygophyseal joints.) This becomes one of the most common causes of back pain, as the joints become inflamed and the degeneration causes more frictional pain. Because of the pain, motion and flexibility decrease.

Over time, the body sends calcium to the spine to help stabilize the joints. These deposits create osteophytes, or bone spurs, which form on the facet joints and even around the spinal vertebrae. Bone spurs may become large enough to irritate or pinch nerves passing through spinal structures, and may result in a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, also called spinal stenosis.

Osteoarthritis in the spine is anatomically divided into two regions. The first is the lower back, or lumbar spine osteoarthritis (lumbosacral arthritis), which causes pain and stiffness in the lower spine and SI (sacroiliac joint, between the spine and pelvis). The second is the neck, or cervical spine osteoarthritis (cervical spondylosis,) which causes pain and stiffness in the head, neck, shoulders, arms and upper spine. Osteoarthritis is rare in the thoracic region, between the neck and lower back. This region is held fairly stable by the ribs, and doesn't have the same amount of motion and wear and tear as the neck and low back.

For the best available treatment for spinal osteoarthritis, click on IDD Therapy® , a non-surgical process that decompresses the spine, allowing healing in the discs that have become compressed.

• Cervical Osteoarthritis
• Lumbar Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis Topics

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

• Numbness and Tingling
• Stiffness and Pain in Joints
• Morning Stiffness
• Severe Pain

Causes of Osteoarthritis

• Age
• Inactivity
• Joint Injury or Overuse
• Joint Wear-and-Tear
• Excess Body Weight
• Hereditary

Osteoarthritis Treatment

• Osteoarthritis IDD Therapy®
• Heat / Cold Therapy
• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Therapeutic Massage
• Surgery for Osteoarthritis

Exercises for Osteoarthritis

• Stretching
• Strength Building

For clinically proven, non-surgical osteoarthritis relief call today for a FREE consultation on IDD Therapy® with Allied Healthcare, 770-460-1911 or contact us.