Osteoarthritis is the most common, painful and frequently disabling form of arthritis, a general term describing various diseases characterized by tender, painful, swollen and stiff joints. Also known as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that covers the end of bone joints is cumulatively worn down by daily wear and tear, and can include small, irregular growths (bone spurs) forming on the joints.

Osteoarthritis typically affects the weight-bearing joints (hips and knees), hands, feet and spine, and is linked to risk factors like aging, gender, excess weight, genetics and associated diseases including infections, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis most commonly occurs in women and people over the ages of 45-50 years old, but is prevalent among all races.

For related information, see Rheumatoid Arthritis and Back Pain.

Osteoarthritis Treatments

Modern Western Medicine

It should be known that there are no proven treatments for osteoarthritis of the spine. With that said, patients may take a variety of medications to achieve pain relief from osteoarthritis, including acetaminophen like Tylenol and NSAIDs (non-steroidal inflammatory drugs) like aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nupren), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Naprelan).

Osteoarthritis may also be treated via many pain-relieving creams, rubs and sprays, cortisone injections, mild narcotic painkillers and nutritional supplements. Besides medications, osteoarthritis may be treated with exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, relaxation, nerve stimulation, acupuncture and lifestyle changes. While rare, surgery may be needed for spinal osteoarthritis when the joint is unstable or a nerve root is pinched.

Introduction provided by Spine-health: For additional information on this condition, visit their health centers on osteoarthritis.