Arthritis in the lower back is a condition that describes the inflammation of one or more joints in the lumbar spine due to age-related degeneration. If you are suffering from this debilitating condition, it is likely that you may experience pain in the lower back, buttocks, pelvic area and thighs as well as swelling of the joints, stiffness, muscle spasms and a decreased range of motion. In order to treat these symptoms, there are a variety of home remedies described below that you can try prior to considering arthritis of the spine surgery.

Nonsurgical treatments for arthritis of the lumbar spine

Often, nonsurgical therapy is first recommended to ease chronic neck or back pain, depending on the severity of your symptoms. For instance, your doctor may recommend a conservative treatment regimen that consists of:

1. Natural herbal supplements. This may include supplements like turmeric, which can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It is important to check with your doctor prior to mixing these supplements with any medication you may be taking.
2. Anti-inflammatories. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce swelling around the joints. Avoid long-term use of medication, as it can inhibit the healing process of your condition.
3. Yoga. This treatment can help you learn stretches to manage your pain as well as improve your flexibility and range of motion. Be sure to alert the instructor of your condition, so he or she can modify the treatments to better suit your spine care needs.
4. Low-impact exercises. Exercises such as walking, swimming or biking can help to increase your circulation, strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility.
5. Hot and cold therapy. Heating pads and ice packs can help you find temporary relief. Ice can be helpful in reducing inflammation, while heat can promote blood flow to the lower back, which decreases pain.

Surgical treatments for arthritis of the lumbar spine

In the event that home remedies for arthritis of the lumbar spine do not provide you with adequate relief from your symptoms, you may require surgery to relieve your pain and discomfort. If this is the case for you, contact the dedicated team at USA Spine Care to learn about the safer and effective alternatives we offer to traditional open spine surgery.^

To relieve arthritis of the lumbar spine, our board-certified surgeons+ are able to remove part or all of the damaged disc or vertebra, depending on the severity of your condition. A surgeon may also insert an implant into the empty disc space if your spine requires stabilization. To find out if you are a potential candidate for our minimally invasive procedures, reach out to us today and ask for a free MRI review.*