Prior to beginning any arthritis of the spine treatment, it’s important to be comfortable with your doctor. He or she should put you at ease and be both willing and able to answer your questions. The treatment process should be a partnership where open lines of communication ensure you have the best chance to relieve the symptoms of your condition. An important part of this is to have a clear understanding of spinal arthritis and an open-minded view of treatment that is free from some of the misconceptions that some people have.

Facts on arthritis of the spine treatment

Here are four examples of common misconceptions patients sometimes have about their arthritis of the spine treatment:

1. There is no point in seeking treatment. Spinal arthritis is not a reversible or curable condition, which may lead patients to believe there is no point in seeking out treatment. While the age-related degeneration that is the most common cause of this condition cannot be avoided, there are still many treatment options available that can lead to lasting relief and improve overall spine health.
2. Pain relief can happen overnight. On the opposite end of the spectrum, sometimes patients believe that relief should occur quickly. Treatment for spinal arthritis is normally a long-term process that prioritizes an improvement in overall spine health. While pain medication and/or other pain management methods may be recommended for specific episodes of pain, other techniques seek to strengthen the muscles that support the spine while increasing neck and back flexibility.
3. Surgery is always required. While surgery can be an effective treatment in certain cases, it’s usually considered the last resort when conservative treatments have been unable to provide sufficient results. If a spine specialist is pressuring you into surgery before suggesting more conservative treatments first, seek a second opinion immediately.
4. There is one ideal treatment plan. There is a wide range of treatment methods to help manage the symptoms of arthritis of the spine. While a friend or neighbor may have success with one approach, it may not be right for you. Your treatment should be personalized by your doctor and will likely will require a certain amount of trial and error to find the right combination of treatments.

To learn more

For additional information about what to expect with arthritis of the spine treatment, the best place to start is with your primary care doctor or spine specialist. If you’re being recommended for surgery after exhausting conservative treatment, reach out to USA Spine Care today. Our minimally invasive spine surgery is an alternative to traditional open neck or back procedures, offering our patients less risk of complication and a shorter recovery period.^

We offer a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our outpatient procedures.