Arthritis of the spine, also known as spondylosis, is a condition that causes a narrowing of the spinal column due to a worn out disc. As a result, bone spurs can develop, which leads to inflammation, nerve compression and pain in the spine. There are many misconceptions associated with arthritis of the spine. However, the following article can help debunk some of these myths and provide you with a clear understanding of your diagnosis.

Myth one: only older people get arthritis of the spine

Many people believe that arthritis solely occurs in older individuals due to degeneration caused by years of spinal strain. However, this condition has no age limit, with many cases occurring in individuals under the age of 65 and certain types of arthritis even affect children under the age of 18. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor immediately if you are experiencing arthritis of the spine symptoms.

Myth two: exercise is not recommended for arthritis of the spine

It is true that high-impact exercises like playing football or lifting weights may worsen your condition. However, low-impact exercises approved by your doctor, such as swimming, walking or bicycling, are a great method for relieving you’re your arthritis of the spine symptoms by strengthening your range of motion and joint flexibility.

Myth three: you need to schedule surgery for arthritis of the spine immediately

Receiving an arthritis of the spine diagnosis can be extremely daunting and it is common to want to treat your condition surgically for immediate relief. However, surgery is typically reserved for severe cases, when doctor-recommended conservative treatments, such as pain medication, physical therapy and chiropractic care, do not provide adequate relief after several weeks or months.

If this is the case for you, contact USA Spine Care to learn about the types of surgery we offer for arthritis of the spine. USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck or back pain. Our procedures have allowed 88 percent of our decompression patients to return to their daily activities within three months after surgery.^

The surgical techniques at USA Spine Care can help you find lasting relief from your arthritis of the spine symptoms by using a small incision and muscle-sparing techniques. To find out if you are a candidate for our outpatient procedures, reach out to our dedicated team today and ask for a no-cost MRI review.* We are here to help guide you through your journey to wellness.