Nonsurgical treatments are almost always the first options a physician will recommend when helping you manage arthritis of the spine or other degenerative neck and back problems. That’s because nonsurgical treatment options are very often effective at managing degenerative spine conditions. Except in rare cases, physicians should only recommend surgery when all other nonsurgical therapies have proven ineffective.

Specific conservative treatments for spinal arthritis

Here are some of the options doctors will recommend upon diagnosing this condition:

• Physical therapy. Often the first step in managing neck and back problems, physical therapy serves to improve flexibility and mobility while increasing strength. Typical physical therapy treatments include targeted exercises, massage, electrical stimulation, heat therapy, hydrotherapy and others.
• Pain management. Many types of acute or chronic back pain can be relieved with treatments such as injections, drugs and medications, spinal bracing and others.
• Alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is a broad term used to describe nontraditional therapies including acupuncture, acupressure, yoga or biofeedback. Although supporting research is limited, some people do report experiencing symptom relief through alternative medicine. Always consult your doctor when attempting new treatments.
• Chiropractic care. Chiropractic care will likely include adjustment of the spine in order to treat neck and back pain. Chiropractors use techniques like applied pressure, massage and manual manipulation of the vertebrae and joints. It should be noted that this approach is still the subject of some debate in the mainstream medical field.

As with all medical treatments, it is very important to consult with a physician before starting any treatment program for your spinal arthritis. In addition to medical treatment, there are also some lifestyle choices that promote spine health and can potentially help to lessen the severity of spine arthritis. These methods are recommended for everyone regardless of your condition and include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking, as smoking impairs blood flow resulting in nutrient and oxygen loss in spinal tissues
• Maintaining proper posture
• Wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes
• Sleeping on a mattress of medium firmness to better support the spine
• Remaining active and avoiding an overly sedentary lifestyle

Minimally invasive spine surgery for spinal arthritis

If conservative treatments for spinal arthritis have failed to relieve your pain and symptoms and your physician has suggested surgery, consider a minimally invasive spine surgery from USA Spine Care. The minimally invasive decompression and stabilization procedures performed at USA Spine Care are a safer and effective alternative^ to traditional open spine surgery for the treatment of conditions including spinal arthritis. These outpatient procedures offer many benefits, such as a less than 1-inch incision, no unnecessary muscle tearing, and a streamlined experience. For more information on the types of procedures we provide, review our procedures page and contact our team.

We are happy to provide a free MRI review* to help you find out if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.