Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition, which is when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. RA can cause inflammation of the joint lining with resulting stiffness and joint pain, including the joints of the spine. The adult form of this disease is most often diagnosed in people ages 20 to 50, and women are three times more likely to develop arthritis than men. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis appears in children and is considered a different disease.

Is rheumatoid arthritis preventable?

RA can cause debilitating pain and limit mobility. Currently, rheumatoid arthritis prevention is not possible since the cause of the disease is not well understood. Genetic predisposition is believed to be a prime factor in disease manifestation. However, there are treatments to delay the progression of RA. If you experience symptoms of this condition, we encourage you to educate yourself concerning these treatments to allow for the best possible spine health and to minimize the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Many rheumatoid arthritis treatments are general recommendations for a healthy lifestyle and should be followed by everyone. Commonly recommended healthy life choices include:

• Maintaining a proper body weight
• Eating right
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding smoking
• Moderating alcohol consumption
• Reducing stress

These are all great ways to not only maintain your overall health, but also the health of your joints and connective tissues. However, since genes could predispose some people to rheumatoid arthritis despite a healthy lifestyle, a consultation with a rheumatoid arthritis specialist before development of significant symptoms may improve the likelihood of successful treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Often, RA can be treated through a variety of conservative methods. Immunosuppressant medications are used commonly by RA patients under the care of a rheumatologist. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, physical therapy and acupuncture are useful. The same prevention advice to lead a healthy lifestyle still holds true when trying to manage this condition.

USA Spine Care does not perform minimally invasive spine surgery to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but our caring and dedicated team can help you find more information about rheumatoid arthritis in the spine, including treatment methods. Contact USA Spine Care today.

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