| Arthritis of the spine is usually a degenerative disease | | | | braces is helpful in reducing pain but long term use |
| that affects the vertebrae. It is very painful and occurs | | | | weakens spine muscles.o Acupuncture: It is done by |
| generally in people in the age group of 40-50 yrs. | | | | inserting small needles at specific points determined by |
| When symptoms occur, these should be attended to | | | | experts; the needles may be electrically stimulated or |
| immediately to avoid progression resulting in surgery. | | | | warmed to increase the effect and help in reducing |
| Although medicine has advanced considerably, and | | | | inflammation and pain.o Medication: Acetaminophen, |
| surgery has become more easy and accessible, it | | | | non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiods are |
| should be resorted to only as a last resort. | | | | some of the commonly used drugs. Cortisone |
| Symptomso Stiffness in the backo Back pain at | | | | Injections are also available as pain relievers.o Heat |
| intervalso Painful, numb and tender necko Pain in | | | | Treatment: Heat penetrates and reduces pain and |
| shoulders, hips, knees or heelso Pain and difficulty in | | | | stiffness.o Spinal Decompression: It is the linear force |
| bending or walkingo Deformation of spinal bone | | | | which pulls the body to create negative pressure. This |
| Diagnosis:o Physical examination by a reputed | | | | pressure helps the dislocated or misaligned vertebras |
| orthopedico Blood testo X rayo MRIo Cat Scano | | | | back in the proper place creating sufficient space |
| Myelogram | | | | between them, so that more oxygen and blood can |
| Cure:o Rest: Severe cases may require bed rest, | | | | get into this area.o Massage: It benefits the flexibility |
| sometimes for 1-3 days.o Braces: Temporarily wearing | | | | and range of motion. |