Both arthritis and diseases of the facet joints can cause significant pain and impair mobility in the hips and spine. At Clearway, our dedicated staff provides comprehensive treatment to combat pain and return you to your active lifestyle.
Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, cartilage, bones, muscles, and connective fibers in your body. While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, the two most common that strike adults are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Experts say that 90% of US adults experience some form of arthritis. With its many joints and its central role in supporting the body, the spine is a common area for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that mostly affects older individuals. While the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, it is associated with wear and tear on the joints that happen either over time or as the result of acute injury. It is most common in joints that are used often, such as those in the hands, hips, back, and legs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It can strike at any age and can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in any joint in the body. While it is most commonly felt in the hands and fingers, it can also occur in the joints in the spinal column and in the hips.
Facet disease, also known as facet joint syndrome, is most commonly arthritis that affects the facet joints. On the rear side of each vertebra are facet joints which hold the spine together. Facet joints make movements like bending, stretching and twisting possible. These joints are also the ones in the spine that are most likely to develop osteoarthritis. Someone who is diagnosed with arthritis of the spine is most likely experiencing cartilage breakdown in those joints. The pain can be mild to severe.
Arthritis is most often characterized by the following symptoms:
Those who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may also suffer these additional symptoms:
Some individuals who have RA may experience periodic “flare-ups” of symptoms. Others may experience some degree of arthritis symptoms on a consistent basis.
The two types of arthritis that are most common, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis, have similar symptoms by different causes. The causes of RA are not well understood. It is more common in women than in men. People who already suffer from another autoimmune disorder are more likely to develop RA than the general population.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that develops due to wear on the joints. Over time, repetitive movements or acute injuries will lead to damage to the joint tissue. This, in turn, leads to pain and stiffness. Obesity, work that requires repetitive motions or heavy lifting, overuse of a joint, and a genetic predisposition can make it more likely that someone will develop osteoarthritis. The disease also seems to have a hereditary factor. It is also more common in women than in men.
To determine whether you are suffering from arthritis or facet disease, your doctor will start with a physical exam and a discussion of your medical history. Diagnostic tests that include x-rays or MRIs of the affected joints may help with a diagnosis. A blood test can identify the blood factors and antibodies that are markers for rheumatoid arthritis.
Your personal and family medical history can provide a great deal of insight into the cause of your back pain. Researchers have learned that osteoarthritis is more common in people who have a family history of arthritis. It is also more common in women than in men. People whose jobs include physical labor or long periods of standing are also more prone to arthritis.
It is important to diagnose arthritis early. The sooner it is identified as the issue, the sooner treatment to prevent permanent joint damage can begin.
While there is no cure for arthritis or facet disease, consistent, quality treatment can help.
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication can help ease the pain and swelling that are associated with arthritis and facet disease.
Physical therapy can help patients learn techniques to improve body mechanics to avoid excessive stress on affected joints. In some cases, joint injections and medial branch blocks can help provide pain relief when more conservative measures fail. Those who suffer from RA can get relief from medications that help suppress the body’s immune response.
There is also evidence that exercise, weight management, and a diet that involves avoiding inflammatory foods and eating ones rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help curb arthritis symptoms.
Are you suffering from pain that may be related to arthritis or facet disease? Clearway Pain Solutions Institute can help. Make an appointment today to learn more about your treatment options and the best way to get back to your active life.