Can degenerative arthritis cripple you?
The term arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint anywhere in the body, including the spine. The condition may result from, or be associated with, various disorders including infection, degenerative disease, metabolic disturbance and tumors. Types of arthritis include ankylosing rheumatoid spondylitis, a chronic progressive disease that usually affects the spine and adjacent structures.
Arthritis and Spondylolisthesis
Osteoarthritis affects mostly the weight bearing joints, but also others such as the facet joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which can sometimes produce crippling deformities. Osteoarthritis related degenerative changes in the spinal bones and joints, which are common among people over forty, are known as spondylosis.
The prefix spondyl means vertebra. They can result in an abnormal curvature of the thoracic chest spine in older people, a condition known as kyphosis. For accurate diagnosis, x-rays are required. Treatments include rest immobilization, pain relieving and anti inflammatory medication, followed by graduated exercise and postural training by a physiotherapist.
Surgery is necessary only in extreme cases. What is spondylolisthesis? In this condition, one vertebra slips forward or subluxates on top of another. This movement narrows the spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes. Although it can occur anywhere along the spine, it most frequently involves the slipping of the bottom lumbar vertebra over the sacrum.
Spondylolisthesis may be the result of trauma, a spinal fracture or arthritis. Its symptoms include mild low back pain, muscle spasm and sciatica, or it may produce no symptoms whatsoever. Practicing good postural habits and strengthening the muscles of the trunk are good preventive measure to take.
Normal disc is the inner soft core is held within the tough, fibrous outer shell. Bulging disc with aging small tears may occur in the outer shell or annulus fibrosus, allowing the inner core or nucleus pulposus to bulge. Herniated or prolapsed disc is when tears in the outer shell increase in size or number, the inner core may spill into the surrounding area and impinge on an adjacent nerve, causing both inflammation and pain.
What are the complications of OA?
For many people, OA is a source of chronic pain that can be exhausting and debilitating. It can also lead to problems with anxiety and depression.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Knee OA is a leading cause of disability among adults.
- About 80 percent of people with OA have some movement that’s limited.
- About 25 percent of people with OA can’t perform major activities in their daily life.
In addition to causing pain, there are a number of ways in which OA can impact your life, including:
Sleep disruption
Achy, tender joints interfere with restful, restorative sleep. Not getting a full night’s sleep can make your pain seem intensified. Stiffness and limited range of motion can also keep you from getting comfortable in bed.
Reduced productivity
Many people miss multiple days of work per year because of chronic joint pain. Arthritis can also result in a decreased ability to perform normal everyday activities such as:
- household chores
- cooking
- getting dressed
In general, function can be improved with treatment. However, some people with OA may need assistance with simple day-to-day activities.
Weight gain
Pain and stiffness can decrease your desire to be active. You may stop wanting to participate in activities that used to bring you joy.
Arthritis may cause a decreased ability to exercise or even walk. The lack of activity doesn’t only limit your enjoyment of life — it can cause unhealthy weight gain. Extra weight can then exacerbate OA symptoms, as well as lead to an increased risk of other complications, including:
- diabetes
- hypertension
- heart disease
Gout
OA can change cartilage, causing sodium urate crystals to form in your joints. This can lead to gout and acute pain. Your big toe is a common place where gout can occur.
Chondrocalcinosis
OA can cause calcium crystals to form in cartilage, commonly in your knee. Calcification of joints can make OA symptoms more severe. Sometimes calcium crystals can shake loose, causing a sudden painful attack of arthritis.
Anxiety and depression
This study investigates the link between anxiety and depression and OA, finding that the pain of OA symptoms negatively affect mental health. More than 40 percent of the study’s participants showed increased anxiety and depression as a result of OA symptoms.
Other complications
Other complications that can arise from OA include:
- bone death (osteonecrosis)
- stress fractures
- bleeding or infection in your joint
- deterioration of tendons and ligaments around joints
- pinched nerve, in OA of the spine
There is no cure for OA, so treatment aims to manage symptoms.
It’s important to control pain while increasing mobility and joint functioning. Physical therapy can help increase mobility. Exercise is key to staying limber and maintaining your weight. But be careful not to overuse your joints and make symptoms worse. Take frequent breaks when exercising.
There are many medications available to relieve OA pain, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Cortisone injections can also be given to relieve pain, and lubrication injections can provide extra cushioning in your joints.
Depending on the severity of your OA, your doctor may suggest surgery to replace entire joints.
Alternative practices can help increase mobility, reduce stress, and improve your general outlook on life. These include:
- tai chi
- yoga
- acupuncture
What is the long-term outlook for people with OA?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease. If left untreated, it’ll get worse with time. Although death from OA is rare, it’s a significant cause of disability among adults.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if OA is impacting your quality of life. Surgery to replace joints may be option, as well as pain medication and lifestyle changes.
Whichever treatment you pursue, reducing your OA symptoms will improve your ability to get around and to have a better quality of life.
Chinese herbs treat rheumatoid arthritis | Extract and synthesize | Releasing pain from illness
Post a Comment