Arthritis Of The Spine-there's More Than One TypeOn this site we've talked a lot about one type of arthritis of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis, which is is a form of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is what is classified as an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system, which normally protects the body by attacking invaders, such as bacteria that cause infection, has somehow become confused and gone out of control, and is now attacking the joints in the body, which brings about the typical AS symptoms of inflammation, stiffness, and pain. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, there is another type of arthritis called oseoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is probably the more common form of the disease. It's usually defined as 'wear and tear arthritis' and can be brought on by age, joint trauma or stress, obesity, and a number of other factors. While ankylosing spondylitis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis affecting primarily the spine, there also is a form of osteoarthritis that attacks the spine. The name of this disease is spondylosis. The symptoms of spondylosis can include, among others, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain and headaches. Sometimes the individual will experience loss of balance, and stiffness after inactivity is common with this disease, as it is with AS. If spondylosis involves the neck it's called cervical spondylosis, and if it's located in the lower back it's referred to as lumbar spondylosis. The treatment of the disease rarely requires surgery, which is usually used only as a last resort. Normal treatments include 'watchful waiting', which is tracking the disease with no intervention to see if it progresses, analgesic pain relievers, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, neck collars, and lumbar support belts. Infrequently, spinal traction may be employed. In spinal traction, parts of the spinal column are pulled in opposite directions in order to stabilize or change the position of the spine. Usually, the procedure requires the patient to be confined to bed, but sometimes can be accomplished with a 'halo vest'. As with many other forms of arthritis, exercise and physical therapy play a major role in managing the disease. Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate arthritis of the spine from other disorders affecting the back. The symptoms can be similar. Arthritis entails stiffness, pain, and inflammation, and the symptoms can also include pain in the shoulders, knees, heels or hips, a sound of bone rubbing on bone, limited range of motion, tenderness, numbness or pain in the neck, stiffness in the back after arising in the morning made better with movement or exercise, and spinal deformity. However, as many of the symptoms can also be caused by other problems in the back, it's necessary to consult a health professional for a complete diagnosis if you suspect arthritis of the spine. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I Cured My Arthritis - You Can Too" A Natural Arthritis Remedy... No Drugs... No Secret Formula... 43-Year Sufferer of Arthritis Shocks Her Doctors (Who Predicted She'd Soon Need A Wheelchair) With Her Natural Arthritis Cure Without Expensive Medication Or Surgery (And Challenges You To Do The Same!) Yes, the story of this lady's arthritis cure seems almost impossible. And incredible as it seems, it's all true. I'm about to let you in on the secret that got her thrown out of an arthritis convention - For trying to tell the truth - that the arthritis sufferers attending DIDN'T NEED the expensive drugs and treatments they were being sold... Now YOU can learn about the natural arthritis treatment that the medical community wants to keep from you - because it's not profitable to them. Read the secret that got this lady thrown out of the arthritis convention. Ankylosing Spondylitis Privacy Policy Contact Us Legal Information |