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Coping with Spinal Arthritis Pain

Coping with Spinal Arthritis Pain

QI Spine Clinic, 9 months ago

The spine comprises 33 bones stacked like a lego set with synovial membrane in-between these joints allowing it to move frictionlessly. However, due to constant usage, the wear and tear caused by the same; underlying infection or an autoimmune disorder, these joints may become inflamed causing debilitating pain in the back or the affected peripheral joints. The condition is called ‘Arthritis’ and it has the potential to disrupt even day-to-day activities. There are always the emotional challenges associated with arthritis such as changes in social life, anger, sadness, etc.

We understand it can be difficult to live with spinal arthritis pain, however, it’s imperative to know that you can still live a healthy life ahead with proper spinal arthritis pain management.

Emotional Upliftment

Living with Arthritis that causes chronic pain, especially in the neck and back, comes with a lot of emotional baggage. Someone who is affected with it will showcase negative emotional states such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and even depression which takes a toll on their lives. It’s a common human response to feel stressed when experiencing such chronic pain, however, it shouldn’t become second nature. Instead,  emotional upliftment can help cope with spinal arthritis pain better than some other methods can.

You need to escape the vicious cycle of feeling sorry for yourself and the emotional meltdown that it can bring upon. A positive approach towards any challenge is a to-go approach to coping with the pain associated with it as well. You can consider participating in a support group or hiring a mental health professional to treat the pain both mentally and physically.

Diet

Proper pain management without good nutrition is like shooting arrows in the dark. Your body needs adequate nutrients to function be it Vitamin C to reduce inflammation, fiber for gut health, Vitamin A for better vision; calcium and Vitamin K for bone health, etc.

Proper nutrition helps build a stronger immune system needed to fend off infections and flu while reducing inflammation which is causing arthritis pain to begin with. Leafy greens such as Kale, Broccoli, and Spinach are excellent sources of Vitamin C and E that your body needs to fight against inflammation and collagen production that works by increasing joint flexibility.

Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc, are good for the body as well since they contain high amounts of antioxidants that your body requires to fight inflammation. There are Omega-3s found in fish that have anti-inflammatory effects on our body as well.

Medications

Certain medications available over the counter (OTC) can help alleviate the pain associated with arthritis. Analgesics such as Acetaminophen and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) push the pain away. Of course, we advise consulting a doctor before taking such medications over a prolonged period as it can have adverse effects on the body.

Exercise

Generally speaking, doing exercise is as important as eating right because both go hand-in-hand. Regular exercise helps improve overall health and especially when you are experiencing spinal arthritis pain. Stretching the back with low-impact exercises such as yoga, swimming, walking, etc, are some of the ways you can burn calories, and stretch all the targeted muscles making them both flexible and stronger to endure stress.

Of course, no exercise will fit all. In this case, we would recommend consulting a healthcare provider to get a personalized exercise regime that you can follow. This should help with spinal arthritis pain management easing the mobility of the back and neck, the two points susceptible to arthritis i.e. at higher risk of developing this condition.

Self-Care is Self-Love

If you are a regular on social media, you might have come across this term quite often. It is a befitting tagline for spine care as well. You must take measures to manage spinal arthritis. It includes giving yourself 20-30 minutes for meditation as it calms the nerves. You can take a short stroll to alleviate recurring pain.

Give time to read a good book, spend time with your near and dear ones, get adequate sleep each night and there are just a few self-care tips you can do.

Back-friendly Workstation

For working professionals, both at home and in the office, consider spending a bit on an ergonomically back-friendly workstation. It includes buying a lumbar support, a neck support, a footrest (optional), among others to support the spine and the peripherals. A bad posture can cause a series of issues both in the back and neck, however, sitting in a neutral position preserving the natural curves of the spine can help steer away from such a situation.

Keep Your Appointments

The worst thing someone could do when experiencing arthritis pain is to wait for a prolonged time allowing the situation to become dire. If you have any symptoms of spinal arthritis or the pain is progressively worsening by the day or the medication isn’t providing any relief as intended, it’s crucial to loop in a healthcare professional for medical assistance. The doctor should be able to find tailor-made treatment plans based on the previous and current medical conditions.

Wrapping Up

The pain associated with spinal arthritis can get worse if not treated sooner. However, there’s no need to worry as there are many non-invasive methods to treat arthritis without undergoing a surgery as a last resort. Follow aforementioned tips on spinal arthritis pain management and you should be able to get some relief and you’ll start feeling good as  you continue pulling these tips off.

Reach out to QI Spine Clinic at 086558 85566 to book an appointment with India’s leading spine specialists catered to treat any spine-related problems non-invasively.

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