Tackling the Symptoms of Lumbar Osteoarthritis

Aging happens. So far, there’s no way to avoid it. Our skin wrinkles, our energy wanes, and our joints and bones ache a lot more than they used to when we were younger. We can use lotions, take potions, and do all sorts of other things to make us feel better or…at least…as good as possible. Thankfully, most of the signs of aging can be addressed in one way or another to make them more tolerable.

Individuals over the age of 50 often complain of lower back pain. This, too, is often a result of aging and the formation of osteoarthritis in the spine. Lumbar osteoarthritis effects countless people, mostly just due to the wear and tear caused by everyday life.

Those stricken with spinal arthritis usually notice pain and stiffness, especially in the morning upon waking up. It’s the kind of stiffness that makes it tough to get out of bed in the morning. The reason for the stiffness and pain is because fluid has built up in the joints overnight, simple due to inactivity while sleeping. Some people also notice that their lumbar osteoarthritis gets worse at night after a long, busy day. Weather changes, of course, can be a huge problem as well.

The pain of osteoarthritis is usually felt in the back but quite often in the hip as well, and it may run down the buttocks, too. As the lumbar arthritis worsens, pain can be felt down the leg as well, which might cause doctors to diagnose something other than arthritis. The pain can be bad enough to interrupt sleep, in some cases, and often does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.

As a spine doctor, you’ve likely addressed the problems associated with lumbar osteoarthritis numerous times. You’ve no doubt completed a thorough examination and perhaps ordered x-rays or even a CT scan to check for joint damage, cartilage loss, or compression factors. Imaging studies can go a long way in determining exactly what is happening with a patient’s spine.

Once a diagnosis is reached, it’s time to talk to your patient about treatment. They’re probably anxious to get started with some sort of therapy that’s going to make them feel better, and that will probably involve an active exercise program that will keep them moving. Just as with patients with any type of arthritis, being sedentary is the enemy. But you need to show them why exercise is so important so that they understand just how essential staying active is for their well-being.

With a lumbar spine model from Dynamic Disc Designs (ddd), you can easily educate your patients about lumbar osteoarthritis. Models like the Professional LxH allow an in-depth look at the spine and how it works and offers the patient the opportunity to “see” what their condition is doing to their spine. Chiropractors and other spine specialists who use ddd models can also show the patient how exercise programs such as yoga or tai-chi (or simply going to the gym a few times a week) can help them to feel better.

The models manufactured by Dynamic Disc Designs can be used with patients who know little or nothing about the workings of the spine. However, once they observe the model and hold it in their hands, they experience that “aha moment” that encourages them to stay on track and do what it takes to tackle their lumbar osteoarthritis.

“This product makes it so much easier to show a 3D reference while explaining MRI’s and X-rays results to the patients.  I actually did not really use 3D models before because of their lack of realism.  Please keep on developing your models and I would highly recommend you to everyone.” – Brent C. Bluekens, DC