What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints, resulting in stiffness and pain. It's a term commonly used to describe various joint-related conditions, particularly affecting women and older individuals. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which may vary in severity.
Types of Arthritis and Their Symptoms:
- Osteoarthritis of Spine or Degenerative Arthritis: Characterized by wear and tear or previous injury, leading to non-inflammatory spinal arthritis. Symptoms include pain and cartilage damage.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Spine: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing joint pain, damage, swelling, stiffness, deformity, fatigue, and fever.
- Spondyloarthritis: Spreads to the spine, affecting joints, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms include low back pain and pain in surrounding areas.
Forms of Spondyloarthritis:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes inflammation of vertebrae and sacroiliac joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Affects smaller joints and sometimes the spine, often preceded by psoriasis symptoms.
- Reactive Arthritis: Joint inflammation due to a contagious infection, commonly resolving on its own.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Arthritis risk factors include family history, age, gender (higher risk in women), previous joint injuries, and obesity due to increased stress on joints.
Symptoms of Arthritis:
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Reduced range of motion
Role of Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy can help manage arthritis symptoms through various exercises:
- Hamstring Stretch
- Stretching Quadratus Lumborum
- Strengthening Exercises
- Hip and Lower Back Stretch
- Alternating Side Lunge
- Alternating Forward Lunge
- Single Knee to Chest
- Pelvic Tilt or Pelvic Drop
- Arm and Leg Raises
- Spinal Extension
- 'Cat-Camel' Exercise
- Bridge Exercise
- Forearm Plank
Gym ball exercises can also strengthen the core.
Treatment for Spinal Arthritis:
Treatment methods for spinal arthritis may include electrical therapy, ultrasonic therapy, TENS, and hot pack application for pain management and muscle relaxation.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC543853/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1395797/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031940605667922
Dr. Garima Singh
Physiotherapist
BPT and DPTR.