Spinal Cord Arthritis: An Extremely Painful Problem!

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Spinal cord arthritis is also known as spinal stenosis. It is characterized by narrowing of backbones which then compress and stress the spinal cord, nerves and nerve roots causing excessive pain and numbness.

Spinal cord arthritis usually affects three separate parts of the spine which are spaces between the spinal bones, nerve passages and the tubes in the central area of bones. The narrowing of the bone may include a small portion of the spine or a larger area of the spine. Often the patients having spinal cord arthritis feel numbness in the legs, shoulders, and neck as initial symptoms.

The age of the patient plays an important factor in developing this condition. Usually men and women above 50 years come under the risk group while youthful people who suffered spinal damage can also develop this disease.

Initially the stress on the spinal cord may not be felt by the patients. Later on however the effect may be compounded with lack of sensation as well as spasms in the legs and neck as the stress on the nerves roots increases. In extreme conditions of disease the patients may develop sores on their legs because of the corrosion of nerves.

Exercise and strengthening exercises are the most suggested treatments for this disease. The patients can choose various exercises such as aerobics, physical back and stomach muscle strengthening exercises and physiotherapy to suit your health and needs. The aim is to get a nonstop motion of the spine to prevent possible nerve stress. Corticosteroid injections are normally administered in patients to cover the spinal cord. This will also relieve pain in the hips and legs. Anti inflammatory drugs also helps to reduce pain and swellings. There are surgical procedures as well to release the pressure on nerves.

Spinal cord arthritis is destructive but timely medical intervention and vigorous physical exercises will make a big difference to improve the quality of one’s life. For more on arthritis visit www.ArthritisIndication.com.