How to Cure Arthritis Back Pain
Arthritis in the back occurs in the spinal vertebrae. According to Spine-Health.com, an online source run by orthopedic doctors, "with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, the cartilage around the joint wears out and causes the joints to rub against each other, creating inflammation and pain." This pain can be debilitating for people, but it is curable. The best way to cure arthritis is through a combination of rest, using back braces, ice, heat, medication and exercise.
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Instructions
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Stop all physical activity for some time. Wear a back brace to limit movement of the vertebrae in your spine. Take two ibuprofen pills with water or a beverage every four to six hours, until your inflammation and pain are gone.
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Apply an ice pack or ice-packed towel and compress it against your back. Keep the ice there for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat ice treatment about every three to four hours throughout the day. Continue daily ice therapy until all swelling, inflammation and pain are gone.
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When your inflammation has improved, use a heating pad on your back several times each day.
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Lie on a hard floor with your knees propped up and your feet on the floor. Firmly press your lower back against the floor. Hold that position for up to five seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
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Extend both feet, while still lying down. Lift your right leg up, grab your right knee with both hands and pull it toward your chest. Hold your knee in that position for up to five seconds, then lower it back down. Repeat the same movement with your left leg. Do 10 repetitions on each side.
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Tips & Warnings
It is important to rest your back with arthritis to prevent further aggravation of your spinal vertebrae. During this time, use ice to control any swelling, inflammation or pain. Ice should be used during the first 48 hours after the onset of any arthritis symptoms. Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) which helps control inflammation and pain by limiting the flow of blood and lymph to spinal vertebrae. Once your inflammation is under control and you have more mobility, use a heating pad to promote blood flow to the area. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients (i.e. vitamin C) necessary for healing to the vertebrae. In addition to ibuprofen, try glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Both have been clinically proven to alleviate arthritis symptoms by fostering the growth of existing cartilage and increasing synovial fluid in the bursa sacs (fluid-filled sacs that protect cartilage from bone friction). At about the time you start using heat, perform some basic stretching exercises for your back. Gradually work your way into doing some strength-building exercises as well. Exercise also promotes blood flow to your back vertebrae. It also helps stabilize and support your spinal vertebrae. If you are consistent with a combination of all the aforementioned treatments, you should be able to cure arthritis in your back.
Never apply ice directly to your back or you could suffer a frost-bite injury. Also, do not exercise too soon after the onset of pain. Get the inflammation under control with ice and ibuprofen before you commence any exercise program.
