Arthritis is not just with elderly people. It affects a broader cross-section of the population. Although arthritis is common as we age, people in their early 40s have reported cases. Arthritis in the lower lumbar spine is a common problem which restricts the mobility of many people afflicted with it. You may be more prone to develop arthritis in the lumbar spine if you are obese or if you are involved in heavy labor or lifting. Those with previous injuries are also more prone to arthritis.
Arthritis of the lumbar spine happens in the joints that connect each segment of the spinal column, or the vertebrae. When the joints become arthritic, movement in the back becomes stiff and painful. Lumbar spine arthritis sometimes occurs along with other spinal conditions such as disc degeneration and spinal stenosis.
The symptoms of lower lumbar spine arthritis are stiffness in the lower back and many times severe pain. The stiffness is especially prevalent in the morning after getting out of bed. Sometimes strenuous activity or where one is using the lower back muscles can cause symptoms to worsen.
In many cases the arthritis can worsen and as the soft tissues degenerate bone spurs can form. When bone spurs form they inflame the surrounding soft tissue. This inflammation causes the nerves to become pinched resulting in spinal stenosis.
When arthritis attacks certain joints, the first activity is the restoration of flexibility. In certain cases the inflammation may be severe and require anti-inflammatory medicine. Surgery is usually a last resort. Chiropractors use natural methods to heal the spine. Chiropractors may warm up their patients in massage chairs prior to a spinal adjustment.
Chiropractors and doctors of osteopathic medicine rely on massage chairs to help their patients recover from these conditions. These doctors focus on helping the soft tissues become flexible once again. The physician may establish a routine to help the patient counteract the effects of arthritis.
To help increase flexibility of the joints, movement of those joints is necessitated. First a stretching and bending of the muscles is performed. This can be very painful in the beginning but must be overcome in order to regain flexibility. Massage therapy is often used to help relieve pain and to restore elasticity of the muscle tissue.
Many doctors use massage chairs to assist their patients. These doctors set their patients up on specific massage routines depending on their condition. The doctor may also include stretching and warming of specific areas of the body to assist recovery.
Of all the symptoms of lumbar spine arthritis, low back pain can be the most difficult to manage and live with. The constant pain and stiffness can be the cause of much stress and can seriously alter a persons way of life. It is important to recognize symptoms and begin treatment early to ensure that the progression of the disease is slowed down. This is where massage chairs can excel and get you to a more normal routine.
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