Spinal Arthritis: Staying Active and Managing Joint Inflammation

Spinal arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis of the spine, is a degenerative condition affecting the facet joints that connect the vertebrae. It occurs when the protective cartilage covering these joints wears away, leading to friction, inflammation, and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes).

Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

• Stiffness and localized pain in the neck or lower back, especially in the morning.
• Tenderness over the affected spinal joints.
• Pain that increases with extension (bending backward) or twisting.
• A feeling of grinding or crepitus in the spine during movement.

Physiotherapy Treatment Protocols

1. Gentle Mobilization: Restoring movement to stiff joints using gentle, hands-on mobilization techniques.
2. Flexibility Exercises: Stretching the hamstrings, hip flexors, and spinal muscles to reduce overall tension.
3. Strengthening Stabilizers: Building core, pelvic, and scapular strength to distribute forces evenly across the spine.
4. Low-Impact Aerobics: Water therapy, cycling, or walking to keep the joints lubricated and healthy.

Sparq Physiotherapy Clinic provides gentle spinal mobilization and joint-lubricating exercise plans to reduce arthritis pain, stiffness, and bone-on-bone friction.