Understanding Spinal Arthritis and the Need For Surgery

Arthritis is a disease caused by the deterioration of cartilage, which is a flexible connective tissue that protects joints and bones. The disease mainly causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis can affect different joints of the body, including the spine. 

Although spinal arthritis can occur anywhere in the spine, it causes pain in the lower back and neck. These are the most common symptoms of spinal arthritis. Basically, doctors understand your symptoms and examine the conditions to determine whether you need medications or spine surgery in India. So, let’s understand the symptoms of spinal arthritis. 

Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

• Pain in the spinal bone, which worsens at night due to low movement and improves during the day with activities
• Stiffness and inflammation
• Loss of flexibility and decreased mobility of the spine
• Weakness and numbness in the legs and arms
• Tenderness when the affected areas are pressed
• A crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing when the joint is moved 

How to Diagnose Spinal Arthritis?

Your doctor will run some background checks with you in order to determine your as well as your family’s medical history. They may also conduct a complete physical examination to identify swelling, tenderness, and mobility. You may explain all the symptoms you have at this moment. 

Your doctor may also direct you to get an X-ray and an MRI. Both of these are common tests to diagnose spinal arthritis. The doctor will examine any bone damage and loss of cartilage in your joints through these examinations. 

Furthermore, the symptoms of spinal arthritis overlap with other conditions. So, doctors may ask for joint fluid analysis. In this procedure, a fluid sample is collected through a needle from the affected joint. The analysis will help doctors to understand the cause of the symptoms better. 

The Need for the Surgery

Medication is the first form of treatment for spinal arthritis. Medications for pain and anti-inflammation are prescribed to block joint inflammation. Alternatively, doctors prescribe steroid injections into specific areas to reduce inflammation. Additionally, physical therapy, exercise, and stretches can improve muscle and joint range of motion and strength. However, you may still need spine surgery in India. Let’s understand why. 

If your doctor identifies that the curve of the spine is affected by the flat-back syndrome, they may prescribe a non-surgical method to cure the curve. When these methods are ineffective, spine surgery is inevitable.

Doctors may also find an unstable spine which is weak and unbalanced to maintain its natural shape. An unstable spine cannot hold spine muscles, bones, and ligaments together. The body cannot operate normally with an unstable spine which necessitates spine surgery. The surgery is also necessary to realign the spine when the spinal curvature is severe and crosses a certain degree. 

Suggested Read: A Holistic View Of The Contribution Of India To Spine Surgery

There are different types of spinal surgery available in India. Your doctor may advise you on the right surgery after examining the disease. If you are looking for the best doctor for spine surgery, Med Tour Advisors can assist you in finding one.

How Can Med Tour Advisors Help You? 

Med Tour Advisors have helped numerous patients with spinal arthritis to find the best surgeons in India. We can help you choose the best hospitals and surgeons for spine arthritis treatment. Get associated with us for effective treatment.