Non-surgical treatment of joints with osteoarthritis

There are several options for non-surgical treatment of osteoarthritis. Conservative treatment in this disease is the first line of protection that helps reduce pain and relieve the stiffness of the joints of the spine caused by arthritis and associated degeneration of the vertebral discs. Most treatment plans include a combination of several non-surgical treatments. In each case, such factors as the severity of the disease, affected joints, the nature of the symptoms, the presence of other diseases, age, occupation, way of life and daily activities are evaluated.

In cases where osteoarthritis causes severe pain, it is necessary first of all to take measures to reduce it and bring it to a controlled level so that the patient can continue daily activities and preferably had the opportunity to participate in rehabilitation and exercises at an acceptable level. Effective first-priority methods for reducing pain are rest, treatment with heat and cold, the use of various medications that reduce pain and relieve inflammation.

Rest to prevent attacks of pain in spinal arthritis

One of the items in the treatment plan for osteoarthritis should be regular rest and breaks in activity, for example, when working at a computer. Patients benefit by learning to recognize the signals of their body and knowing when to stop or reduce activity. Giving peace to inflamed joints, you can reduce the load on them and the muscles, relieve pain and muscle spasms. Until the patients strengthen their muscles, doctors ask simply to reduce the intensity and frequency of actions that invariably cause pain in the joints.

Heat and cold therapy for temporary relief of pain in spinal arthritis

People with osteoarthritis often find that heat from warm towels or hot compresses applied to the joints can relieve pain and relieve swelling. A warm bath or shower is also helpful. It is known that heat helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints, and also improve the circulation of the fluid. The same effect has water therapy in the heated pool or Jacuzzi. In some cases, the pain or numbness of the inflamed area can reduce the cold created by a cold compress or wrapped in a towel with an ice pack or frozen vegetables. Often the use of heat for 20 minutes before the exercise cycle or before other activities and the subsequent application of cold help ease the pain. In order to determine what exactly - heat, cold or a combination of them - is the best treatment, you should consult a doctor or a physiotherapist.

Medical means for relieving pain and inflammation in the back with arthritis

There are many types of medications that help patients to control the level of pain and reduce painful swelling around the affected joints. Some drugs, such as Tylenol, only relieve pain. Others, such as NSAIDs (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors), are aimed both at reducing inflammation of the joints and in relieving pain. There are also painkillers and nutritional supplements (for example, glucosamine and chondroitin), which are believed to provide an analgesic effect.

Osteoarthritis joints are often treated with a regular combination of all three of the above methods in order to allow patients to focus on rehabilitation, physical exercise and maintaining the usual level of daily activity.

Treatment of arthrosis may require a multidisciplinary medical team

In connection with the variety of options, the treatment of joints with osteoarthritis requires the use of specialists of various profiles. Such an integrated approach provides better results in terms of reducing pain and improving the functionality of patients with osteoarthritis. However, in this connection, due to the large number of different specialists involved in the treatment, different points of view may arise and this can sometimes create confusion. Therefore, open and honest communication within the team is important and in this the role of the patient is great.

The osteoarthritis treatment team may include a combination of the following medical professionals specializing in the treatment of back:

• Doctors of the primary link. Doctors who treat patients before referring to other specialists (physicians-therapists, osteopathic doctors, chiropractors).
• Rheumatologists. Doctors specializing in the treatment of arthritis and related conditions affecting joints, muscles and bones.
• Physiatrists (specialists in physical rehabilitation). Doctors helping patients to maximize their physical potential, usually with a special emphasis on rehabilitation.
• Physiotherapists. Specialists working with patients in the direction of improving the function of joints and physical fitness.
• Rehabilitation therapists. Doctors who teach ways to protect joints, methods of minimizing pain and saving energy in the home and at work.
• Psychologists and psychiatrists. Specialists who help patients cope with the emotional, social and psychological difficulties caused by the disease, at work and at home (eg, insomnia, depression).
• Social workers. Professionals who help patients solve social problems caused by disability, unemployment, financial difficulties, home care and other disease-related needs.
• Nutritionists. Specialists who teach ways to use dietary foods to improve health and maintain a healthy weight.
• Nursing instructors. Nurses who specialize in helping patients understand their general condition and implement treatment plans.
• Orthopedists. Doctors specializing in the surgical treatment of diseases of bones and joints. Orthopedic doctors can additionally specialize in the treatment of diseases of the back.
• Licensed acupuncture therapists. Medical workers who reduce pain and improve physical condition with the help of injections of various points on the body with a thin needle.