Types of Osteoarthritis, symptoms and treatment

Types of Osteoarthritis

If you have ever read anything about the Ayurvedic treatment of the pain caused by Herniated Discs, you will know that the Ayurvedic treatment of Ehlers-danlos syndrome is quite similar to the treatment of the common spondylosis syndrome (osteoarthritis).

There are two types of osteoarthritis, namely Primary osteoarthritis and secondary osteoarthritis.

Primary osteoarthritis is the most common type and it affects the fingers, spine, knee, toes, hips, thumbs.

Secondary osteoarthritis only develops from an existing joint problem or injury such as rheumatoid, congenital joint disorders, gout, etc.

Types of Osteoarthritis, symptoms and treatment

Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the spine is caused by excessive tension on the spinal nerves. In fact, in many cases, the disc itself can be the cause of the pain.

When the discs are compressed or irritated, they start to cause symptoms such as backache, pain, numbness, tingling, and even a sensation of burning or hot sensation.

Both Herniated Discs and Osteoarthritis can have different consequences.

For patients who have Osteoarthritis of the spine, there is a large chance that they will develop symptoms such as stiffness, tenderness, and even disc herniation.

However, these symptoms may also indicate other conditions. So, it may be necessary to have them undergo diagnostic testing to confirm whether or not the symptoms are caused by Osteoarthritis.

Once the cause of the symptoms is determined, the patient can start treatment.

 

For instance, in the case of Herniated Disc, there can be a herniated nucleus pulposus, which means a bulge on the spinal disc.

In Osteoarthritis of the spine, on the other hand, there can be a degenerative syndrome, which means a swelling on the spine.

Most of the time, the pain will disappear once the condition has been treated and the damaged facet is restored to its original state.

However, some patients are affected by this disorder for a long time, and in such cases, the pain can be chronic.

Usually, when the disc is compressed, it causes pressure inside the spinal canal. This can result in either an aching pain in one part of the spine or another part of the spine.

 

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

When the disc is irritated, it can produce extra nerve endings and can also irritate the spinal cord itself.

When the discogenic pain is long-lasting, the treatment of this condition usually includes physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.

However, this last option should only be used as a last resort because of the complexity of the surgery.

 

Acupuncture

For those patients who do not respond well to the usual treatments, there are alternatives as well. One alternative treatment for discogenic pain is acupuncture.

The process involves using acupuncture needles to stimulate certain pressure points located in the area of the disc.

 

Radiography

Another option is infrared and radiofrequency energy beams, which are often used in conjunction with massage.

These methods are said to relax and paralyze muscles, as well as reduce inflammation.

However, patients with Osteoarthritis of the spine should not undergo such invasive methods.

 

Massage and Heat Therapy

They should try to find other treatment methods, like massage and heat therapy.

Massage may help relieve the pain in the lower back since it helps to relax the muscles, improving circulation.

Heat therapy can also be helpful, especially when it is done at regular intervals. However, patients should keep in mind that this type of therapy should only be performed by certified or trained professionals.

Although there is no cure for Osteoarthritis, patients can alleviate their pain with the help of proper treatment.