Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease which affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on their daily lives.
In Australia, arthritis is particularly prevalent, with the neck and low back regions being the most commonly affected. Fortunately, osteopaths are well skilled in offering management to provide relief and improve the overall well-being for individuals suffering from arthritis.
In this post, we will provide some handy tips for managing arthritis in the neck and low back and discuss the benefits of osteopathic treatment in effectively reducing these symptoms.
Arthritis in Australia
Arthritis is a widespread health issue in Australia, affecting a significant portion of the population. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 3.9 million Australians were diagnosed with arthritis in 2018-2019, with higher prevalence observed in older age groups.
While arthritis can affect various joints, it most commonly causing issues in the neck (cervical spine) and low back (lumbar spine and pelvis).
Luckily an arthritis diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of your active life. Being proactive about managing your arthritis is key, and osteopathic treatment plus structured regular exercise are potential game-changers to minimising discomfort, pain, and keeping the potential disability associated with this condition at bay.
Neck pain from arthritis
Arthritis presenting in the neck can range from some mild neck stiffness or restriction to debilitating pain which can lead to further complications in relation to headaches and immobility. Often arthritis throughout the neck presents as stiffness and reduced movement often after sleep or long periods of immobility. Other symptoms stemming from arthritis can be headaches, neurological pains such as numbness and tingling in the hands and muscle weakness around the neck and shoulders. These symptoms often lead to tight muscles and increasing joint stiffness.
As Osteopaths we can help with treatment and exercise prescription to help reduce these effects of arthritis. Some of the treatment techniques used can include soft tissue massage, dry needling and joint articulation to help restore the body's balance and turn it to proper function. Some exercises that may help with arthritis throughout the neck may include stretching of the upper back and supporting muscles, rotational and bending exercises through the back and neck to help with joint fluidity and foam rolling to help relieve muscle tension and joint mobility.
Lower back pain from arthritis
Low back discomfort can be from a range of various conditions however as we age the risk of developing a degenerative condition such as arthritis increases. As our low back is always under stress with increased amounts of sitting and inactivity our spine begins to stiffen up. These symptoms can present as joint stiffness, increased muscle tension in the lower back and limbs, muscle weakness in the lower limbs or neurological pains such as numbness or tingling.
Osteopathic treatment and management can help restore some function to the lower back and legs with assisting in muscle tightness and joint stiffness. Using treatment techniques such as soft tissue, joint articulation and adjustment along with dry needling and myofascial cupping Osteopathic treatment can help aid restore function to arthritic backs. Some exercises Osteopaths often employ to help their clients may be lower back rotation exercises, core stabilising and glute strengthening exercises along with stretching and foam rolling through the low back and lower limbs.
Managing your arthritis with the help of an osteopath
Osteopathic treatment is a patient-centered approach that focuses on the body's self-healing mechanisms, aiming to improve overall health and well-being. Here at Enso we view the body as a whole, considering the interconnectedness of its structure and function. When it comes to managing arthritis in the neck and low back, osteopathic treatment provides significant benefits including:
- Pain relief from both muscle tension and joint stiffness
- Reduced risk of further injury or degenerative changes
- Increased Joint mobility
If you are experiencing the above symptoms and want help managing your pain and getting back into your favourite activities get in contact with us here at the Enso Clinic. Our osteopathy team is here to help. You can book a consult online at this link or call us on 0433 963 181, we can answer any questions you might have.