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Arthritis of the Spine
Of the several varieties of arthritis - or inflammation of the joints - osteoarthritis is the most common. It is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage of the joint - in this case, the vertebrae of the spine - and is often caused by wear and tear over time. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, including rheumatoid, psoriatic, and arthritis caused by infection.
When arthritis occurs in the spine, the primary treatment goal is to alleviate pain and to help you remain active. Always consult your Health Care Professional for a proper diagnosis, treatment and pain management recommendations.
Heat is a natural antidote to help ease arthritis pain, relax tense, painful muscles and increase the flow of blood to the area. The application of heat can be especially helpful prior to exercise - which is considered my many to be an important pain management strategy for those with arthritis. As your Health Care Professional will tell you, don't use heat if you have poor circulation or skin sensation
If you occasionally have a flare-up of your arthritis, the application of cold during the first couple of days may help dull the pain, but be careful not to overdo it. If you have poor circulation, decreased skin sensation or numbness, do not apply cold.
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