Joint-Friendly Workouts to Ease Arthritis Pain and Stiffness
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to inject new life into your workouts. Here are some moves that make it easier to move.
Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain
Low back pain can interfere with your everyday life, making even routine tasks difficult and painful. The right treatment can improve your lower back pain and help you to return to the activities you enjoy.
In many cases, low back pain can be successfully treated with nonsurgical methods. Dr. Yanamadula offers a variety of nonsurgical treatments for low back pain.
There are several potential causes of low back pain. These are some of the most common conditions that Dr. Yanamadula treats.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back. The spinal nerves in the lower back have less space and may become compressed as a result. Spinal nerves branch out to supply other parts of the body with sensory and motor functions. If a spinal nerve is compressed in the lower back, it may cause symptoms in the legs as well as the lower back.
Common symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis include lower back pain, burning pain in the buttocks or legs, and numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs. In more severe cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, patients may experience weakness in the legs as well. Many patients report that they experience relief from their symptoms when sitting down or leaning forward because those positions may relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Activity modification and specific exercises are often recommended for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Additionally, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen or naproxen may be recommended for pain. Guided epidural injections can also be very helpful in relieving pain and swelling, which can reduce symptoms in the lower back and legs.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Over time, our spinal discs can become worn, making them more vulnerable to injury. The gellike center of the disc can begin to push against the tough exterior of the disc and in some cases push through the disc’s exterior. This is known as a herniated disc. A herniated disc in the lower back can irritate the spinal nerves and cause lower back pain.
Common symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc include pain in the lower back and/or buttocks and pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs. Physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, and NSAIDs can be helpful in managing lumbar herniated disc symptoms. Dr. Yanamadula may also
recommend oral steroids or epidural cortisone injections to help with pain and inflammation in the lower back.
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Over time, the discs in the lower back can begin to wear away and shrink. This is a normal part of aging, and it is common to have some degree of disc degeneration as you get older, even if you do not have any symptoms. For some, the discs can degenerate to the point that they cause pain in the lower back. Lumbar degenerative disc disease can also contribute to the development of lumbar stenosis or osteoarthritis in the spine.
In many cases, lumbar degenerative disc disease causes an aching pain in the lower back, rather than a burning, radiating type of pain. Prolonged periods of standing or sitting can make pain “flare up” or get worse, as well as certain movements like bending, twisting, and lifting. Activity modification and physical therapy are often recommended to help manage symptoms. Dr. Yanamadula may also recommend NSAID medications or prescribe oral steroids, muscle relaxants, or pain medications to help manage episodes of pain. Epidural steroid injections may also be recommended.
Osteoarthritis of the Spine
The spine has tiny joints between the vertebrae known as facet joints. Just like any other joint in your body, osteoarthritis can develop in one or more of the facet joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis in which the cartilage between the joints wears away over time. Osteoarthritis symptoms may be mild at first, but they can progress over time.
Osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back, particularly first thing in the morning and after extended periods of activity. Some patients may lose flexibility in the back. Stretching and exercises may be recommended to keep pain from getting worse. NSAID medications may be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation. Dr. Yanamadula may also suggest a facet joint injection to relieve pain.
Low Back Pain Treatment in Lawrenceville, NJ
Dr. Dinash Yanamadula is board certified in pain management and physical pain & rehabilitation. After diagnosing the source of low back pain, Dr. Yanamadula creates a customized treatment plan for each of his patients to ensure the best possible results. If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about how Dr. Yanamadula can help with low back pain, please call our office at (609) 5121690.
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