Ageing Backs - Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis & Your Spine

As you grow older, your back starts to age.

Problems like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis start to surface, commonly after the age of 40-50.

What is Osteoarthritis?

This is a degenerative disorder caused by wear and tear.  In this disease, the cartilage gradually wears away and changes occur in the adjacent bone. Osteoarthritis may be caused by joint injury or being overweight.

It can affect your spin, knees, hips and is the most common type of arthritis.

People tend to be affected by osteoarthritis after the age of 65, although it is possible to experience it earlier.

Most young people with knee problems have typically sustained a trauma or an injury to the knee or may have an inherited form of the disease.  Statistics show that osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the five leading causes of disability among elderly men and women.

What are the risk factors?

There are several risk factors, including:-

• inherited predisposition to the disease
• age - the older you are, the harder it is for the body to heal itself
• sex - women seem more likely to get osteoarthritis than men
• occupation - jobs which involve a lot of lifting, kneeling or walking may make increase the risk later in life
• contact sports - such as rugby, football or running cause wear and tear on the joints

What about treatment?

Treatment is often with a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers combined with exercise and diet.

Many people have found that glucosamine with chondroitin can help relieve symptoms and the recent research into the effects of glucosamine and it's effect is  mostly positive.

The food supplement glucosamine sulphate has been found to have long-term benefits for osteoarthritis patients.  For the first time, glucosamine has been shown to slow down the progression of joint degeneration in osteoarthritis as well as reducing symptoms.

Whilst you can purchase this supplement in most stores, do check the dosage per tablet, as it can vary between brands.

What about alternative medicine for treatment of arthritis? 

If you're looking for a holistic approach, you may have already read about the alkaline diet which is based on the beliefs that arthritis is caused by the accumulation of toxic acids and reducing your acid intake may reduce your symptoms and pain.

You can find out more about the alkaline diet at Dr Lockie's website, http://www.drlockie.com/profiles/diet_art.htm , where it also gives a list of foods it's suggested that you avoid.

Recent research has discovered  links between arthritis and diet.  You can find some great advice from the Arthritis Research Council at their site - http://www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6010/6010.htm

Should I rest or exercise?

The best advice is 'little and often' – a little rest, followed by a little exercise.

Swimming can be a very good way of exercising and keeping fit as it supports the weight of your body allowing easier movement.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

This is caused by the body's own immune system attacking itself - and is an auto-immune disease that causes chronic inflammation and a degeneration of the joints.

This attack causes inflammation of the joint. It can lead to destruction of the cartilage and bone and, in some cases, muscles, tendons, and ligaments as well.

It is a chronic condition, common in people over the age of 40, but can occur at any age.

Common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis include:-

• stiffness
• swelling & redness 
• constant or recurring pain
• fatigue
• weakness
• loss of appetite
• muscles aching
• fever

Symptoms tend to be worse in the morning and in cold, damp weather.

Once these joints have become damaged from the inflammation they will not heal quickly, this is why initial treatment may be aimed at reducing inflammation.

While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms

When should I see a Doctor for back pain?

If you're concerned that it isn't just normal back ache, for example, if it's accompanied by bladder or bowel problems, numbness or the pain is servere, get along to see your doctor.

If you experience sudden changes or acute pain, seek medical advice.

Further Resources & Information

Rheumatoid Arthritis - further information about this autoimmune disease

What causes Osteoarthritis -   and what you can do to help yourself