Millions of people are affected by arthritis in the lower back. Arthritis is the inflammation and degeneration of a person’s joints. The lumbar spine, more commonly known as the lower back, is made up of several joints between the vertebrae that allow for flexibility and movement. When the lower back joints are affected by arthritis, it can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty with movement. The lower back can be affected by several types of arthritis, including:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Spondyloarthritis.
Common symptoms of lower back arthritis
Lower back arthritis can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Symptoms of lower back arthritis include:
- Pain — Pain is one of the most common symptoms of lower back arthritis and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain. The pain can get worse with activity and improve with rest. It can also be worse when in certain positions, like bending forward or sitting for long periods.
- Stiffness — The lower back may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Stiffness from lower back arthritis can make it difficult to move around freely.
- Limited range of motion — Arthritis can damage the joints in the lower back, which can limit a person’s range of motion, making it difficult to bend over, twist or stand up straight.
- Weakness — The muscles in the lower back may become weak due to pain and stiffness, hindering a person’s ability to perform everyday activities, such as lifting or carrying objects.
- Swelling — In some cases, the joints in the lower back may become swollen and cause pain and tenderness in the affected area.
- Grinding sensation — As the cartilage in the lower back joints breaks down due to arthritis, it’s possible to hear or feel a grinding sensation when moving. This grinding is caused by the bones rubbing against each other without the usual smooth cushioning.
- Sciatica — Sciatica is a sharp, burning pain that radiates down the back of the leg and can sometimes even reach the foot. It occurs when the inflamed tissue in the lower back compresses the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can cause weakness, numbness and tingling along the path of the nerve.
- Numbness or tingling — Arthritis can inflame nerves in the lower back, leading to a feeling of numbness or tingling in the buttocks, legs or even feet. Depending on the movements, this can be an annoyance or come and go.
- Sleep disruption — Pain and stiffness in the lower back can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Not being able to get comfortable can lead to restless nights and disrupted sleep patterns. When a person doesn’t get enough quality sleep, it can make the pain and fatigue worse the next day.
- Bowel or bladder habits — In severe cases of lower back arthritis, the inflammation can affect the nerves that control a person’s bladder and bowel function. This can lead to difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent or worsening, it’s crucial to consult a health care professional. Early diagnosis and treatment of lower back arthritis can help you manage your symptoms, prevent further complications and improve your overall quality of life.
There is currently no cure for arthritis, but there are several effective treatments, including physical therapy, that can help manage pain and improve function.
Physical therapy treatments that can help lower back arthritis
Physical therapy is a beneficial tool to help manage lower back arthritis symptoms. Your physical therapist will do a thorough evaluation to assess your condition. Based on your specific needs, they will create a personalized treatment plan using a variety of different techniques. Physical therapy techniques can help strengthen, stretch and improve flexibility and restore function in a person’s lower back. Common physical therapy treatments your physical therapist may incorporate in your treatment plan may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Myofascial release/active release therapy — These are techniques that can target and release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. Released tension can lead to improved mobility and potentially reduce nerve compression.
- McKenzie Method® — The McKenzie Method is a self-treatment approach that uses specific exercises and positions to manage pain and potentially prevent future flare-ups.
- Joint mobilization — Joint mobilization is a hands-on technique in which your physical therapist manually guides your joints through gentle movements to help improve flexibility and range of motion in the back.
- Therapeutic exercises — Your physical therapist can create an exercise program for you that includes strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises. Strengthening exercises target core and back muscles to help improve stability and reduce pain. Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility in the hamstrings, glutes and lower back, which can promote easier and more comfortable movement. Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness and cardiovascular health and potentially manage weight to help reduce stress on the joints.
- Dry needling — Dry needling is a technique used by a certified practitioner. They will insert thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points to relieve pain and tension. This can potentially reduce referred pain that can mimic or worsen arthritis symptoms.
Lower back arthritis can steal your mobility and leave you frustrated. Physical therapy is a safe and effective approach that can help manage lower back arthritis symptoms to help you reclaim your active life.
REPAIR SI can help you manage your lower back arthritis to help you get back to doing activities you enjoy
At REPAIR SI, we understand that the symptoms of lower back arthritis, like pain, stiffness and limited movement, can make it challenging to do the activities you love. Our dedicated team uses a personalized approach to physical therapy and will create a treatment plan designed around your specific needs and concerns. Targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques and movement strategies can help you manage your pain, improve flexibility and strengthen your core. Our goal is to empower you to move with confidence and reclaim your joy.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.