Back pain due to osteoarthritis is a condition that cannot be taken lightly because it can seriously affect mobility and quality of life if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Back pain is one of the most common health problems that many people experience at all ages. Whether you are young or old, the possibility of experiencing pain in the back is very high. The causes of back pain are very diverse, which can come from injuries, incorrect posture, obesity, psychological stress or underlying diseases. However, osteoarthritis is still one of the leading causes, especially common in middle-aged and elderly people.
Top causes of back pain due to osteoarthritis
Many people when faced with back pain often think of simple injury or muscle fatigue, but few realize that it can be a sign of an underlying form of arthritis. In fact, back pain due to arthritis can stem from a variety of conditions involving the joints, spine, and surrounding soft tissues.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of back pain, occurring when the protective cartilage between the vertebrae wears away over time. As the cartilage wears away, the ends of the bones rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and limited mobility. The formation of bone spurs further increases the feeling of pain and discomfort.
In addition, degenerative disc disease is also a familiar culprit. As the discs lose water and shrink with age, the spine becomes less flexible and vulnerable, causing dull or sharp back pain. If left untreated for a long time, this condition can lead to disc herniation, causing nerve compression and numbness in the lower limbs.
Another common cause is spinal stenosis, when the space in the spinal canal narrows, increasing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Patients may experience back pain, numbness, and even loss of sensation in the legs or feet.
In addition, many other types of arthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, enteric arthritis, or polymyalgia rheumatica can also be the culprit behind uncomfortable back pain. These diseases not only damage the joints but also affect the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the spine, making the pain more persistent and uncomfortable.
The common point of back pain due to arthritis is its chronic nature: the pain increases with movement, decreases with rest, and is often accompanied by a feeling of stiffness in the joints in the morning or after a long period of immobility. Therefore, many people easily confuse it with common mechanical problems and do not seek timely medical attention.
What is the best way to prevent back pain due to osteoarthritis?
Although osteoarthritis is a natural and inevitable degenerative process that occurs with age, you can completely slow down this process and reduce the risk of back pain with the following simple measures:
1. Maintain a Reasonable Weight
Being overweight increases pressure on joints, especially the spine and knees. Maintaining a stable weight will help reduce the load on joints, prevent inflammation and slow down the degenerative process. A balanced diet, rich in green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and good fats from salmon, avocados, walnuts is the foundation for joint health.
2. Exercise Regularly, Correctly
Exercise is the “golden key” to keeping the spine healthy. Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga or Pilates help improve flexibility, strengthen the back and abdominal muscles – two important muscle groups that protect the spine. However, avoid sports that cause high pressure or have a high risk of injury.
3. Maintain Correct Posture
Incorrect posture in daily life and work is a silent cause of back pain and early osteoarthritis. Always pay attention to standing up straight, sitting up straight, avoiding hunchback or twisting. When lifting heavy objects, use force from the legs instead of bending the back, to reduce pressure on the spine.
4. Manage Stress
Stress not only affects the mind but also increases the risk of muscle spasms and back pain. Relaxation methods such as meditation, deep breathing, massage or listening to music can help calm the nervous system, reduce muscle tension and effectively control pain.
5. Invest in Sleep
A suitable mattress and correct sleeping position will help protect the spine throughout the night. Choose a mattress with moderate firmness, not too soft or too hard. When lying on your side, put a small pillow between your knees to reduce stress on the lumbar region.
6. Regular Health Checkups
Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe to see a doctor. Regular health checkups help detect early signs of arthritis and spinal damage, thereby promptly intervening with appropriate methods such as medication, physical therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
