Spinal Arthritis Treatment Using Alternative Medicine
Spinal arthritis treatment can utilize a variety of techniques, including pain medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and even moderate exercise. Since spinal arthritis is an incurable condition, these treatments serve to relieve its symptoms, which can include pain, the feeling of bone-on-bone contact, swelling, stiffness, and more. A number of patients choose to pursue alternative medicine for the treatment of their spinal arthritis, sometimes in conjunction with doctor-prescribed methods.
Examples of Alternative Treatments
Some of the popular alternative therapies for spinal arthritis include:
- Acupuncture – This treatment involves the insertion of tiny needles into specific parts of the body. This practice is said to promote healing and prohibit the sensation of pain.
- The use of dietary supplements – Fish oils, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to decrease inflammation, thereby helping patients with arthritis. Gingerroot is a popular herb for patients with spinal arthritis, since it is thought to block the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which plays a role in the body’s natural inflammatory response.
- Chiropractic treatment – Some patients find that spinal adjustments help to relieve their symptoms of spinal arthritis. Chiropractors may use a number of additional techniques to provide relief, including ultrasound, hot/cold therapy, and lifestyle modification techniques.
When Alternative Medicine is Ineffective
If alternative medicine proves ineffective, your doctor may recommend a number of conservative methods for spinal arthritis treatment, such as physical therapy or over-the-counter medications, if they have not already been pursued. In the event that these treatments fail to provide relief after several weeks or months, your doctor may then recommend spinal arthritis surgery. The orthopedic experts at Laser Spine Institute have developed safe and effective alternatives to open back or neck surgery. If you are a resident or visitor of Tempe, Mesa, Phoenix, or the surrounding areas and would like information about our outpatient procedures, contact Laser Spine Institute Scottsdale to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
