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Can Ongoing Pain On The Right Side And Lower Back Pain When Diagnosed With Arthritis Be Treated And Managed?
Question: I am aware I have arthritis of the spine. I have an ongoing pain on my right side just above and to the left of my hip bone. My primary doctor ordered an ultrasound of the area but it came back negative for anything. I also quite frequently have low back pain sometimes generating upwards toward the neck. I use a heating pad on my back when it is severe and I take Advil. I try to walk every day 1 1/2 to 2 miles. Do you think this is all connected with arthritis? Would you have any other treatment suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Physical therapy should be added.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Judging from your description it is well possible that degenerative spinal arthritis is the cause of your symptoms. It is very common with age, and usually more than one spinal level is involved.
As for treatment suggestions in order to alleviate the symptoms Advil and heating pad are fine. Lumbar support belts, braces may also help temporarily. However these measures alleviate worsening episodes, but they do not change much for the long term. The only proven measure for long term benefit is physical therapy. Physical therapy with special exercises to strengthen back muscles helps to strengthen the core and reduce the load on the spine. So some physical therapy sessions would be the one thing I would add to your management.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Regards
Physical therapy should be added.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Judging from your description it is well possible that degenerative spinal arthritis is the cause of your symptoms. It is very common with age, and usually more than one spinal level is involved.
As for treatment suggestions in order to alleviate the symptoms Advil and heating pad are fine. Lumbar support belts, braces may also help temporarily. However these measures alleviate worsening episodes, but they do not change much for the long term. The only proven measure for long term benefit is physical therapy. Physical therapy with special exercises to strengthen back muscles helps to strengthen the core and reduce the load on the spine. So some physical therapy sessions would be the one thing I would add to your management.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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