In-depth articles about osteoarthritis
causes, diagnosis and treatments such COX-2 inhibitors,
back pain medications, glucosamine and chondroitin
nutritional supplements and water therapy exercise.
Common Causes Of Back Pain In Women
This section includes a number of spine disorders and causes of back pain
that tend to occur more frequently in women than in men. Read more...
Osteoarthritis
Health Hub
August 9, 2006
In-depth information on osteoarthritis of the spine (or spinal arthritis), including
diagnosis and strategies for osteoarthritis pain relief such as arthritis medications
and exercise. Written and peer reviewed by physicians who specialize in spine
medicine. Read more...
Understanding
osteoarthritis of the spine
June 7, 2005
Osteoarthritis is characterized primarily by joint
pain and stiffness, although not everyone with osteoarthritis
actually experiences pain and disability. Other symptoms
of spinal arthritis include joint swelling and warmth,
low back pain, and nerve irritation in the legs. Read
more...
By: Charles D. Ray, MD
Osteoarthritis
medical diagnosis
June 7, 2005
The medical diagnosis for spinal osteoarthritis usually
includes a discussion of symptoms, a detailed medical
history, and a physical exam. Other tests, such as
x rays, blood tests, MRI or CT scans may also be used
to diagnose spinal arthritis. Read
more...
By: Charles D. Ray, MD
Facet joint disorders
December 10, 2002
Facet joints are in almost constant motion with the spine and can simply wear
out or become degenerated over time, leading to a process that produces bone
spurs and an enlargement of the joints, or osteoarthritis of the spine. Read
more...
By: Charles Dean Ray, MD
Causes of failed back surgery
syndrome
March 26, 2001 (Updated March 6, 2002)
Improper patient selection is the most common cause of failed back surgery
syndrome. If the patient’s pain is not true back pain, but originates
from a different source such as piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction,
and hip osteoarthritis, operating on the spine will not lead to
a good outcome. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Understanding
cervical spondylotic myelopathy
August 31, 2001
The process that leads to spinal cord compression is a result of cervical
arthritis (also called cervical spondylosis), which is incompletely understood
and likely has a number of causes. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)
refers to impaired function of the spinal cord caused by degenerative changes
of the discs and facet joints. Read
more...
By: Thomas M. Wascher, MD, FACS
Chronic neck pain
August 17, 2001
There are many conditions that can cause chronic neck pain, including cervical
osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and disc herniation. The
following article describes symptoms of some of the more common conditions
of chronic neck pain. Read more...
By: John Heller, MD
Symptoms of bone spurs
October 10, 2000
Medical providers often refer to degenerative changes and bone spurs as spinal
arthritis or osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Osteoarthritis in the spine
can cause stiffness and lower back pain that is usually worse in the morning,
gets better after moving around, then gets worse again at the end of the day. Read
more...
By: John H. Schneider, MD
Facet joint
osteoarthritis
September 8, 1999 (Updated February 28, 2001)
Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) causes the breakdown of cartilage
between the facet joints in the low back, leading to pain as well as stiffness
and loss of motion. Conservative treatments for facet joint osteoarthritis
concentrate on maintaining motion in the back.Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Hip osteoarthritis
September 8, 1999 (Updated February 28, 2001)
Symptoms of back, hip and leg pain in older adults may be indicative of
hip osteoarthritis. A missed diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis as the source
of pain is a common cause of failed low back decompression surgery. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Cervical osteoarthritis
March 29, 2000 (Updated February
28, 2001)
Just as in the lumbar spine, the facet joints in the cervical spine can degenerate
and lead to cervical osteoarthritis that causes pain and loss of motion. Treatment
for cervical osteoarthritis is usually conservative and rarely requires surgery. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Osteoarthritis
and facet joint problems – The doctor is in!
April 19, 2005
In this section, Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon and
Medical Director for Spine-health.com provides answers to patients’ common
questions about diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis and facet joint problems. Read
more…
Osteoarthritis Complete Treatment Guide
May 25, 2005
While there is currently no proven treatment to stop or slow the progression
of osteoarthritis in the spine, there are treatments to alleviate the pain and
other symptoms. Most people will benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes—particularly
exercise. In only the most severe cases will surgery be necessary. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Non-surgical
Osteoarthritis treatments
May 25, 2005
here are several conservative care (non-surgical) options available that
are the first line of treatment to help alleviate the pain and stiffness
caused by spinal arthritis and associated disc degeneration. Read more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
News: Drug May Help Prevent Women's Osteoarthritis
July 30, 2007
Calcitonin is already used to fight age-linked bone loss, researchers say.
Read more... | See
All Arthritis news
FDA advisory on Bextra, Celebrex
and other NSAIDs
May 16, 2005
Recent FDA reviews have resulted in the
withdrawal of Bextra, commonly used for arthritis
and back pain, and stronger label warnings for
Celebrex and other NSAIDs. Further investigation
is in process on specific brands or pain medication
as not all NSAIDs carry the same risks. Read
more...
By: Doug Hendricks, MD
Effectiveness of glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis
(Research article)
April 19, 2005
Although there is not yet a proven treatment to stop or slow the progression
of osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate nutritional supplements
may provide a viable alternative for some patients. An FDA study on the effects
and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin dietary supplements is currently underway,
and many physicians support their use because of the low incidence of serious
side effects (compared to other medications, such as COX-2 inhibitors and other
NSAIDs). Read more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC
Research on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements
(Research
article)
April 18, 2005
As of yet, the studies on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate nutritional
supplements are inconclusive as to whether or not the dietary supplements
can prevent or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis. The FDA is
running the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT),
which will likely provide more concrete information about glucosamine
and chondroitin sulfate. Read
more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC
COX-2 inhibitors - Celebrex and Bextra information
October 7, 2003 (Updated March 23, 2005)
Due to the new label warnings for Bextra and recent concerns about COX-2 inhibitor health risks, it’s especially important for patients to follow Celebrex and Bextra usage recommendations and know when to consult a physician. This article clearly explains the known side effects of Celebrex and Bextra as well as the important new guidelines from the FDA. Read more...
By: Donald Frisco, MD
Celebrex - COX-2 inhibitor
October 7, 2003 (Updated March 23, 2005)
Celebrex (chemical name celecoxib) is a COX-2 inhibitor drug commonly prescribed for arthritis and other types of back pain. Celebrex works by reducing inflammation, which often is a component of back pain and neck pain. This article gives specific information about safe use of Celebrex, including dosage, potential side effects and precautions for taking the COX-2 inhibitor. Read more...
By: Donald Frisco, MD
Bextra - COX-2 inhibitor
October 7, 2003 (Updated March 23, 2005)
Bextra (chemical name valdecoxib) is a COX-2 inhibitor drug that is approved use for signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis in adults, rheumatoid arthritis in adults, and painful menstrual cramps. This article gives specific information about Bextra dosage, potential side effects and safety precautions. Read more...
By: Donald Frisco, MD
NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
October 1999 (Updated March 2, 2005)
Because most episodes of back pain have an inflammatory component, anti-inflammatory medication is often an effective treatment option. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work like aspirin by limiting the formation of inflammation, but have fewer gastrointestinal side effects (such as gastritis or ulcers) than aspirin. One popular type of NSAID is COX-2 inhibitors, often used for arthritis and back pain. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Understanding COX-2 inhibitor side effects
February 9, 2005
Following the Vioxx recall, the FDA issued a new advisory for physicians prescribing
Celebrex, Bextra and other NSAIDs to their patients. This article summarizes
the recent study findings and FDA recommendations regarding COX-2 inhibitors
and naproxen, and provides several guidelines for safe use of these medications
for arthritis and back pain. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Vioxx recall and recommendations
January 31, 2005
Since the voluntary recall of Vioxx, a brand of COX-2 inhibitor commonly prescribed
for arthritis and different types of back pain, many patients have concerns about
other brands of COX-2 inhibitors such as Bextra and Celebrex. This article explains
the events that led to the Vioxx recall and outlines the current FDA recommendations
for patients using COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs. Read
more...
By: Gunnar B.J. Andersson, MD, PhD
Are your
medications making you sick? – Spine-health.com Newsletter
While the recent media attention to certain drugs (such as COX-2 inhibitors and
other NSAIDs) has raised a red flag for many patients, the sometimes misleading
or contradictory headlines have also created confusion and unnecessary fear for
many. This newsletter explains some of the potential side effects and risks of
several commonly used drugs for back pain, including COX-2 inhibitors, other
NSAIDs, acetaminophen and anti-depressants. Read
more...
Osteoarthritis
treatments - Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
supplements
November 29, 2000
For patients who have evidence of osteoarthritis in their spine (as seen on
an x-ray) and who have had other causes of back pain and neck pain ruled out
by their health care provider, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate
supplements may be a treatment option. Read
more...
By: Christopher D. Chaput, MD
COX-2 inhibitors - Celebrex
December 1999
COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex represent a significant advancement in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis pain because, while they are as efficacious as older NSAIDs, they have far less risk of side effects (such as blood thinning or stomach ulceration). Read more...
By: Alan J. Bridges, MD
Arthritis and NSAIDs
December 1999
The most frequently prescribed medications for arthritis pain are NSAIDs and specifically COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs help with arthritis pain because they are both analgesic (painkillers) and have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is estimated that 2 to 4 million Americans use NSAIDs (such as COX-2 inhibitors) on a daily basis. Read more...
By: Alan J. Bridges, MD
Osteoarthritis Exercises
July 7, 2007
While it may seem paradoxical, for those with so much
osteoarthritis pain that it hurts to move, exercise is
actually beneficial and will help manage the pain. Read
more...
Water
therapy exercise program
May 1, 2001
Water therapy is designed for back pain relief, muscle conditioning and strengthening,
and increasing the range of motion in the spine and other affected parts of the
body. Water therapy can be particularly helpful for managing back pain from conditions
such as osteoarthritis. Read more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD
Pool
therapy to relieve osteoarthritis pain
December 14, 2006
The effect of buoyancy provided by the water in pool
therapy allows osteoarthritis patients to gain the
benefits of exercise and stretching without causing
pain. Read
more...
Press Release: Myth that exercise and arthritis don’t mix still lingers
Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on Spine-health.com are not peer-reviewed by the Spine-health.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provides as additional resources for patients to learn from the experiences of others and to gain information from our popular newsletters.
