Degenerative Joint Disease.

Alternative Names: Hypertrophic osteoarthritis; Osteoarthrosis; Degenerative joint disease; DJD; OA; Arthritis-Osteoarthritis.

Causes
Unfortunately most of the time, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can also lead to OA.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55 it is more common in women.

The disease causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness. As the disease gets worse, the cartilage disappears and the bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs usually form around the joint.

OA can be primary or secondary.
Primary OA occurs without any type of injury or obvious cause.
Secondary OA is osteoarthritis due to another disease or condition. The most common causes of secondary OA are metabolic conditions, such as acromegaly, problems with anatomy (for example, being bow-legged), injury, or inflammatory disorders such as septic arthritis.

Symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it and is relieved by rest
Grating of the joint with motion
Joint pain in rainy weather
Joint swelling
Limited movement
Morning stiffness
Of course some people might not have symptoms.
Examination and Tests
A physical exam can show limited range of motion, grating of a joint with motion, joint swelling, and tenderness.
An x-ray of affected joints will show loss of the joint space, and in advanced cases, wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

Treatment
The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, maintain or improve joint movement, increase the strength of the joints, and reduce the disabling affects of the disease. The treatment depends on which joints are involved.

MEDICATIONS
The most common medications used to treat osteoarthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are pain relievers that reduce pain and swelling. Types include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Although NSAIDs work well, long-term use of these drugs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. Manufacturers of NSAIDs include a warning label on their products that alerts users to an increased risk for cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Other medications used to treat OA include:
COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs). Coxibs block a substance called COX-2 that causes swelling. This class of drugs was first thought to work as well as other NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, reports of heart attacks and stroke have led the Drug Licensing Authorities to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of the COX-2s. Ask your doctor whether the drug is 1. Still available and if so 2. Right and safe for you.
Steroids. These medications are injected right into the joint. They can also be used to reduce inflammation and pain.

Supplements. Many people are helped by over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements can help control pain, although they do not seem to grow new cartilage.
Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan). These medications can be injected into the knee. They may relieve pain for up to 6 months.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.
Applying heat and cold, protecting the joints, using self-help devices, and rest are all recommended.
Good nutrition and careful weight control are also important. If you're overweight, losing weight will reduce the strain on the knee and ankle joints.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3-6 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

BRACES
Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Some prevent the joint from moving; others allow some movement. You should use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.

SURGERY
Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:
Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty )
Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage and wash out the joint
Cartilage restoration to replace the damaged or missing cartilage in some younger patents with arthritis
Change in the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthodesis)

Outlook (Prognosis)
Your movement may become very limited. However Treatment generally improves function.
Possible Complications
Decreased ability to walk
Decreased ability to perform everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking
Adverse reactions to drugs used for treatment
Surgical complications
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Do contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Prevention
*Weight loss can certainly help in the management of DJD and reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.

Arthritis

Spinal arthritis is a very painful condition, worse than other forms of arthritis due to the high amount of nerves present in and around the spinal structures, especially those concerning the facet joints and intervertebral discs.
Spinal osteoarthritis, otherwise known as spondylosis, can affect any region of the spine and is caused by the degenerative process.

More common in the over 55s and with women more than men, spinal arthritis can be triggered by an accident, injury or from a weakened immune system.
People who have a family history of spinal arthritis are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

Symptoms
Apart from suffering with high levels of pain, there is the likelihood of having an increased stiffness, especially in the spine, particularly after long periods of rest. Pain can be intermittent and worse on movement.
As part of the human body’s natural response to arthritis, an excess of bony growth may occur, resulting in ‘spurs’ being formed। They can cause additional pain and can restrict movement further. Some sufferers report a crunching sound, like bone on bone, possibly due to the growth of the spurs.

Spinal arthritis occurring in the lower back can affect the lower extremities with additional pain in the legs and buttocks. Cervical spine arthritis can cause pain to radiate to the shoulders and arms.
There is no known cure for arthritis but there are a number of treatments available for the relief of symptoms.

Treatment
The treating GP may refer you to an x-ray department in order to confirm diagnosis by a series of images। These pictures will also show any inflammation and if there is any deterioration in the cartilage.

Along with this a blood sample can be gained and sent for analysis to determine the type of arthritis. Medications include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief, arthritic drugs or steroids.
Spinal spondylosis can cause the intervertebral discs to degenerate which increases the risk of them herniating, a condition that would require further treatment.

Facet joints of the spine can be affected by the deterioration of cartilage or the formation of bony overgrowths and can limit movement significantly. Surgery may be an option to remove the bony growths.
Treatments that can be performed by the patient, without input from a medical professional include giving-up smoking; this will increase the levels of oxygen to the affected area and prevent further deterioration of the discs. Maintaining a healthy weight for your frame will prevent putting excessive pressure and strain on the ligaments and joints of the spine. Applying regular heat or ice therapy, whichever is preferred, will help with pain relief and reduce inflammation. Exercise is a good way of help alleviate symptoms, as arthritis can affect mobility, it may be best to seek advice from a physiotherapist who will work with you and devise an appropriate and manageable programme of exercise.

Spinal arthritis is a painful and restrictive condition. Though there is no cure, it may be prevented or onset delayed by eating a healthy diet, rich in nutrients and calcium (to keep bones strong and healthy), and by ensuring flexibility, strength and suppleness by keeping to a regular exercise regime.

Back Pain Treatment without Drugs!

C’mon there is a standard "cure" for most causes of back and neck pain?

Fact: Compared to other medical conditions, there are relatively few standardised approaches to diagnosis and treatment of back problems. Spine specialists from various areas of expertise (such as physical medicine and rehabilitation, chiropractic, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy and surgery) will often disagree on the diagnosis and most appropriate treatment plan for back pain and back problems, and specialists within a discipline will also frequently have different opinions.

A few diagnoses for back pain as a result of back a back problem are relatively straightforward (such as a spinal tumour, infection, or fracture) and there is generally more consensus for diagnosis and treatment of these back problems.

Myth:
Rest is the key to recovery from back pain and back problems
Fact: The two main reasons bed rest may be recommended for back pain are to reduce pressure on the discs in the spine and to stop the mechanical stresses that are irritating pain receptors. A short period of bed rest may help reduce acute back pain. However, in most instances, more than 1 or 2 days of rest can be detrimental to recovery from back pain, potentially leading to increased pain and other adverse results, such as:

muscle atrophy (1% to 1.5% per day)

cardiopulmonary reconditioning (15% loss in 10 days)

bone mineral loss

risk of blood clots

loss of wages

creating an "illness" mindset

Myth:

Heat and massage feel good so they must be helping back pain and back problems?

Fact: These therapies can reduce acute back pain in the short-term, but do not provide a long-term solution to back problems. They are used to manage pain during recovery, allowing patients to complete a rehabilitation program and participate in daily activities.

Myth:

Long-term pain indicates I need back surgery for my back problems?

Fact: If back pain has reached the chronic stage, spine surgery actually has a reduced likelihood of being successful. Typically, symptoms that suggest back surgery might be helpful occur early in the course of pain and are relatively apparent.

See Your GP

See your GP:

As a general rule, people with back pain are advised to contact their doctor if the pain is no better after about a 2-3 days.

You should certainly see your GP as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

Difficulty passing urine
Numbness around the back passage or genitals
Numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the legs
Pain running down one or both legs
Unsteadiness when standing
These are associated with uncommon conditions, but ones that need treatment immediately.

What doctors can Do:

There's no quick fix for most back pain and your doctor is unlikely to be able to 'cure' you. However, they will be able to:
Check you don't have a serious condition
Prescribe another type of painkiller
Refer you to other health practitioners who can help
Your doctor will probably give you a physical examination and ask you about your back pain.
Here are some probable questions your GP will ask. Think them through to make the most of your medical examination:

When did your back pain start?
What were you doing when it started?
Have you had any back problems in the past?
Where is your pain?
What sort of pain is it - dull, piercing or shooting?
Does it stay in the same place?
What makes the pain better, or worse?
Do you have any other symptoms, in your back or elsewhere?
What does your back pain stop you doing?
What have you been doing which might have contributed to giving yourself a bad back?
What can you do in the future to try and keep your back healthy in the long term?

If you're not happy with your doctor's diagnosis or if your symptoms keep coming back, go back to your GP or ask another health expert for their opinion.

Other people who can help?

If your back problem doesn't clear up quickly, your family doctor may refer you to another health practitioner. This is most likely to be a Physical Therapist and may involve a visit to the hospital for examinations, tests and treatment.

Even if your doctor doesn't refer you to anyone else, you can visit another health practitioner privately. Some people go straight to an osteopath or chiropractor as soon as back pain starts.

Private sessions can cost as little as £35, and the practitioner quite rightly may recommend a course of treatment over several weeks.

If you do decide to see a practitioner privately, personal recommendation is a good starting point.

But remember your back problem is unique - just because a specialist helped a friend it doesn't mean they'll be able to do the same for you.

Don't let it get you down!

Physical Therapy can be passive or active. Passive therapies such as massage and applying heat and cold are typically effective for pain only in the first two to four weeks after an injury. Patients typically do active physical therapy such as exercise and posture/gait correction for up to 12 weeks. These treatments help with chronic pain by building or reconditioning muscles so they can move more normally.

Psychological Therapy can help you sort through the issues that chronic pain can create. Chronic pain can be stressful in that it strains relationships and affects your ability to work or take part in daily activities. In addition, you, your family members, and significant others may bring a unique mix of feelings, expectations, beliefs, personality traits, experiences, support systems, and skills to the situation. Often, psychologists will work with people on relaxation techniques, coping skills, and self-monitoring skills.

WHY DO PEOPLE SUFFER WITH PAIN?

Many people suffer with chronic pain because they are unaware of treatment options that can help them live more normal lives. Others have fears that prevent them from talking about their pain, which in turn creates barriers to seeking adequate relief. (Not all treatment options are applicable to your type of pain.)

Read the following to see if you fall into one of these categories. If you can relate to these fears, remember that help and relief are possible, but only if you discuss your symptoms with your doctor or registered back pain specialist.

Fear of being labelled a "bad patient." You won't find relief if you don't talk with your doctor about your pain.

Fear that increased pain may mean that your disease has worsened. Regardless of the state of your disease, the right treatment for pain may improve daily life for you and your family.

Fear of addiction to drugs. Research shows that the chance of people with chronic pain becoming addicted to pain-relieving drugs is extremely small. When taken properly for pain, drugs can relieve pain without addiction. Needing to take medication to control your pain is not addiction.

Lack of awareness about pain therapy options. Be honest about how your pain feels and how it affects your life. Ask your doctor about the pain therapy options available to you. Often, if one therapy isn't effectively controlling your pain, another therapy can.

Fear of being perceived as "weak." Some people believe that living stoically with pain is a sign of strength, while seeking help often is considered negative or weak. This perception prevents them seeking the best treatment with available therapies.

Because there are many new ways to treat pain, it is important that you speak openly with your doctor or with a doctor who specialises in treating chronic pain. Refer them to this web site so that they too can learn more about natural treatment options for your pain.