Arthritis which is most commonly occur in lower parts of our body such as ankle and knee, are characterized by symptoms such as stiffness, inflammations and pain in joints. However, arthritis can also occur in other areas in the body, making it really hard to identify and treat. One of the most hard to reach pains caused by arthritis is that arthritis in back symptoms, particularly in the spine. Here are some symptoms you can take note:
– Recurring back pain.
– Tenderness or pain in heels, knees, hips and shoulders.
– Stiffness of the spine in the morning, like getting off from bed, or sitting for long hours.
– Pain, numbness and tenderness of the neck.
– Pain in the lower back that runs down to the thighs, buttocks, sciatica and pelvic area.
– Numbness and weakness of legs and arms.
– Spinal deformity.
– Limited range of motion, making walking and bending really difficult and painful.
– A crunching sound or feeling of bone on bone.
Diagnosis
If your recurring back pain goes more severe than before, then it would be wise to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will then run a series of test to identify your problem. When undergoing check-up, make sure you tell your doctor all the pain and uncomfortably you feel with your body. Also, tell your doctor when the pain and stiffness started, how painful symptoms are and how long symptoms usually last.
To identify arthritis in back symptoms, doctors will usually ask you to make a few simple exercises, exercises that tests your range of motion to identify the affected areas. Exercises such as side-to-side bending, backward bending and forward bending are usually done. Some doctors may also ask you to lie down and raise your legs. As you do the series of exercises, make sure you tell your doctor for any pain you feel.
Arthritis symptoms, especially arthritis in back symptoms like the spine, are usually similar to other spinal problems. Thus, it is very important to comply each of your doctor’s test. Your doctor may ask you to take tests such:
– Blood tests – to determine the type of arthritis you have in your body.
– X-ray – to identify which part of your body who gets affected most. Joints are the usual areas for this problem, as cartilage deteriorate on it for some reasons.
– Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI – gives three dimensional view parts to show more comprehensive reading of spinal cord, nerve roots and its surroundings.
– CAT scan – this test will identify the shape and size of the spinal canal that has the problem, and other structures surrounding the affected area.
– Bone Scan – a test that uses injected radioactive to detect and read problems present in the bones.
– Myelogram – a liquid dye injected to the back bone and appears white in X-ray films. This test can show pressure on back bone and nerves from tumors, spurs, bones and herniated discs.
