Arthritis is a term used to encompass the more than 100 types of joint pain and disease. It’s one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. It can affect nearly any joint in the body and can develop in a wide variety of people. Arthritis most commonly affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips and back. Joint disease that affects the back can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, swelling and limited range of motion. It can even cause tingling and numbness in the affected area. Are you one of the many who experience arthritis-related back pain? You may want to explore the causes below and how physical therapy techniques can be used to improve your condition.

What are some arthritis-adjacent causes of back pain?

There are different causes related to arthritis that can lead to back pain. This list isn’t exhaustive but covers some of the most common sources: 

• Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage between the joints wears down until the bones in the joints eventually start to grind against each other. It most often occurs in the hands, neck, knees and back. People with osteoarthritis can develop back pain due to the cartilage wearing down between the vertebrae.

• Rheumatoid arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis involves the body’s immune system attacking the joint lining of the bones. It can cause swelling, pain and joint deformity. Someone with rheumatoid arthritis might experience pain in their back because it often attacks the joints in the back of the neck and spine.

• Diabetes — Unmanaged diabetes can eventually cause a person to develop joint pain, among other symptoms. Research shows that 47% of all adults in the U.S. with diabetes also develop arthritis. For some patients with diabetes and low back pain, the source could be arthritis.

• Post-traumatic arthritis — Post-traumatic arthritis occurs when a person sustains a traumatic injury to a bone or joint. The trauma to the bone or joint can cause arthritis to develop much faster than it normally would. Someone who has experienced a traumatic injury to their back or spine may be at risk of developing back pain from post-traumatic arthritis. 

• Old age — Old age can also be attributed to arthritis-related back pain. Arthritis can develop from wear and tear on joints over the years. This is especially the case for older adults who have had poor posture for years or have been chronically overweight. Many older adults develop arthritis, and if your arthritis is in the back, it can cause pain and swelling.

Can physical therapy techniques be used to treat arthritis-related back pain?

Many physical therapy techniques can be used to treat arthritis-related back pain. Some of the most common techniques for treating this type of arthritis include:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy is a widely used physical therapy technique. It’s helpful for a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis. For patients with back pain due to arthritis, manual therapy can improve range of motion, promote blood flow for healing, and improve inflammation around affected joints.

• Low-impact exercise — Low-impact exercise is another tool that physical therapists can use to improve arthritis-related pain. High-impact exercise adds stress to the joints, while low-impact movements can reduce stiffness and build strength without placing additional stress on arthritic joints. Some examples of low-impact exercises that your physical therapist can guide you through include walking, cycling and swimming.

• Muscle-building exercises — Another technique that a physical therapist can implement to improve arthritic pain is using muscle-building exercises. Movements that increase muscle strength can reduce stress on the joints, protect them, and even reduce pain and stiffness.

• Balance and gait training — Balance and gait training can also effectively treat patients with arthritis-related back pain. Many patients with back pain try to compensate for their pain by adjusting their walking patterns. Improper walking habits can lead to more problems down the road, though. In some cases, improper gait can even lead a person to develop arthritis and place greater stress on the joints. Physical therapists can correct balance and gait problems so that your joint health improves.

Struggling to manage your arthritis symptoms? Let Franklin Rehabilitation help you

Joint pain doesn’t have to control your quality of life any longer than it already has. If you believe it’s time to take control of your arthritis, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to schedule an appointment or free screening. Our team of PT experts at Franklin Rehabilitation can help you manage your arthritis symptoms and address the root cause to improve your quality of life.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.