Osteoarthritis of the spine typically develops with age but can also result from other factors, such as:

• **Joint injury or trauma**
• **Genetic cartilage defects**

Spinal osteoarthritis can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe disability. Common symptoms include:

• Stiffness and pain in the **neck or back**
• Weakness or numbness in the **legs or arms** (if spinal nerves are affected)
• Pain relief when **lying down**
• Potential **social and emotional distress**, such as depression, due to reduced mobility

Treatment focuses on **pain relief and improving mobility**. Common approaches include:

Non-Medication Treatments

Adopting a **healthy lifestyle** can help manage spinal osteoarthritis. This includes:

• **Weight management**—reducing excess weight to decrease joint stress
• **Exercise programs**—to improve flexibility, circulation, and overall function

Recommended Exercises:

• **Strengthening exercises**—target muscles that support the spine
• **Aerobic exercises**—such as walking, swimming, or water aerobics
• **Range-of-motion exercises**—to maintain joint flexibility

Prolonged **bed rest or immobilization** is **not recommended**.

Alternative Therapies

Some non-drug treatments may provide relief, including:

• **Massage therapy**
• **Acupuncture**
• **Heat or cold therapy**—based on physician recommendations
• **Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)**
• **Nutritional supplements**

Medications

Over-the-counter medications that may help include:

• **Acetaminophen (Tylenol)**—for mild pain relief
• **NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)**—for pain and inflammation

Prescription options:

• Stronger **NSAIDs** (under physician guidance)
• **Corticosteroid injections**—for short-term pain relief
• **Mild narcotics** (for severe cases)

Note: **Long-term NSAID use** may have serious side effects, including **stomach irritation, kidney damage, heart issues, and stroke risk**.

Surgical Treatment

Most cases of spinal osteoarthritis **do not require surgery**. However, surgery may be considered if:

• Spinal stenosis causes **severe nerve compression**
• Bowel or bladder function is impaired
• Walking becomes **extremely difficult**

Procedures may include **spinal decompression surgery** or, in rare cases, **spinal fusion**.