Because there is no cure for spinal arthritis, managing the symptoms is the only way you can maintain quality of life. Spinal osteoarthritis, or the deterioration of spinal joints, can lead to debilitating back or neck stiffness and pain, as well as pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the extremities. This condition will almost assuredly change the way you live your life, but the extent and nature of the change is in your hands.

Steps to Combat Spinal Arthritis

One relatively simple way to combat the condition is to keep your doctor updated about changes in your spinal arthritis symptoms. The degenerative nature of the condition means spinal arthritis symptoms are not likely to remain static. If you feel better or worse, your doctor can make appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan. In addition, you can help your doctor help you by taking the following steps:

* Eat well - focus on balanced nutrition; limit high-calorie and empty-calorie foods that lead to excess weight. Obesity is a primary risk factor for developing spinal osteoarthritis.

* Practice proper posture - whether sitting, standing, or sleeping, make sure your back and neck are aligned comfortably, but properly.

* Stay active - low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, and swimming improve strength, cardiovascular health, and flexibility. Ask your doctor for more suggestions on exercises that are appropriate for your condition.

* Don't smoke - chemicals in cigarette smoke inhibit circulation and place you at higher risk for other illnesses.

* Don't give up - not everyone experiences the same amount of success with particular treatment methods; keep searching until you find what works for you.

Know Your Limits - And Transcend Them

It's also important to always be mindful of your condition. Protect your spinal joints by wearing braces prescribed by your physician. Wear comfortable shoes to promote good posture. Don't reach for that jar of peanut butter on the top shelf when you know reaching might exacerbate your spinal arthritis symptoms. Knowing your limits is a vital part of conditioning yourself to live with the condition. Until you understand your limitations, you can never hope to transcend them.

The Anatomy of Spinal Arthritis

Another way you can combat your spinal arthritis symptoms is to seek as much knowledge as possible about your condition. For instance, did you know that spinal arthritis can cause symptoms in more than one way? It's true - the pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of spinal arthritis actually come from a "domino effect" of damage to the spine.

The initial symptoms of spinal arthritis begin when the smooth, soft layer of cartilage on the facet joints (the joints that link the vertebrae to each other and allow them to move in unison) becomes thin and worn out. Without that protective layer of cartilage, the exposed facet joint ends endure increased friction, which irritates and inflames the nerve endings inside the joint.

As time goes on, the increased friction also can cause the growth of bone spurs, which are the body's attempt to restore stability to the joint. However, instead of making the joint more stable, bone spurs may press on surrounding soft tissue, nerve roots, or the spinal cord. When bone spurs compress or "pinch" these main structures of the central nervous system, the result can be intense pain and disability for the patient. If you believe you have spinal arthritis and/or bone spurs, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible so that your condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.