Lumbar Arthritis

Lumbar arthritis is when the joints in the lower back become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. It’s usually caused by wear and tear on the joints over time but can also be brought on by injury or certain medical conditions. Treatments vary depending on the seriousness of arthritis and the level of pain and loss of mobility.

At Monarch Pain Management, we work with patients to assess their pain and create a personalized treatment plan to help restore their quality of life. 

Symptoms of Lumbar Arthritis

Lumbar arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors including wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints over time, injury to the lower back, other forms of arthritis, and obesity which puts added strain on the joints of the lower back.  Symptoms may include:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Stiffness in the lower back
• Limited mobility in the lower back
• Difficulty with daily activities such as standing up straight, bending over, or lifting objects
• Tenderness or swelling in the lower back joints

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of your arthritis. Some patients may experience only mild discomfort. In contrast, others may have more severe pain and limited mobility. If you’re experiencing symptoms, Monarch Pain Management will deliver an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.

Preventing and Treating Lumbar Arthritis

In addition to treatment, Monarch Pain Management stresses prevention tips. We take a proactive approach to maintaining the health of your lower back and joints. Tips to help you prevent lumbar arthritis include:

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight places additional stress on your lower back, so it’s essential to maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing lumbar arthritis.
   
2. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help maintain the strength and flexibility of your lower back muscles, reducing the strain on your joints and helping to prevent lumbar arthritis.

3. Practice good posture. Maintaining good posture can help distribute weight evenly across your joints, reducing the risk of developing lumbar arthritis.

4. Use proper lifting techniques. While lifting heavy objects, it’s important to use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your lower back and causing injury.

5. Seek treatment for any existing injuries. Suppose you’ve had an injury to your lower back. In that case, it’s important to seek treatment and follow any recommended rehabilitation exercises to help prevent further damage and the development of lumbar arthritis.

Additional Therapies

For those with mild to moderate lower back pain and stiffness, we prescribe:

• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g. Advil, Aleve)

For those with severe symptoms, Monarch Pain Management offers in-office procedures such as:

• Joint injections
• Nerve blocks
• Nerve Ablations
• Peripheral nerve stimulators
• Regenerative medicine techniques such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may also provide symptom relief

The Right Treatment for You

At Monarch Pain Management, the treatment plan for lumbar arthritis will be tailored to your specific needs and may include a combination of these treatments. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve mobility, so you can get back to doing what you love.

We strive to create a treatment plan personalized to your symptoms and lifestyle, helping to alleviate your pain so you can enjoy life to its fullest.

Schedule your appointment with Monarch Pain Management to begin your personalized treatment plan today – call (714) 793-9260 or Connect with us to book an appointment today.