Signs You Might Have a Compression Fracture
Symptoms such as back pain, slumping posture, and noticeable loss of height aren’t always signs of aging. In some cases, these issues could point to a compression fracture in your spine.
What Is the Best Treatment for Spinal Arthritis?
Spinal arthritis, or osteoarthritis of the spine, is a degenerative condition that affects the joints and discs in your back. It’s most common in the lower back and neck, but it can affect any part of the spine.
Over time, the cartilage between the joints wears down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. In some cases, it can also cause pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
Dr. Thomas Jones II takes a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing spinal arthritis at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jones combines conservative care with advanced procedures to manage spinal arthritis pain, restore function, and help you return to daily life with greater comfort.
Conservative care to start
Dr. Jones always begins with nonsurgical treatment whenever possible. For many patients, spinal arthritis can be managed effectively through conservative measures. These may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Heat and cold therapy
- Activity modification
Lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight and getting regular low-impact exercise, can also reduce stress on the spine and improve long-term spine health. For patients with mild to moderate arthritis, these steps can significantly ease discomfort and restore mobility.
Advanced nonsurgical options
When symptoms don’t improve with conservative care, Dr. Jones may recommend more targeted interventions. These may include:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
He performs these treatments on an outpatient basis, and they often provide meaningful relief for several months. Patients can continue physical therapy and strengthening routines in addition to these effective treatment options and may be able to delay or avoid surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery for lasting relief
If nonsurgical approaches no longer provide relief and spinal arthritis has led to nerve compression or structural problems, surgery may be the next step. Dr. Jones specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, which uses smaller incisions, preserves more tissue, and promotes faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Depending on the location and severity of the problem, Dr. Jones may recommend procedures such as:
- Laminotomy
- Foraminotomy
- Spinal fusion
He plans each surgery carefully based on your condition and symptoms, and he focuses on resolving the root cause of pain while preserving spinal function as much as possible.
Road to effective spinal arthritis treatment
The best treatment for spinal arthritis depends on your specific symptoms, spinal anatomy, and lifestyle. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr. Jones offers expert evaluation and a full range of treatment options to help you move better and live without pain.
If your back pain doesn't go away after a few weeks of at-home therapy, it's time to consult a doctor to determine the cause. While arthritis-related joint damage isn’t reversible, treatment can help control discomfort and slow the damage.
Contact our offices in Pearland, Houston, or Lake Jackson, Texas, today to schedule a consultation and start the path toward better spine health.
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