Medications

• Medications are the most common method of reducing spinal arthritis pain. Your doctor may prescribe narcotic painkillers for severe pain, but prescription painkillers are not generally used for long periods due to the risk of side effects and dependency. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen are effective in treating spinal arthritis pain and inflammation. Biological response modifiers (BRMs), such as Enbrel and Humira, are common drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat arthritis and other conditions and are often prescribed for spinal arthritis.
  
  

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy and core strengthening exercises are an important part of spinal health maintenance and can help relieve arthritis pain. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy when you are first diagnosed with spinal arthritis or after episodes of increasing pain. Physical therapy exercises target the core muscles in the abdomen and hips to help stabilize the spine and reduce inflammation and pain.
  
  

Surgery

• Some spinal arthritis patients do not respond well to other treatments, and their doctors may recommend surgery to help correct the problem. Surgery is usually a last resort, especially for spinal arthritis, due to the risks and complications. Many patients who undergo spinal surgery require follow-up surgeries to correct other issues that arise after the initial operation. You should consult with your doctor and possibly get a second opinion before deciding on surgery as a treatment option for your arthritis. Spinal arthritis surgery normally focuses on fusing the painful joints together to stop motion.
  
  

Alternative Treatments

• Most alternative treatment methods for spinal arthritis are not scientifically proven or FDA approved, but many patients state they have experienced pain relief from these methods. If conventional methods are not relieving your pain, you may want to consider an alternative treatment after discussing it with your doctor. Acupuncture is a common alternative treatment method for arthritis involving thin needles inserted into various pressure points to relieve tension, improve circulation and direct the flow of energy through the body. Yoga and Tai Chi are stretching exercise methods that focus on gentle movements and deep breathing. Magnet therapy involves magnets worn as jewelry or placed on the affected joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements provide many spinal arthritis sufferers with some relief, though side effects and drug interactions are possible. Do not take glucosamine if you are allergic to shellfish, as it may cause an allergic reaction. Ginger may have anti-inflammatory properties and some arthritis patients regularly take ginger supplements to help relieve pain. Ginger can have gastrointestinal side effects and may interact with some drugs, such as warfarin.