Arthritis is a common condition affecting one or more joints in the body. Some of the most common symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and tenderness. Inflammation and swelling may also occur. While it can occur in almost any joint in your body, back arthritis and neck arthritis can be especially debilitating.
Thankfully, there are different ways you can help treat your discomfort and soreness at home. Learn more below about using laser light therapy belts for back pain, as well as other complementary treatments that may work for you. Using these therapies in conjunction with guidance from your doctor can make a difference in your mobility and comfort.
1. Pharmaceutical Medications
One of the most common ways that doctors help to treat arthritis is through pharmaceutical drugs. There are a variety of arthritis medications available both over-the-counter and with a physician’s prescription. The type of medicines you receive will depend on the type of arthritis that you have.
Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen can help to decrease sensations of pain in some people. However, they are not effective in reducing inflammation. If you would like to reduce swelling, your doctor may recommend nonprescription, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs. Ibuprofen and naproxen are the two most popular options available to you.
Other possible medications for arthritis include corticosteroids, biologic response modifiers, and counterirritants. In some cases, a physician may also prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Since they can be addictive, opioids are not the preferred method of relieving arthritis and are usually reserved for the most severe cases.
2. Physical Therapy
Treatment sessions with a licensed physical therapist can help you to reduce or relieve symptoms of arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, physical therapy goals may include improving your mobility, restoring the health of affected joints, or preserving your ability to perform necessary activities. You can also do certain stretches and exercises to stay fit and increase your muscle strength, which helps to support the joints in your neck and back.
Some of the most common physical therapy activities for people with arthritis include practicing proper posture and improving body mechanics. Your therapist may also use complementary treatments like cold therapy or a TENS machine to help calm irritated muscles or soothe swollen joints. To find a physical therapist, talk to your back specialist or primary care physician. You may also be able to find the right professional by calling your health insurance company or searching for licensed practitioners on the internet.
3. Surgical Procedures
For some people, conservative treatments do not help with their arthritis pain. In these instances, your doctor may recommend some type of surgical intervention. There are a few different procedures that may be effective for back or neck arthritis. These include joint repair surgery and joint replacements.
Once they are corrected, you will be able to enjoy less pain and an increased range of motion. If your joint is damaged beyond repair, replacement with an artificial medical device is often necessary. Have a conversation with your doctor about the procedure, its side effects, and typical recovery time. You should also know which symptoms are expected to improve and when you will start to feel better. Answering these questions will help you decide if surgery is right for you.
4. Laser Therapy
If you are searching for an arthritis treatment that does not involve an invasive procedure or the use of pharmaceutical drugs, laser therapy may be right for you. This treatment is known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). PBMT devices such as laser light therapy belts can safely penetrate the skin to modulate pain and inflammation.
Our Curavi™ laser therapy belts are designed to reduce aches, stiffness, and discomfort in the lower back. Choose from three different levels of coverage, including our premier device, the CuraviPro™, which offers up to 1000 mW of professional-grade pain relief.
Wear the device that provides the best coverage for your needs. In just 30 minutes per day, you can reap the benefits of PBMT. Since it has no known side effects, you should be able to use it in combination with other remedies like physical therapy and medicines as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any questions about using complementary therapies at home, have a conversation with your provider. They can let you know how to use your favorite strategies together to meet your pain relief needs.
Healing Your Neck & Back Pain
There are many kinds of arthritis, so not all treatments will work for every person. This is why it is important to understand your symptoms and find the therapies that are right for your unique condition. Since you only need to wear your laser therapy belt for a few minutes per day, you will also have time for other activities that help to heal your arthritis, such as exercise, stretching, or physical therapy.
Combine your favorite interventions to find the treatment strategy that works for you. No matter your age or condition, laser therapy can help to improve your quality of life. With consistent care, you can find reliable and convenient ways to relieve your arthritis pain.