@chiarthritis Replying to @Marisulli Asked and answered! Can you have both #degenerative and #inflammatory #arthritis ? #rheumatoidarthritis #psoriaticarthritis #ankylosingspondylitis
Can You Have Both Inflammatory and Degenerative Back Pain?
The Short Answer: Yes. It’s entirely possible to experience both inflammatory and degenerative back pain. Here’s why:
Reason 1: Post-Inflammation Changes
In people with a history of inflammatory arthritis, even after the inflammation subsides, chronic changes in the joints and surrounding tissues can occur. These changes increase the likelihood of developing wear-and-tear arthritis over time. Inflamed ligaments or tendons may also cause long-term instability, further contributing to degenerative issues.
Reason 2: Natural Wear and Tear
Degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis becomes more common with age. By age 50, and especially after 70, many people show signs of this type of arthritis in their joints, including the back, even if they don’t feel pain. The stresses of daily life gradually lead to joint breakdown, instability, and degeneration.
Managing Both Types of Pain
It’s crucial for a physician, ideally a rheumatologist, to differentiate between inflammatory and degenerative pain. Proper diagnosis ensures that both conditions are treated effectively and managed appropriately.
Understanding the source of your pain is the first step toward relief.
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