Joint pain, aching or soreness - especially during or after activity.
Stiffness after resting or first thing in the morning; also after inactivity.
Loss of motion or inability to move the joint through full range.
Swelling/inflammation inside the joint.
Grinding, creaking or a “crunching” feeling (crepitus) when the joint moves.
In the spine (including lower back), osteoarthritis can contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility in that area.
In particular when the spine is involved, one might experience lower back pain and stiffness – and this can overlap or co-exist with issues like a lower back sprain. It’s therefore useful to understand how “lower back sprain treatment” and osteoarthritis management differ and align.
Age - wear and tear accumulates over years.
Previous joint injury (including sprains, strains) which may leave the joint more vulnerable.
Obesity or excess weight increases load and stress on joints.
Weak muscles around the joint, poor joint alignment or joint overuse.
In the spine: repetitive stress, poor posture or past sprain/strain can contribute to degenerative changes.
Hence, treatment programmes should be tailored — if someone has osteoarthritis in the lower back and a sprain, management must cover both the acute injury component (sprain) and the longer-term joint degeneration (osteoarthritis and treatment) issues.
If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning or after rest), joint swelling, reduced range of motion or difficulty performing everyday tasks (stairs, getting in/out of car, reaching, bending) — it’s wise to book an assessment with a physiotherapist or specialist.
For back issues: if you have lower back pain that doesn’t improve with rest or that returns repeatedly, or you suspect underlying joint degeneration (osteoarthritis) especially in addition to a sprain — get it checked.
Are you currently suffering pain or loss of range of movement?
Book an appointment with us now. No referral needed.
We have a team of physiotherapists who are experts in cutting-edge integrative physiotherapy. We strive to provide you with the best physiotherapy in Calgary.
