Arthritis

Arthritis is among the leading causes of musculoskeletal pain, affecting up to 53 million Americans. At Greenwich Pain & Spine in Greenwich, Connecticut, board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist Christian Whitney, DO, has over 10 years of experience treating arthritis with non- and minimally invasive therapies. He makes personalized treatment recommendations to relieve joint pain and restore your mobility. Call Greenwich Pain & Spine to schedule arthritis treatment, or book your appointment online today.

Are there different types of arthritis?

Researchers have identified over 100 types of arthritis, but Dr. Whitney focuses on two of the most common:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

OA occurs when your cartilage breaks down. Cartilage cushions your joints. It undergoes daily wear-and-tear, eventually causing your bones to rub against each other.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune disease. It causes your immune system to damage your joints and the surrounding tissue. This results in swelling, stiffness, and bone damage.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Limited range of motion

Arthritis can’t be cured, but lifestyle changes and interventional pain management provide lasting relief of its symptoms.

When should I see a pain management specialist about joint pain?

Schedule treatment at Greenwich Pain & Spine if you suffer from severe joint pain that doesn’t improve with at-home care, like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. That’s especially true if your pain occurs alongside other symptoms like tenderness and warmth around the joint.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Whitney asks about your symptoms, including which joints are affected, what the pain feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities. He examines your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth and assesses their range of motion.

Next, Dr. Whitney orders lab work, including blood and joint fluid tests. These screens look for specific antibodies produced by your immune system. Dr. Whitney also orders diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and an MRI, to examine your bones, joints, and surrounding tissues.

How is arthritis treated?

At Greenwich Pain & Spine, Dr. Whitney treats arthritis using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. Depending on your symptoms and the type of arthritis you have, he might suggest:

• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Stem cell injections
• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Bursa injections
• Sympathetic nerve block
• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Ketamine infusions 

Most arthritis patients benefit from combining two or more treatments and healthy lifestyle changes. Dr. Whitney monitors your symptoms at regular checkups and adjusts your care plan.

Many people experience significant pain relief within two to four weeks of beginning treatment with Dr. Whitney.* His commitment to personalized care ensures top results.

Call Greenwich Pain & Spine to schedule arthritis treatment, or book your visit online today.

*Individual results may vary.