Osteoarthritis & Back Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic back pain are among the most common causes of long-term pain and disability in adults. Osteoarthritis results from gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage, while chronic back pain may stem from degenerative disc disease, muscle strain, or nerve compression. Both conditions can significantly limit mobility and daily function.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our internal medicine specialists take a comprehensive approach to pain management—addressing not only the physical symptoms but also lifestyle, activity, and emotional well-being to restore comfort and independence.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Osteoarthritis and chronic back pain typically develop slowly and worsen over time. Many patients first notice stiffness or soreness that improves with rest but returns after activity.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, your evaluation includes:

• Detailed history of pain onset, duration, and aggravating movements.
• Review of prior injuries, work habits, or repetitive strain.
• Physical examination assessing joint function, posture, and range of motion.
• Identification of contributing factors such as Obesity, Sedentary Lifestyle, or poor ergonomics.

If symptoms are persistent or severe, imaging or additional testing may be performed to identify arthritis, disc disease, or nerve involvement.

Diagnosis & Classification

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic back pain focuses on identifying the source of pain, ruling out other conditions, and assessing the degree of joint or spinal involvement.

Your internist at The Medical Group of New Jersey may perform:

• Physical examination: Evaluates joint range of motion, tenderness, swelling, and stability.
• Imaging studies: X-rays detect bone spurs, joint space narrowing, or arthritis changes. MRI or CT scans evaluate soft tissue and nerve involvement in chronic back pain.
• Blood tests: Rule out inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
• Functional assessments: Measure pain severity, posture, gait, and mobility.

Additional factors such as Obesity, prior injury, or occupational strain are also considered when determining treatment options and long-term management goals.

Treatment & Long-Term Management

Treatment aims to relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent further joint damage.

Lifestyle & Non-Pharmacologic Therapies

• Weight management: Reducing body weight decreases joint load and pain, especially in knees and hips.
• Exercise therapy: Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling strengthen muscles and enhance flexibility.
• Physical therapy: Improves posture, core strength, and functional movement patterns.
• Heat and cold therapy: Used to ease stiffness and inflammation.
• Assistive devices: Braces, orthotics, or canes may provide support during daily activity.

Medication Management

• Acetaminophen for mild pain relief
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Topical analgesics containing menthol or diclofenac
• Muscle relaxants for spasm-related back pain
• Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation unresponsive to oral therapy

For persistent or neuropathic pain, your internist may coordinate additional therapies with Pain Management or Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Procedural & Advanced Interventions

• If conservative measures fail, advanced treatments may include epidural steroid injections for lumbar radiculopathy.
• Joint injections for knee or shoulder arthritis.
• Radiofrequency ablation for chronic facet joint pain.
• Surgical referral: For joint replacement or decompression in severe, refractory cases.

Your care team at The Medical Group of New Jersey will help determine the least invasive and most effective option based on your condition and goals.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Chronic pain conditions benefit from structured, ongoing care. During follow-up visits, your internist will:

• Reassess pain intensity and functional ability
• Monitor medication response and side effects
• Review progress with exercise and therapy plans
• Address mood or sleep changes related to chronic pain
• Screen for comorbidities such as Depression & Anxiety, Obesity, or Osteoporosis

Multidisciplinary management—including behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and medical oversight—has been shown to yield the best outcomes.

Prognosis & Preventive Care

Although osteoarthritis and chronic back pain are typically lifelong conditions, early intervention, consistent exercise, and weight management can significantly slow progression and improve quality of life.

Regular preventative health screenings, annual physicals, and discussions about pain control during primary care visits help ensure ongoing comfort and functionality.

Your internist may also collaborate with Orthopedics, pain management, or Physical Therapy specialists to create a personalized, sustainable treatment plan.