I have been experiencing chronic back and knee pain for two years, particularly when standing still, with an MRI showing swelling in my spine. Since exercise provides only minor relief and previous medicines did not work, what effective pharmaceutical treatments or medical therapies can help resolve this persistent joint and spinal inflammation with minimal long-term medication use?

To manage spinal and knee inflammation while minimizing long-term oral medication, localized therapies are excellent options. Targeted corticosteroid injections in the spine or knee can provide significant, long-lasting relief directly at the source of swelling. For short-term flare-ups, prescription-strength anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like meloxicam or celecoxib can be used on an as-needed basis. Additionally, if a rheumatologist suspects an underlying inflammatory condition (like spondyloarthritis), advanced targeted therapies, such as biologics, can manage the root cause effectively. I highly recommend discussing these targeted, non-daily treatment options with a pain specialist or rheumatologist to tailor a safe, effective plan.