Arthritis and Chiropractic Treatment
Introduction
One of the most widely misunderstood conditions among people is arthritis..When some people hear this word they contemplate a future with crippled and twisted joints. However “arthritis” is an all-inclusive word that comprises many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
The most common form of arthritis has many names: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. Primarily, the condition is due to the erosion of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. When joint cartilage is damaged, the sensitive bone tissue that is normally protected by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are familiarly called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues around the joint, thus complicating the already hurtful condition.
Degenerative joints principally occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to influence both the onset and severity of DJD.
Pain and/or stiffness in the affected joints are primary indicators of DJD. As the condition progresses there can be loss of mobility, especially when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are affected. As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is sufficiently worn and movement is impossible without severe pain.
Prevention is unquestionably the best option, beginning at an early age.
- Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
- People involved in occupations that require standing or walking should wear proper shoes that provide good support and shock absorption.
- Excess body weight can create increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.
- Care should be taken to guard knees from pain aad strain when kneeling on hard surfaces.
- Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they have natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.
Recently there have been some studies that offer proof that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and may actually help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over a long-term period and does not work in all conditions.
Chiropractic adjustments assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only safe, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly skilled when it comes to arthritic pain relief. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is used to support the joint and relieve pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.
Gout
An elevated level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints create gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by acute pain and swelling. Many people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are generally brought on by binge eating of the wrong foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that must be avoided have a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Those with this condition cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, thus the proliferation in the bloodstream and the ensuing joint problems. The foods most correlated with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including avoiding alcohol.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The principal cause is not known, but it is thought to be connected to a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, although other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness irritated by movement is generally associated with the disease. Many times people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through definitive blood tests. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic adjustments. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
