Can Chiropractic Care Help Arthritis?

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Arthritis?

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Introduction

One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions among patients 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 restrict this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many terms: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the breakdown of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is harmed, 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 often called bone spurs. These spurs can create painful irritation to other tissues around the joint, therefore complicating the already distressing condition.

Usually the areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, principally in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity impact the degree of the condition and its onset.

The symptoms of DJD always involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition progresses there can be loss of mobility, notably 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 appreciably worn and movement is unattainable without severe pain.

The best management of DJD is, naturally, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.

One should always be certain that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are suitably managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
Shoes with proper support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs necessitate extended periods of standing or walking.
Weight loss through proper diet will help to decrease stress on weight-bearing body joints.

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 include natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are vital 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 can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over an extended 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 trained when it comes to arthritic pain relief. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is used to support the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

An high level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints cause 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. Specific foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms have the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream produces joint problems. In addition to the foods mentioned and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions need to be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is systemic in nature and thought to be created by immune system dysfunction. 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. The condition is generally associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Additional symptoms can involve general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are specific blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic treatments. 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 people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

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