How Can Chiropractic Care Reduce Arthritis Pain?
Chicago Chiropractor and Arthritis
Introduction
One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions among sufferers is arthritis..When some people hear this word they contemplate a future with crippled and twisted joints. However, many conditions from benign to severe are catalogued under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will restrict this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the labels for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the deterioration of the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is damaged, the sensitive bone tissue that is ordinarily 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 create painful irritation to other tissues around the joint, in this way complicating the already painful condition.
As a rule areas of the body that develop degenerative joints are in the spine, especially in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, the hips and the fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to influence both the onset and severity of DJD.
The symptoms of DJD perpetually involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected particularly in the more advanced stages of the condition. 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 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 make sure that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are suitably managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
- People involved in occupations that demand standing or walking should wear proper shoes that offer good support and shock absorption.
- Excess body weight can produce 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.
- The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by fruits and vegetables are vital for healthy joints and a healthy body.
Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but might help to rebuild joint cartilage.
Chiropractic adjustments are not only sound, but an effective treatment for arthritis, and can aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of expertise in helping people with arthritis pain. 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 stabilize 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 increased level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints produce gouty arthritis. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by excruciating pain and swelling. A large number of 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 contain a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Individuals with this condition cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, thus the proliferation in the bloodstream and the subsequent joint problems. The foods most associated 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 primary cause is not known, but it is thought to be due 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 most often associated with the disease. Further symptoms can include general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are definitive blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic adjustments to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness accompanying this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be helpful. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to supporting individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
