Chiropractic: A Natural Aid for Arthritis

Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most patients.Often the word, “arthritis,” produces fear of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is generic word that encompasses many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will confine 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. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the deterioration of the cartilage that protects the joint surfaces.

When joint cartilage is injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is ordinarily guarded 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 more commonly called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues surrounding the joint, therefore complicating the already distressing condition.

Degenerative joints most often 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 affect both the onset and severity of DJD.

The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition advances there can be loss of mobility, notably when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are affected.

In some cases, if the joint is appreciably worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should attempt to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.

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.
• Shoes with good support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs necessitate extended periods of standing or walking.
• Excess body weight can cause increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.
• Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and cause knee pain.
• The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contained in fruits and vegetables are crucial for healthy joints and a healthy body.

Recently there have been some studies that show that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and may actually help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over an extended period and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only a smart idea, 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 experience 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 help stabilize the joint in order to alleviate pain.

A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is generated by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by severe pain and swelling of the joints in the big toes, knees, ankles and wrists.

A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that need to be avoided include a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Those with this condition cannot properly metabolize uric acid, thus the accumulation in the bloodstream and the ensuing 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 direct cause is not known, but it is thought to be associated with 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, though other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness made more painful by movement is generally associated with the disease.

Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. There are specific 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 treatments to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness prevalent in this disease.

Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be beneficial. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to helping people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.