Posts Tagged ‘arthritis’
Your San Diego Chiropractor Wants You to Know That Just a Few Additional Pounds Can Make a Big Difference As You Age
As a San Diego Chiropractor, I counsel many individuals who come to my clinic who want to lose weight. I know how hard it can be, and I also know how important it is to lose those extra pounds. Before you let the seams out in those slacks or skirt, there’s something you may want to know about those few extra pounds you may have gained. Over time, those pounds can add up to a substantial number of health problems from heart and pulmonary diseases and diabetes to back problems and joint degeneration. Surplus poundage puts undue stress on organs, like the heart, as well as on joints in the low back, hips, and knees. A whopping 62% of American adults are overweight or obese, according to recent studies. That is a very significant percentage and a truly gigantic problem (no pun intended).
It is likely no surprise to you to learn that the human body has not evolved to transport surplus poundage in the form of body fat. Just 20 or 30 extra pounds can veritably overload and even overwhelm the joints and muscles of the body. Excess weight in the belly, for example, makes it necessary for the body to compensate (counterbalance the weight) by tilting the pelvis forward. This shift puts pressure on the joints of the low back. Painful inflammation results as this joint compression hinders nerve activity. Nearly all men and women who have a “spare tire”experience low back pain generated by a compressed sciatic nerve or misalignments of the spinal column that restrict nerves due to weight-bearing stresses. If left untreated, misaligned vertebra not only continue to irritate the degenerative changes that have already taken place, but can develop into new arthritic changes in the spine in the future.
Here are the ways in which chiropractic treatment can help. First of all, to be clear, a moderate body weight is necessary in order for the musculoskeletal system to perform in the way it is meant to. Chiropractic treatment can not only ease the pain generated by excess weight compensation, but it can aid in weight reduction. Here’s how. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve compression in the spine and help to get motion back into the joints of the musculoskeletal system, especially in the low back, hips, and knees. And, naturally exercise and physical activity will be a lot easier, and more beneficial for the body, when the the joints have good movement and the spine is aligned. The added benefit of exercise the, in addition to helping with weight reduction, it can actually delay degenerative changes as the body ages.
Healthcare professionals, like your chiropractor, can talk to you about your diet and exercise alternatives. In addition to assisting people suffering from back pain and joint inflammation, chiropractors can provide trained suggestions on the particular lifestyle changes that can help a person to stay healthier, more energetic, and more active through the years. It isn’t a foregone conclusion that arthritis and immobility are just a part of the aging process. The structure of the human body is intended to carry a person through an entire lifetime of pain-free movement.
So, if you’ve been thinking that a few extra pounds won’t hurt, think again! As your chiropractor in San Diego, and someone who cares deeply about your overall health, I’d like to help you to make healthier choices. Make an appointment today!
Santa Clara Chiropractor: Growing Older Doesn’t have to Be Painful
It probably goes without saying that as we age our body feels and acts differently than it used to when we were younger. It just doesn’t seem fair that as our mind appears to improve and become more “inventive,” our body seems to become less “cooperative.” We’re stiff in the morning; certain activities during the day make us sore at night; and, if we’re not cautious, even a movement as simple as turning too hastily or bending over to pick up a dropped piece of paper, can cause our back or some other muscle group to go into spasm. But, it isn’t necessary for our body to go from bad to worse because there is natural treatment accessible that can not only slow down the aging process of the body, but help us to avoid some of those problems altogether.
Take arthritis for example. Most of us would agree that, with the exception of pharmaceuticals, conventional medicine does little to take care of this age-related condition. What is the basis for such a limited approach? The answer is that most medical professionals focus only on the symptoms of arthritis. The chiropractic approach is to uncover the root of the affliction and treat the pain at its source. For more than a hundred years, chiropractors, like your Santa Clara Chiropractor, have been helping individuals suffering from back pain and other challenges caused by arthritic changes in the musculoskeletal system.
Arthritic changes happen as your body ages because, over time, wear of various joints takes place as a consequence of repetitive stresses, and years of poor gait, bad posture, and lack of beneficial movement. Chiropractic treatment brings back motion into your joints and relieves pain, and it ameliorates any vertebral misalignment that may be causing irritation and restriction. In addition, did you know that misaligned vertebra, along with causing arthritic changes in the spine and escalating pain, can also reduce your resistance and immunity? It’s true, and this may be one of the reasons why it may seem that as you get older you develop more health problems and that it often takes longer for you to feel better again. According to research done on older individuals, those who received regular chiropractic care stayed healthier. In fact, you could say that, as you get older, chiropractic treatment is good for what ails you!
When it comes to the health of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors are experts whether it’s the small, growing frame of an infant or the full-grown body of an aging adult. Your chiropractor understands the aging process and has special observational and diagnostic skills that help in locating spinal misalignments and joint problems. In fact, a chiropractic examination can often reveal certain age-related changes before they’ve begun to create noticeable pain. Furthermore, your Santa Clara Chiropractor can check your posture and check your gait to ascertain if there are any incorrect patterns that might create further arthritic changes.
So, if you have been feeling your age lately, but you’d like to feel a whole lot better, see your Santa Clara Chiropractor today!
Dr. David Hoewisch is a Santa Clara Chiropractor with over 25 years of experience helping thousands of patients get out of pain and get their lives back. His office is located at 1221 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, CA, 95050. Dr. Hoewisch has traveled around the world and is an avid outdoor enthusiast. He is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and learned sign language at an early age. He treats many deaf patients in his clinic. For more information go to his website at http://www.santaclarachiropractor.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Hoewisch
A Nutritious Diet and Conservative Exercise Can Reduce Arthritis Suffering
San Diego Chiropractor: Chiropractic and Arthritis
Do you suffer from painful arthritis? Do you also have a problem with your weight? If you’ve answered in the affirmative to both questions, more than likely you’re having back pain not only due to arthritis, but also because of the strain your weight is putting on your spine. The body was not designed to carry around additional weight in the form of body fat. If you are carrying around even an additional 20 or 30 pounds day in and day out, your spine, which supports the body, is being put under a great deal of strain. This kind of strain can created aberrations of the vertebral column. These misaligned vertebra can generate arthritic changes in the spine and continue to irritate the degenerative changes that have begun. In addition, your body may compensate in other ways, for instance your hips moving forward or tilting to support the excess pounds. This can pinch the sciatic nerve, which is extremely painful.
A new survey by the NPD Group, a leading market research firm based in Rosemont, Ill., shows that approximately 62% of adults and 34% of children are overweight or obese. The ubiquitousness of arthritis escalates with increasing weight. Research indicates that sustaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing arthritis in the first place and may decelerate disease progression. A loss of just 11 pounds can lessen the occurrence (incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis and would do quite a lot to relieve back pain as well.
In order for an individual to overcome their back pain, knee pain, and pain in the joints in other regions of the body, a good diet and regular exercise is mandatory. Even though this information probably doesn’t seem like anything new, it genuinely is the only action for you to take in order to get out of pain and regain your life.
First of all, let’s discuss the topic of dieting. The majority diets (and there are hundreds from which to choose) can be temporarily useful. Sadly, the diet industry is not interested in having you lose weight permanently because as a result they would not have you as a customer. Eating a life-enriching diet (as a lifestyle choice and not a temporary fix) and cutting your calories so that you are at a slight calorie “deficit,” is the only approach to losing weight in a healthy, permanent manner. Shedding a lot of pounds too fast is not only unhealthy, but unsafe. You should be losing about 2 pounds every week in order for it to be truly effective.
Research has proved that exercise and physical activity not only reduces pain and augments function, but genuinely postpones disability. Be certain to get no less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity no less than 3 days a week. You can get activity in 10-minute intervals.
In addition to the benefits your joints will undergo from exercise, chiropractic adjustments are a highly beneficial way to get motion back in the joints of your spine and other places in your body. A well-adjusted spine makes exercise and physical activity a lot easier and actually slows down arthritic degenerative changes. The Annals of Internal Medicine published the findings of a survey of 232 people who were under a rheumatologist’s care for their arthritis. Of those people, 63% answered the survey by saying they were taking advantage of some type of “complementary care” as named by the study. Of those individuals, 31% were using chiropractic. Possibly the most notable statistic was that 73% of those trying chiropractic found it beneficial. Explaining why they’d tried the non-medical chiropractic care, the responders provided a number of reasons: 1) to control pain, 2) they’d heard that it helps, 3) they felt assured that it is safe, 4) it had assisted someone they knew, and 5) because their prescription medication wasn’t stopping the pain.
Chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been assisting people suffering from back pain due to arthritis as well as other arthritic problems for over a hundred years. Not only can arthritic pain and degenerative changes in the spine be caused by the misaligned vertebra that your San Diego chiropractor will adjust, if left unchanged misalignments can lower resistance and immunity, which can lead to new health conditions.
It is always wise to see a health care professional to get information about diet and exercise. Your chiropractor is an excellent resource for information on the kind of lifestyle changes that you will require to help you to manage your arthritis. Moreover, in addition to getting your spine in alignment through gentle adjustments, your chiropractor will evaluate any faulty gait patterns or posture irregularities that may be compounding your arthritic pain.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Arthritis?
Chicago Chiropractor and Arthritis
Introduction
One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions among sufferers is arthritis..Often the word, “arthritis,” brings to mind a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. But, many conditions from benign to severe are catalogued under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will confine this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the terms 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 protects the joint surfaces. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is damaged and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is normally preserved by the cartilage. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are familiarly called bone spurs. These spurs can cause painful irritation to other tissues around the joint, in this way complicating the already painful condition.
The most common 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. 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 invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition continues there can be loss of mobility, particularly when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are involved. In some cases, if the joint is measurably 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.
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 correctly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
- People involved in occupations that demand standing or walking should wear appropriate shoes that give good support and shock absorption.
- Excess body weight can produce 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 create knee pain.
- The natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contained in 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 can possibly help to rebuild joint cartilage.
Chiropractic adjustments are not only safe, but an effectual treatment for arthritis, and can help to restore proper mobility and function to the spinal joints, thereby giving patients great relief. Your Chicago chiropractor has many of years of training in helping people with arthritis pain. 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 required 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 caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The most common joints are the big toes, the knees, ankles and wrists, and is often characterized by acute pain and swelling. 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. Specific foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms contain the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot properly metabolize uric acid, the increase in the bloodstream causes joint problems. In addition to the foods specified and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions must be followed including the avoidance of 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 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, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness irritated by movement is generally associated with the disease. Further symptoms can consist of 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 manipulations. 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 supporting individuals in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Arthritis?
Arthritis is generally confusing to most suffers.Often the word, “arthritis,” produces fear of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints. However, many conditions from benign to severe are filed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will limit this discussion to the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care
Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the names for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. Basically, 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 injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is normally protected by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Now and then, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can ensue when the bone around the joint increases quickly. Bone spurs produce painful inflammation to other tissues surrounding the joint aggravating the already grievous condition.
Degenerative joints as a rule 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 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. In some cases, if the joint is sufficiently worn and the person can no longer walk without severe pain, the joints are surgically replaced with synthetic devices. Of course, one should make an effort to manage the condition early on in ones life to avoid the need for surgery.
The best management of DJD is, without exception, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.
* Making sure that all injuries to joints are properly treated will help to avoid future problems.
* Shoes with suitable support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs demand extended periods of standing or walking.
* Weight loss through proper diet will help to lessen stress on weight-bearing body joints.
* Care should be taken to cushion 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 crucial for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.
Recently there have been some studies that show that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over time and does not work in all conditions.
Chiropractic adjustments aid in the restoration of proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only a smart idea, 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. Sometimes a brace is used to help stabilize the joint in order to alleviate 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 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. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Certain 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 is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The direct 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, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is usually associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Further symptoms can include general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through particularized blood tests. 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 associated with 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.