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.