Family Chiropractic

One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions among sufferers is arthritis.Often the word, “arthritis,” inspires images of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints.  However, many conditions from benign to severe are listed under the term, arthritis. For our purposes we will restrict this analysis 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. Primarily, the condition is due to the deterioration of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, and it is found not only in humans, but also in all mammals. Degenerative changes in the joint occurs when joint cartilage is injured and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is usually protected by the cartilage. Sometimes, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can develop when the bone around the joint proliferates. Bone spurs cause painful inflammation to other tissues around the joint aggravating the already grievous condition.

As a rule 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 influence the degree of the condition and its onset.

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

Prevention is unquestionably the best option, beginning at an early age.

• One should always guarantee that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are properly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
• Shoes with suitable support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs demand extended periods of standing or walking.
• Excess body weight can create increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

• 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 contain natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but may actually help to rebuild joint cartilage.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only sound, but an effective 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 expertise 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 secure 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 elevated level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints produce gouty arthritis. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by intense 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 more often than not 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 have a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. People with this condition cannot effectively metabolize uric acid, thus the buildup in the bloodstream and the resultant 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 refraining from drinking alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is systemic in nature and thought to be produced by immune system dysfunction. 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 most often associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily identified through definitive blood tests. 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 helping sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

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