Chicago Chiropractor and Arthritis

Introduction

Arthritis is more often than not confusing to most suffers.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 restrict this analysis 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. Primarily, 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. Degenerative changes in the joint happens when joint cartilage is damaged and causes stress to the sensitive bone tissue that is ordinarily guarded by the cartilage. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are familiarly called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues around the joint, therefore complicating the already distressing condition. 

Degenerative joints principally occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and 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 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 affected.  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.

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

  • Making sure that all injuries to joints are correctly treated will help to avoid future problems.
  • Shoes with good 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.
  • Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and cause knee pain.
  • Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they contain natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are vital for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recently there have been some studies that reveal that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and might help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over a long-term period and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only safe, but an efficient treatment for arthritis, and can assist in restoring 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. 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 necessary 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 high level of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints create 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 usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory 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 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 creates joint problems. In addition to the foods described 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 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, though other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is usually associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Additional 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 adjustments 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 beneficial. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to helping people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

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