Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that is occurring with
greater frequency as the population ages, along with the skyrocketing rates of
obesity that contribute to osteoarthritis by causing unnecessary wear and tear
on the joints. Chiropractic care can help those who suffer from osteoarthritis
by realigning the joints so they move properly, slowing their degeneration.
A normally functioning joint moves easily, supported by a
cushion of firm, rubbery cartilage that allows the bones to slide smoothly over
one another. Osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown in the cartilage of the
joint, which allows the bones to rub together as they move, leading to pain,
stiffness and swelling.
It is estimated that 50% of the population over age 55 has
some form of osteoarthritis. As a person ages the content of water in the
cartilage decreases, hastening its breakdown. Some tissue from the breakdown of
this cartilage can be released into the synovial fluid of the joint capsule,
causing inflammation. Though any of the body’s joints may be affected, the most
common complaints are of pain in the knees, hips and hand joints, the ones that
bear the greatest load and do the most work.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, swelling, stiffness and
crepitus, which is a term for the clicking or popping sound the joint makes
when the ends of the bones in the joint rub together due to an insufficient
cushion of cartilage. The first sign you may have osteoarthritis is frequently
waking with “morning stiffness” in your joints that gradually improves as the
day goes on. Pain may become worse when you are active, improving with rest.
Though there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are things
you can do to slow its advance and alleviate the pain. The least invasive
treatments involve changes to diet and lifestyle, along with chiropractic care.
Eating whole fresh foods and losing weight can take much of the pressure and
stress off your joints. In addition, regular light exercise can strengthen the
muscles that support the joints. Exercise can also improve range-of-motion,
balance and posture. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for those with
osteoarthritis, as it allows you to exercise without putting stress on your
joints.
A trained chiropractor can use a variety of safe and gentle
methods to return your joints to proper alignment, which will help alleviate
pain without having to resort to taking excessive pain medications. Studies
have shown that chiropractic treatment can increase range of motion, improve
joint coordination, relax tense muscles and reduce pain. A chiropractor can
also recommend the best exercises and stretches targeted to your specific
needs.
About the Author:
Dr. Matt Ramirez graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Human Biology in 2004 and received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree in 2006. He specializes in auto injury recovery and rehabilitation and has enhanced and improved thousands of lives as well as treated people of all ages over the years. He is also an expert in health and wellness, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and more...
Chiropractic has a tradition of effectiveness and patient satisfaction without the use of drugs or surgery. It is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
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