Arthritis

     Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in our society.  It will affect nearly everyone sooner or later.  You can think of osteoarthritis as "wear and tear" that occurs within our joints.  The longer we live, the more of it we tend to have.  But that's not all there is to know about arthritis either.  People who have worked at heavy or repetitive labour during their working years tend to have more arthritis in the parts of their body that were used the most.  Also, if people from your family history tended to suffer more from arthritis, then there is an increased probability that you will also have to deal with it.  Even people who have suffered an injury earlier in their lives, such as a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or an old sports injury also tend to have an increased incidence of arthritis in that area, largely due to the changes that take place in the biomechanics of the body from the time of the injury onward.  The pain and stiffness of arthritis can be debilitating if it is left alone to advance.

     So what can be done about this?  Can arthritis be stopped?  Current medical treatment is unable to reverse the damage that is done to our joints from osteoarthritis.  Research has shown, however, that keeping joints mobile and having an active lifestyle can help reduce the advancement of arthritis.  Like the old saying goes "use it or lose it".  An effective method for keeping joints healthy, mobile, and active is to visit your Chiropractor periodically so that they can help you maintain your current state of health, and address any new issues that may arise.  Chiropractic treatment can be specifically tailored to the needs of those with arthritis, taking an individual approach that favours conservative treatment.  In addition, at-home stretches and exercises can be prescribed by your Doctor of Chiropractic to suit the needs of each person, and to aid in recovery and maintaining adequate physical health.       

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Dr. Geoffrey Hann.

 Fontaine KR, Heo M, Bathon J.  Are US adults with arthritis meeting public health recommendations for physical activity? Journal Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Feb;50(2):624-8.