Over 100 different forms of arthritis have been identified and classified. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This is considered a degenerative condition related to wear and tear, as opposed to most other forms of arthritis that are considered inflammatory conditions.

The different forms of arthritis vary according to age of onset, joints typically affected and the signs and symptoms involved.

For example ‘Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis’ affects multiple joints and is most common in females under 16 years. ‘Gout’ on the other hand, is an arthritic condition typically affecting the big toe in men over 50.

 Symptoms of arthritis can include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. These symptoms can vary in severity and can come and go.

There is currently no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options can include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgery, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight management.

It is important for individuals with arthritis to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. By managing symptoms and following a treatment plan, individuals with arthritis can live full and active lives. 

Let’s learn how chiropractic care can help aid you in your struggles with arthritis.

SYMPTOMS

Arthritis-related problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tissue that covers the ends of bones, enabling them to move against each another) and surrounding structures.

This can result in joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, driving a car and preparing food. Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain. In Australia 3.4 million (out of 21 million) people are affected, at a cost to the economy of more than $19 billion each year in medical care and indirect costs such as loss of earnings and lost production. The incidence of arthritic problems is increasing with an ageing population.

There is a widely held belief that arthritis is simply a consequence of age, the pain of growing old. But it is not a natural part of ageing.

In fact 60 percent of all people suffering from the disease are of working age. While there are about 100 forms of arthritis, the three most significant – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout – account for more than 95 percent of cases.

THE EFFECTS ON OSTEOARTHRITIS

Chiropractic care has its most direct positive effect on osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is most common in weight bearing joints such as the spine and hips. To explain how osteoarthritis develops, use the analogy of the tyres on your car.

Driving produces wear and tear on the tyres, eventually causing them to wear out. If the wheel alignment is out of balance tyres will wear unevenly and faster than is the wheels are aligned. A similar situation applies with the body. With age we eventually show signs of wear and tear, however, if our body is out of balance, this process may be accelerated.

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the joints of the body, including the spine and hips.

By correcting misalignments and restoring proper joint function, chiropractic care can help reduce the wear and tear on the joints, slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis.

In addition, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness, making it easier for patients to move and engage in activities of daily living. This can greatly improve quality of life for those suffering from osteoarthritis.

Furthermore, chiropractic care can also help improve overall joint function and mobility, which can help prevent further degeneration and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis in other joints.

HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP MY ARTHRITIS?

Visiting your chiropractor to help correct imbalances due to injury or poor posture can activate your nervous system and improve joint and muscle function.

A better functioning join improves nutrition to the cartilage and may potentially reduce the development of osteoarthritis. An existing osteoarthritic problem may also respond well to gentle chiropractic care, making life more pleasant and manageable.

In addition, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness, making it easier for patients to move and engage in activities of daily living. This can greatly improve quality of life for those suffering from osteoarthritis.

Furthermore, chiropractic care can also help improve overall joint function and mobility, which can help prevent further degeneration and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis in other joints.

OSTEOPOROSIS QUIZ

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become thin, weak and fragile. It is becoming more common in Australia with around 3.8% of the population having osteoprososis. But as a nation, we still do not fully understand the risk factors and how we can reduce our chances of developing osteoporosis. Why not take our quiz and test your knowledge on osteoporosis (bone thinning)?

1. The best exercise program for preventing osteoporosis is

A) Swimming and gentle stretching?B) Regular walking, squatting and working-out with weights?C) A heavy exercise program of running three hours each day?D) No exercise at all?

2. People should start taking steps to prevent osteoporosis

A) When they reach 50

B) When they are teenagers

3. Astronauts returning from space may lose bone mass and density due to the effect of being in a weightless environment?

A) True          B) False

4. Men rarely get osteoporosis?

A) True          B) False

5. Weight bearing exercise may increase bone mass even in older people?

A) True          B) False

6. Consuming large amounts of the following does NOT increase the risk of osteoporosis

A) Tea and coffee           B) Soft drinks

C) Sardines                      D) Alcohol

7. Early menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis?

A) True          B) False

8. Stronger muscles often correlates with stronger bones?

A) True           B) False

9. Which of the following increase the risk of osteoporosis?

A) Yo-Yo dieting

B) Taking Corticosteroids, thyroid medications, Anticonvulsants or Anticoagulants?

C) Lack of exposure to sunlight

D) All of the above

10. Which of the following may improve your spinal function and thereby improve your spinal function and thereby increase your capacity for exercise?

A) Sleeping-in till noon every day

B) Spending long periods driving or sitting at the computer

C) Showing your children how you can still ride a skateboard (even though it’s been more than 10 years since you last rode one)

D) Visits to your Chiropractor

How’d you do on the Osteoporosis Quiz? Answers down below:

1.      B;  2.  B;  3.  A;  4.  B;  5.  A;  6.  C;  7.  A;  8.  A;  9.  D;  10.  D

CONSULTING YOUR CHIROPRACTOR

Your local chiropractor for arthritis

Overall, chiropractic care can be a valuable treatment option for those suffering from osteoarthritis, helping to improve joint function, reduce pain and inflammation, and slow down the progression of the disease. 

If you’re struggling with arthritis, consider booking an appointment with us, Centenary Chiropractic Centre, your local chiropractor for Camira and surrounding areas. Give us a call on 07 3381 0440 or book online here: www.centenarychiro.com.au