Arthritis

Chiropractic treatment can ease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Chiropractic can help with joint arthritis and arthritis within the spine, also known as spondylitis.

Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation of the joint, causes of joint inflammation include disease, wear and tear, infection. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints and surrounding tissues. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe, severe arthritis can make it difficult to walk and climb stairs.

There are 2 main types of arthritis, degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis)

Osteoarthritis (wear and tear)

Osteoarthritis, degeneration of the joints, is caused through wear and tear of the joint resulting in damage and progressive loss of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones. As the cartilage wears thin and the pain sensitive ends of the bones become exposed, your body creates more bone to protect and stabilise the joint, these extra bits of bone are called spurs, these extra bits of bone alter the joint shape. This is often seen in the joints of fingers affected by arthritis.

Factors which can predispose a person to osteoarthritis include trauma to joint surfaces, repetitive motion over a long period of time, being overweight increases, the pressure joints are placed under especially the knee joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (inflammatory)

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition whereby the body’s immune system is attacking the joint causing long term inflammation and damage to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed through a blood test through your GP. The joint swelling and pain may be worse in the mornings, the joints deform as the inflammatory process causes muscles to weaken and extra bone to be laid down around the joint.

Goals of Chiropractic Care The main goals of chiropractic care in the treatment of Arthritis include:

  • Reduce pain levels
  • Improve range of motion of the joint
  • Stimulate nerves
  • Improve joint and spinal function
  • Increase muscle strength