Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative joint disease, affects more than 20 million Americans and is more common in women than in men. The disease affects the cartilage — slippery tissue on the ends of bones that meet in a joint. Normally, cartilage helps bones glide over one another. In an OA patient, however, the cartilage is broken down and eventually wears away. As a result, instead of gliding, bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion.
How does Osteoarthritis develop?
OA develops when there is extra pressure or “wear and tear” on a specific joint surface due to misalignments in the bones that form the joint and/or imbalances in the muscles that control the region. It is entirely preventable and not a normal part of aging. However, a family history of OA, being overweight, lack of exercise and prior joint injuries are suggested as possible risk factors.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
OA is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, patient examination and x-rays/MRIs. The signs of OA include:
- Steady or intermittent joint pain
- Joint stiffness after sitting, sleeping or otherwise not moving for a long time
- Swelling or tenderness in the joints
- A crunching feeling or the sound of bones rubbing against each other
OA most commonly effects the joints of the spine, shoulder, hands, hip, knee and ankle. If you experience any of these signs, consult your chiropractor. While the diagnosis is relatively easy to make, it is often harder to establish whether or not OA causes the patient’s symptoms. This is why it’s important to pinpoint the areas that are tight/tender and weak/deconditioned in order to see the whole picture that is causing the patient’s complaint.
Conservative Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Most mild or moderate OA is treatable using chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy and rehabiliation. Early detection improves pain management and helps delay further degeneration. Certain supplements such as EPA/DHA Omega 3 Fats, Glucosamine/Chondroitin and other natural NSAIDs can be helpful, but need careful management by your doctor of chiropractic.