Arthritis is the word used to describe pain in the joints; it literally means inflammation of a joint

Millions of Americans are affected by osteoarthritis. Most everyone over the age of 50 will have some form of arthritis. It is almost as common in aging as skin wrinkles and graying hair. In many people it causes only a mild symptom of stiffness and/or pain, in others the pain can be severe and crippling.

OSTEOARTHRITIS:

The most common of all types of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease and. Osteoarthritis usually starts later in life. The cause is thought to be the result of too much wear and tear on the joints. Millions of elderly people suffer from osteoarthritis in the hands, especially people who have used their hands extensively. However, it is most commonly found in the weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips and the spine.

CAUSES: Mis-alignment of the bones can be caused by repetitive motion such as computer work, or repetitive lifting, sports injuries, car accidents, poor posture, stress or a traumatic fall. No matter how old a person is, if spinal damage goes uncorrected long enough, the body responds by laying down more bone. A little additional bone is okay, but too much can cause much pain and discomfort. Just like when a person cuts the skin and the body forms a scab, when two bones rub abnormally together for a long period of time, the body repairs itself by laying down additional calcium. This can lead to arthritis deposits or even complete fusion of two bones. When the bones expand abnormally, there is less room for the delicate nerves that are exiting from the spinal cord. When arthritis becomes severe enough, the delicate nerves can become pinched, stretched or irritated.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE:

TREATMENT: With early detection, chiropractic care can slow, stop or even reverse the early stages of arthritis formation. By keeping joints aligned and supple, the body is prevented from laying down too much bone. Similar to the proper alignment of the tires on your car, chiropractic adjustments can maximize the “mileage” you get from your skeletal system. Your chiropractor can also customize exercises that will allow the muscles to be strengthened. When your muscles are strong, less strain is placed on the skeletal system.