Feeling a little temporary tenderness in the joints is something that most people will experience throughout their lives, and can be linked to minor sporting injuries, and other bumps encountered in daily life. However, continued joint pains and stiffness are symptoms commonly associated with arthritis. This can lead to a host of health problems as well as restricted function in daily life.
Arthritis takes several forms and can impact sufferers to varying degrees. Some types are inflammatory disease processes, and Osteoarthritis is a degenerative (wear and tear) process. Regardless of the individual circumstances, Chiropractic can provide the support needed to reduce the rate of deterioration while also helping with pain relief, and the restoration of flexibility, joint strength, and more.
Why do people get arthritis?
Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions, with roughly 3 in 10 Australians suffering from the condition to some degree, and 3 in 4 over 45’s. However, it is possible for babies and children to have certain types too. A range of different aspects can encourage the onset of arthritis, including;
A family history of suffering from arthritis,
Obesity and weight problems,
Gender – females are at greater risk than men,
Previous joint injuries and conditions.
Arthritis can be a result of poor body management, repeated strains, significant trauma, and a host of other issues.
What's the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
While several other forms of arthritis – including psoriatic, reactive, and septic – do occur, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most frequent forms by far. Both of them can cause similar pains and symptoms including stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion, and redness. Nonetheless, there are several differences between the two conditions as well as the processes used to treat them.
Osteoarthritis arthritis
Osteoarthritis Arthritis is a term that describes arthritis caused by general wear and tear on the cartilage within the joints. Through abnormal joint biomechanics, bone spurs can form with Osteoarthritis.
The cartilage serves to protect and cushion the bones throughout their motions. When the cartilage is damaged, the bones start to grind each other, which can cause pain and discomfort with every movement. It causes inflammation and can alter the makeup of the entire joint, including the bones and tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the body’s immune system attacks the joint capsule. This leads to inflammation of the synovial membrane lining. The cartilage and the bone can then become damaged to the point where the pain arises. If left untreated, the damage will get considerably worse over time.
Chiropractor Services For Arthritis
Chiropractic services are aimed at reducing inflammation and pain, to help patients restore a sense of normality to their daily lives. Gentle spinal manipulation targeted exercises, and other treatments can remove the need for pain relief medications while also slowly rebuilding the range of movement in the affected part of the body. Supplements and dietary changes may be suggested for arthritic presentations.
To find out more about chiropractic care for arthritis in adults or children, get in touch with us today.