subject: Chiropractor Mayfield Ky | The Most Common Disability: Arthritis [print this page] Over 46 million Americans suffer with arthritis. 19 million of those have their daily activities affected by their condition. It is estimated that 25% of the current population above the age of 18 will be diagnosed with arthritis by the year 2030. With such numbers it isn't surprising that arthritis is the most common source of disabilities in the country.
The Costs of Arthritis -
Arthritis carries a very large national price tag. Costs attributed to arthritis and other rheumatic diseases ran over $128 billion in the year 2003, and they just keep rising. With a 25% increase in costs over the previous decade, it is presumed that similar rises will continue.
Defining the Disease -
Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is used to describe over 100 different rheumatic conditions that affect the joints, connective tissues and the tissues around the joints. The most common variety of arthritis one hears about is osteoarthritis. This form of degenerative joint disease may be idiopathic or secondary.
Defined by the deterioration of the hyaline cartilage at the end of bones and changes in the bony structure of joints, arthritis can set in at any point from childhood up into one's senior years.
Narrowing joint space, pain and inflammation are all typical symptoms of the disease. Knees and hands are most likely to suffer from arthritis. Osteoarthritis is directly related to excessive wear and tear on the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory process that results from an auto-immune disorder. Affecting the lining of the joints, although it can attack the organs as well, the disease results in cartilage erosion, bone deterioration and deformity.
Swelling, pain and redness are common effects of RA and can begin at any age. Although there is no known cure, medications have become much more effective in the last few years and patients can go for long periods without a flare up. There is no specific known cause for the development of RA, but there is a definite familial link.
Lupus, gout and fibromyalgia are related conditions.
Treatment for Arthritis -
Each form of arthritis has specific protocols for treatment but the general principles remain the same: pain management, maintenance of the range of motion, weight loss where necessary, education and, if needed, surgery.
Exercise is an important factor in minimizing the effects of arthritis as much as possible. Classes and programs directed specifically at those with arthritis are plentiful and available in a variety of locations. Classes meet several times a week and each is geared towards a particular audience.
Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are considered the "gold standard" for treating osteoarthritis. For those with RA it is common to include some immunosuppressant medications as well.
The Future of Arthritis -
Because arthritis is such a widespread disease affecting people across all boundaries of race, age and culture, it is the subject of a great deal of research. Biological drugs are a field of great interest at this time as are more effective anti-inflammatory medications that have fewer side effects.
There is also a great deal of interest in trying to understand just what sets off the process of rheumatoid arthritis. To date there is no knowledge of which factor, or factors, are at the root of the disease's development.
How Chiropractic Helps -
We stop the progression of osteoarthritis by improving joint range of motion that facilitates joint lubrication, reduces pain and inflammation, and allows for the degenerative process to cease.
