subject: Discover What Is Arthritis? [print this page] Arthritis is inflammation of a joint; most arthritis is caused by degenerative changes related to aging and sometimes injury. Arthritis affects not only joints but also connective tissue throughout the body can be involved, as well.
Throughout North America, millions of people suffer from various forms of arthritis. Although arthritis encompasses over one hundred different conditions, the most commonly discussed types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) - often referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD - and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis, itself, consists of a low-grade inflammation that wears down cartilage and decreases the amount of synovial fluid - substances that cushion and lubricate the joint areas. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory disorder that causes the immune system to attack its own joints. At present, there is no known definitive cause for any type of arthritis.
Unfortunately, one of the common symptoms of all types of arthritis is pain. As a result, individuals with arthritis often seek out chiropractors for natural arthritic pain relief. Considering that the medical community struggles with arthritis pain relief, it isn't surprising that people are turning to alternative medical procedures. In fact, in the journal, Annals of Internal Medicine, a recent study reported that an astounding 63% of patients seeing a rheumatologist for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, sought out some type of complementary care and alternative medicine (CAM). Of these individuals, a full 31% visited a chiropractor at least one time - making chiropractic therapy the most popular alternative arthritic pain relief therapy used by this group of individuals. More importantly, 73% of the individuals with arthritis that did seek a chiropractor's help found chiropractic therapy helpful.
In another report, the US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research stated that chiropractic care is helpful in overcoming acute back pain.
While there is no cure for arthritis, people who suffer from arthritis - in particular osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) - often possess joints that are subluxated or "locked up" due to cartilage breakdown. The resulting pain occurs when the exposed joint irritates the joint nerves. These irritated nerves may prevent a person from healing in an effective manner. Specific chiropractic techniques can help relieve pain from arthritis by safely correcting the "locked up" or subluxated joints. Also, these regular adjustments can help keep arthritic individuals more mobile and in turn, these manipulations can reduce potential stresses that can cause further discomfort. Many of my patients over time have experienced substantial pain relief and in some instances complete absence from arthritic pain.
Chiropractors like me utilize a combination of manipulation and other techniques to help provide natural arthritis pain relief. These additional therapies can include: nutritional therapy (to help with pain and inflammation), exercise therapy (to aid with strength and flexibility), soft tissue therapy (to obtain healthier muscle mass), and electrical stimulation therapy (to help with pain management).
As you can clearly see, chiropractors can help to alleviate the pain that unfortunately is all too common among arthritis sufferers. For more information, please visit: http://www.thelachiropractor.com/
