Arthritis Relief

By Jasmine Alvarez

Chiropractic Treatment of Arthritis and Arthritis  Q&A

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis means joint inflammation and there are many different types of arthritis that can affect both young and old people.

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), gout and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people older than fifty-five years.

The Different Types of Arthritis

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a result of repetitive trauma of the joint and is more common as we get older.  Other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself.  These types of arthritis are more common to see in younger people.  Septic arthritis is cause by joint infection and can either be viral or bacterial.

Gout on the other hand is a metabolic condition, which is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation.

How is Arthritis Diagnosed?

A diagnostic work up including a thorough case history and examination, and, if indicated, x-rays or MRI scans, urine and blood tests.  Once diagnosed, the type of arthritis you have can be treated more effectively.

If there are signs that you need further tests to diagnose your condition we will refer you to the GP.

How Can Chiropractic help?

Most arthritic conditions benefit greatly from Chiropractic treatment, particularly osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is often treated with anti-inflammatory medication and nothing else. This is a mistake. Using anti-inflammatory medication in the long term has been shown to impair the healing rate of cartilage and can also cause damage to the lining of the stomach and result in fatal stomach bleeds, particularly in the elderly. Fortunately there are better ways to manage osteoarthritis.

Chiropractic Treatment may include:

  • Robotic MLS Laser
  • Electrical Stimulation
  • Ultrasound
  • Joint manipulation
  • Ice/heat
  • Exercise to increase joint motion