WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, affects more than 20 million Americans and is more common in women than in men. The disease affects the cartilage—slippery tissue on the ends of bones that meet in a joint. Normally, cartilage helps bones glide over one another as the joints move. In an OA patient however, the cartilage is broken down and eventually wears away. As a result, instead of gliding, bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Although the majority of patients with OA are 65 and older, recent research shows that osteoarthritis is not a by-product of aging.

Risk Factors include:

• Family History of OA
• Obesity
• Lack of Exercise
• Previous Joint Injury

How Can Your Chiropractor Help?

Doctors of chiropractic can detect the earliest degenerative changes in the joints. They see the impact of degenerative changes in the spine, as well as the hips, knees, and other weight-bearing joints. Doctors of chiropractic are also trained to relieve the pain and improve joint function through chiropractic manipulation, trigger-point therapy, and soft tissue therapies such as massage and Active Release Technique. Chiropractors can help you choose exercises that are best for reduction of joint pain. If a sore or swollen joint prevents you from exercising, talk to your chiropractor about other drug-free pain-relief options, such as applying heat or cold to the affected area. In addition, your chiropractor can help you choose proper supplements that play important roles in OA prevention and treatment.

In July of 2012, SF Custom Chiropractic promoted the use of multi radiance laser in honor of Juvenile Arthritis month. Laser therapy, along with chiropractic care has been proven to be an effective treatment for arthritis pain. For more information, check out our recent press release on Juvenile Arthritis Month.