The term arthritis is actually “arthro” meaning joint, “itis” meaning inflammation, so joint inflammation. This term is used to refer to more than 100 related conditions. There are two main types of arthritis:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (immune-mediated systemic inflammatory joint diseases). Approximately one million Canadians live with inflammatory types of arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease whose onset is mediated by previous joint injury or other factors.
Some Facts:
- 4.6 million (one in six), Canadians aged 15 years and older report having arthritis, the numbers are continuing to to climb.
- Regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background, arthritis can strike anyone at anytime.
- Women account for Two-thirds of those affected with arthritis.
- Among all causes of disability in Canada, arthritis is the top rank for women and 2nd for men.
- Approximately 61,500 Canadian children and youth have arthritis, known as Juvenile arthritis (JA).
- Approximately 5,700 children age 0-14 are living with arthritis (1/1000).
- A recent report suggests that that the cost to our economy may be more then $33 billion annually, due to arthritis.
- Over a quarter women and men between the ages of 25 and 44 are no longer able to work because of this disease.
Joint pain is the major complaint by individuals who have arthritis. Pain is often localized to the affected joint and constant. The pain from arthritis is due to inflammation that occurs around the joint. This can be caused by damage to the joint from disease, muscle strains, daily wear and tear of joint, and fatigue.
In order to manage arthritis symptoms, regular exercise and nutrition are important in order to get the most out of your day. When you are active you are actually “feeding” your joints. This can reduce joint pain and fatigue, while improving mobility and overall fitness. Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet is another important part of arthritis management.While there is no cure for arthritis, people who suffer from arthritis, more specifically osteoarthritis often have joints that are subluxated or “locked up” due to cartilage breakdown. The exposed joint irritates the joint nerves causing pain. Chiropractic care can help relieve pain from arthritis by safely correcting the “locked up” joints. Regular adjustments can help provide more mobility and reduce potential stresses that can cause further discomfort.
Chiropractors can 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), and soft tissue therapy (to obtain healthier muscle mass). Suggestions for at-home care can include appropriate pillows and/or mattresses, specific furniture modifications, and hot/cold treatments on affected areas.
If you’d like additional information I’d recommend a video from Dr. Mercola http://youtu.be/gYDNcVwn9F4
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