Over 30 Million Americans Suffer from This Disease
By Debra Rodzinak
According to Spine Health, over 30 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the bones and joints of the hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine. For those who suffer from this painful disease, there is a drug-free way to find relief. Chiropractic.
Effects of Osteoarthritis On the Body
At the end of our bones are joints that connect these bones together. These joints are usually covered by flexible cartilage and surrounded by a closed sack filled with fluid. When the cartilage becomes eroded and rough, the once-cushioned joints rub against each other. This friction causes inflammation and pain. Bone spurs (bony slivers) form at the edges of the joints and rub together causing even more pain and stiffness. If the fluid surrounding the joint becomes thin or disappears, additional friction causes increasing pain and inflammation.
Where Osteoarthritis Occurs
Cartilage is the shock absorber of the body. Jumping, running, walking, typing, and other daily activities can become painful if cartilage is not there to cushion the joints. Wear and tear caused by everyday movements can take a toll on the body’s protective cartilage.
Because some joints are used more than others on a day-to-day or hour-to-hour basis, some joints can flare up before others. Heavy workloads, sports, and obesity can also accelerate the detrition of cartilage. But, it should be noted that to be healthy, all joints need to be exercised. If this movement is excessive, the problem of cartilage erosion occurs, which leads to osteoarthritis.
The hips, knees, and lower back are common areas where osteoarthritis occurs due to the constant use of these joints. Small finger joints and the big toe are also areas where osteoarthritis flares up. Any joint in the body can develop osteoarthritis. However, even though there are joints in the jaw, osteoarthritis found in this area is usually due to an injury.
Spinal Arthritis
One of the most common types of osteoarthritis is spinal arthritis. The joints that connect the spinal vertebra, called facet joints, can become inflamed when the cartilage is worn away. The friction between the joints of the spine cause many people extreme pain. Pain when bending back, standing, walking, or even sitting occur when spinal arthritis is present.
The Solution
A skilled chiropractor can give patients gentle adjustments that help decrease the constant pressure placed on the nerves of the spine due to osteorarthritis. If you are experiencing lower back pain from osteoarthritis, drop by The Joint Chiropractic today for a consultation with one of our expert chiropractors. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, The Joint makes finding pain relief easy for those suffering from osteoarthritis in their back.