Managing Osteoarthritis with Chiropractic Care

By Donna Kostiew

There doesn’t seem to be a magical age for osteoarthritis to rear its ugly head as people of all ages can develop it. In fact, my daughter has yet to enter into her 20s and she has been fighting it for several years now. But no matter what the age, the shared symptoms will often include pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, and decreased function that gets progressively worse as the years pass by.

Osteoarthritis is more common than you might think and that may be partly due to the many ways in which it can develop. It most commonly affects the spine, knees, hips, and feet and is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage in these joints. And we all know that when cartilage breaks down, the bones tend to rub against each other causing pain and a lot of discomfort.

Osteoarthritis … It Can be so Confusing

Osteoarthritis is, unfortunately, one of those conditions that can be caused by many different reasons and is often likened to a double-edged sword because it seems to “contradict” itself in several ways.

• Most associate it with aging, yet teens and young adults can suffer from it as well
• Deterioration can be caused due to overuse, but it can also be caused due to constant inactivity
• It may occur from a single, significant event such as a joint injury, or it may be a long-term result of degeneration

See what I mean about it being confusing?

So Who Exactly is at Risk?

To clear things up a bit, here are some contributing factors to take note of.

• The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age
• Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis
• Extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis … the more you weigh, the greater your risk
• Joint injuries from sports or from an accident may increase the risk of osteoarthritis
• Overuse or repetitive stress on a particular joint may eventually develop into osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, many people accept this pain as a way of life. And if they do seek relief, their treatment plan often includes medications and invasive procedures that come with their very own set of health risks. Excessive amounts, or daily use, of over-the-counter pain relievers or medications for arthritis can damage vital organs and may even result in serious health consequences, while invasive procedures and surgeries carry their own risks as well. But don't worry, there is a better option.

Managing Osteoarthritis with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care provides many benefits to your health and is a better alternative to the management of this disease.

• Free of drugs and invasive procedures
• Reduces pain
• Relaxes muscles
• Increases Range of Motion
• Restores joint and nerve function
• Promotes flexibility and mobility
• Maintains the health of spinal joints and discs

Don’t fall into the category of those who are just living with pain and accepting osteoarthritis as a way of life. Visit your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic to discuss treatments and options of how to get back on the path to better health.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.