Chiropractic care for arthritis
Wear and tear of the articular cartilage
Osteoarthritis is a term used to decribe pain and inflammation within a joint. It can be located in knees, hips, ankles, elbows, wrists, hands, or within the small joints between each vertebra in your spine (facet joints).
In the UK alone, millions of people have arthritis, which presents in its most common forms as Osteoarthritis (OA) or Rheumathoid Arthritis (RA). Lots of them, visit a chiropractic care clinic.ย
Osteoarthritis usually presents with pain, swelling, tenderness, and a typical “grinding” or “crackling” sound when moving the affected area. Sometimes it presents with loss of normal and physiological range of motion. It is a degenerative process, caused by articular cartilage wearing off.
Unfortunately, it is a one way street, but chiropractic can help drastically to slow down this process. Obviosuly, the sooner it is caught the better.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the gradual degeneration of cartilage and the surrounding structures in the joints. As the cartilage wears away, the bones may begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and changes in joint shape. While OA can affect any joint in the body, it most commonly impacts weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, as well as the hands and fingers.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time. Common signs and symptoms include:
Joint Pain: Pain is a hallmark symptom of OA, often described as a deep, aching pain in the affected joint. Pain may worsen with movement and improve with rest.
Stiffness: Affected joints may become stiff, especially after periods of inactivity or upon waking in the morning.
Limited Range of Motion: As OA progresses, joint stiffness may limit the range of motion, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks.
Swelling: Inflammation in the joint can lead to swelling, particularly after extended periods of activity.
Grating Sensation: Some people may experience a grating or cracking sensation in the affected joint when moving.
Where can osteoarthritis happen?
Osteoarthritis can affect various joints in the body, with some of the most commonly affected areas including:
Knees: OA of the knee is widespread, particularly in older individuals and those with a history of knee injuries.
Hips: Hip OA can cause pain and limited mobility, often leading to difficulties in walking and performing daily activities.
Spine: OA can affect the spine, leading to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and facet joints, which may result in back pain and reduced spinal flexibility.
Hands and Fingers: OA in the hands can cause joint pain, swelling, and the development of bony enlargements (Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes).
NHS and NICE Guidelines for Managing Osteoarthritis:
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have established evidence-based guidelines for the management of osteoarthritis. These guidelines focus on a multimodal approach to improve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Some key recommendations include:
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for individuals with OA, as excess weight can put additional stress on weight-bearing joints.
Exercise: Regular, low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, is encouraged to improve joint flexibility, strength, and function. Take a look here for more info on the importance of movement.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation.
Mobilisation: NICE guidelines suggest that individuals with OA should consider physical therapy or occupational therapy to receive tailored exercises and techniques to improve joint function.
Assistive Devices: The use of assistive devices, such as braces, orthotics, or walking aids, may help reduce joint strain and improve mobility.
Complementary Therapies: Certain complementary therapies, such as chiropractic care for arthritis, may be considered as an adjunct to conventional treatment to alleviate pain and improve well-being.
Common medications for osteoarthritis:
In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers and NSAIDs, other medications may be prescribed to manage osteoarthritis symptoms, including:
Topical Analgesics: Creams or gels containing capsaicin or menthol can be applied directly to the affected joint to provide localized pain relief.
Corticosteroid Injections: For individuals with severe joint pain and inflammation, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections, also known as viscosupplementation, can provide lubrication to the joint and reduce friction, easing pain and improving joint mobility.
Role of chiropractic care in managing osteoarthritis:
Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis. While chiropractic cannot reverse the degenerative changes associated with OA, it can play a supportive role in managing symptoms and improving joint function. Chiropractors may use various techniques, such as spinal adjustments, mobilization, and soft tissue therapies, to alleviate joint stiffness, reduce pain, and enhance joint flexibility. Additionally, chiropractors can offer lifestyle advice, exercises, and ergonomic recommendations to support OA management and improve overall quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent and chronic joint disease characterized by the degeneration of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, as well as the hands and fingers. The management of OA involves a multimodal approach, including weight management, exercise, pain relief, physical therapy, and assistive devices, according to the guidelines provided by the NHS and NICE. Complementary therapies like chiropractic care can also play a supportive role in managing symptoms and enhancing joint function for individuals with osteoarthritis. As with any medical condition, it is essential for individuals with OA to work closely with their healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for effective symptom management and improved quality of life.
Here is a list of published research articles if you want to get more information about osteoarthritis:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=osteoarthritis
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I have 38 years of patchy recovery from a nursing back injury.
This intensive approach has markedly reduced my painful episodes and spinal posture problems.
My family has noticed a big difference in me with many obvious and subtle improvements.
I look forward to continuing this progress with both Edo and Phil to achieve further improvements.
Saved me from different injuries and helped me a lot of chronic issues I was dealing with.
He is a saviour.
Highly recommended
You are always polite, very knowledgeable with great approach to patients.
To all interested - do not hesitate, I highly recommend! See you soon!
Will definitely be visiting again!
I would fully recommend Alive Chiropractic,
Edo is a very warm, welcoming caring and does not judge.
He explained what and how he was going to help me , had an extensive treatment period to begin with and then became a monthly visitor .
He has been so much help to me over this time and I would recommend his gifts to everyone.
A truly lovely man and gifted communicator and practitioner.
If in pain go and give him a try , living in a body that feels like a prison is no fun but this guy has the keys to set you free!
Offers practical advice for individuals of any age
Explains proposed programs well
Very confident that treatment will be successful
Highly recommend
I am sleeping more comfortably again, my walking has improved too, my confidence has improved, I was treated with great respect. I have learnt new exercises which also has helped thanks to Ed owner of Alive chiropractor and Phil too for his excellent deep tissue massage therapy. I cannot thank them both enough, I feel like a new person!
Iโve now signed up for a regular maintenance programme. Thank you both very much, itโs very much appreciated.
He certainly has 'healing hands'.
Clearly passionate about his profession, not only does his treatment keep you supple. He also gives plenty of advise & exercises to keep yourself active.
The waiting room area is that of peace & tranquility with soothing background music.
There is ample free parking.
You've nothing to lose but everything to gain if you want to stay fit, healthy and active.
I highly recommend his expertise & personalised approach.
I highly recommend Edo and Alive Chiropractic. Great service from initial assessment, to treatment, and ongoing progress checks. As well as a range of exercises to continue at home.
As well as the work he done with me in the clinic, he has taught me many different exercises to help me with the problems in which i suffer with, as well as explaining to me how my diet can also help me going forward.
He has been a great help, and i shall continue to see him in the future so that he can help me maintain ( and improve) my well being.
Regards
Peter
Dr Edo provides a whole body approach to resolving chiropractic issues. His care plan to help solve your unique issues is fantastic, short and simple adjustments rather than long sessions of big adjustments has worked brilliantly for me. Communications are easy and booking ahead is brilliant for me and my schedule.
I canโt recommend Alive highly enough!
The reception is also very welcoming. I very much recommend this place!
Dr Edo is professional, knowledge, and believes firmly in his work which he is clearly passionate about. I feel he has an empowering vision, cares deeply, and has a refreshing balance of western and eastern understanding. Because of this, Dr Edo has a deeper, holistic approach by taking into account all aspects of one's lifestyle (diet, exercise, mental/emotional state) in sessions. For someone like myself who values a holistic perspective on health, Dr Edo's approach is invaluable and helped me relax and feel at great ease. Sam in reception is lovely and you instantly feel welcomed when coming in for a session also. Thank you to you both. Highly recommend!
Thank you!
I will happily recommend Alive Chiropractic to my friends.
Ed takes a very holistic approach, encouraging me to lose weight and work on different rehab exercises to reinforce the manipulations and adjustments he made.
Here I am some three months on, I weigh a lot less, I have incredible flexibility in my lower back and can now touch my toes and, best of all. I have full flexibility of my neck.
Eds holistic approach really works, he is very approachable and easy to chat about things with.
One caveat, Ed knows when you haven't done your exercises so don't cheat. ๐
I cannot thank him enough for the massive improvements in my health and his encouraging me to make little changes for a healthier long term lifestyle.
