Chiropractic can slow or halt the progression of arthritis

BY DR. VIKAS PURI

Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, can affect all of us. It is a natural process of aging resulting from wear and tear on our bodies. The degree of degeneration is correlated with various factors including age, heredity, nutrition, physical activity, posture, stress, etc. Literally translated, arthritis means “inflammation of joints”.

Arthritis develops when the cartilage between joints or the cartilaginous discs between our spinal vertebrae thin out. The result is less support and cushioning between the two bones that connect to make the joint. This creates an irritating environment where the bones begin rubbing against each other creating an inflammatory response. Abnormal bone growth then begins, followed by possible fusion of the two bones. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, dull aches and pains, worse in the morning and better with activity. As the condition worsens and the bones begin fusing, severe debilitation, sharp pain, and fractures can result.

What we know is that osteoarthritis affects one in ten Canadians. By 2040, it is estimated that approximately 470,000 Canadians will suffer from osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, for many, osteoarthritis is a painful condition that can make daily activities very difficult.

To best manage the symptoms and prevent the progression of the condition, it is important to pay attention to early signs. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are options that can reduce the risk and relieve pain, stiffness and improve function.

Here are some early signs to take note of:

• Joint stiffness: Aching, pain and/or stiffness usually occur in the morning or after a period of inactivity and once movement resumes, typically, stiffness may decrease after about 30 minutes.
• Joint swelling: A person may notice some swelling in the joints and a reduction in range of motion.
• Joint crepitus: The joint may grind, grate or experience a crackling sensation, commonly accompanied by a cracking sound.
• Pain: Pain is usually worse after activity and improves with rest. Early on, the pain may only be triggered by high-impact activities but as it progresses, there may be more frequent episodes of pain. The joint pain or discomfort may affect the person throughout day.

Here are some tips to help manage the condition and prevent progression.

• Exercise: Exercise can help manage symptoms while increasing your endurance and strengthening the muscles that help support the joints. Good options for activity include walking, biking and swimming.
• Weight management: Excess weight can be an important risk factor due to the additional stress put on your weight-bearing joints. Even a small amount of weight-loss can help reduce pain and limit further joint damage.
• Mobility: Gentle stretching may help improve flexibility and mobility, while decreasing stiffness and pain. Exercises like yoga and tai chi can help manage stiffness.
• Heat and cold: Applying heat and cold can help relieve pain when aggravated. Heat can relieve stiffness, while ice may help with pain.
• Chiropractic therapy: Chiropractors help provide treatment not only for pain management but help improve function and prevent progression. Addressing biomechanical dysfunctions can help relieve pressure on joints.
• Positive attitude: Studies have demonstrated that a positive attitude can help increase a person’s ability to manage pain.

Chiropractic care provides a natural, gentle, and effective therapeutic approach to slowing or even halting the progression of this disease. Degenerative changes are irreversible and cannot be cured once established, but chiropractic can prevent the condition from becoming worse. Chiropractic adjustments help restore and maintain joint motion, nerve function, and blood circulation. This combats cartilage decay, stiffness and the resulting arthritis from developing or progressing. Chiropractors also prescribe glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate supplements, the only natural nutritional formula that is known to help regenerate cartilage.

In a 2015 Gallup poll of more than 5,400 Americans, 60% believed chiropractic care is an effective treatment for neck and back pain.  A 2010 report issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found spinal manipulation is as effective as medication for low back pain. The same year, a British analysis of nearly 100 high-quality systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials found that chiropractic spinal adjustments were beneficial for acute and chronic low back pain, neck pain and knee osteoarthritis. And a 2013 study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that patient education combined with 12 chiropractic treatments (twice a week for six weeks) were more effective for hip osteoarthritis than a daily stretching program or patient education alone. Reports from the chiropractor-led spine program at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, Mass. are also positive: Most patients with bad backs experience significant pain relief in about five visits.

Other than osteoarthritis (“Old-age or degenerative arthritis”), other forms of arthritis can be inflammatory in nature such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis. For these patients’ chiropractic care combined with exercise and an anti-inflammatory diet helps reduce pain and inflammation while improving mobility.

A recent study [in Clinical Therapeutics] found that half of patients with low back pain take prescription narcotics [opioids], which is alarming.  But the study also showed that those who have chiropractic care are far less likely to use these drugs.

It is important to receive regular chiropractic adjustments as preventative care. Just like going to visit the dentist every six months prevents tooth decay, going to the chiropractor every month prevents spinal decay. Before arthritis gets a hold of you, get a hold of chiropractic!