Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis & Chiropractic Treatment

Arthritis is a complex condition with various types and causes, often leading to joint inflammation and affecting soft tissues in the body.

Symptoms of arthritis can vary but generally include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing these symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with arthritis.

Chiropractic care can play a significant role in managing arthritis symptoms, especially in cases of osteoarthritis. By combining chiropractic treatment with gentle exercise, and an improved diet, individuals with arthritis can reduce their reliance on anti-inflammatory medications and better manage their symptoms. Chiropractic care can help to control symptoms and maintain mobility.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual deterioration of cartilage, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints such as the spine, hips, knees, ankles, and hands.

This condition can lead to significant pain and stiffness, often referred to by various names such as arthritis, spondylitis, or rheumatics. It affects individuals of all ages, though its prevalence increases with age, making it a common issue among older adults.

Chiropractic treatment is a complementary approach to help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Chiropractors focus on the alignment of joints and the spine, utilizing various techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall joint function. By addressing the underlying musculoskeletal issues, chiropractic care can provide relief and promote a better quality of life for those suffering from osteoarthritis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing chronic inflammation.

Although its exact cause is unknown, it is classified as a seronegative spondyloarthropathy, which means it lacks the rheumatoid factor.

As the condition progresses, the body's defenses initiate ossification, leading to the formation of new bone along the spinal ligaments. This ossification can fuse the vertebrae, limiting movement, and may also narrow the spinal canal, causing nerve compression. Those with ankylosing spondylitis often suffer from significant discomfort and decreased mobility.

Understanding this disease is vital for effective management and treatment, which includes exercises to strengthen the back, enhance posture, and improve flexibility and breathing techniques. Kavita employs spinal mobilisation methods that are both safe and comfortable and has extensive experience treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Anti-inflammatory medications are beneficial, especially during severe inflammation. Optimal care involves co-management, meaning that your general practitioner, rheumatologist, and chiropractor should all be involved in your treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the synovial joints in the body and usually has a symmetrical distribution of joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Your general practitioner (GP) and typically a consultant rheumatologist are necessary to confirm a diagnosis, which will depend on meeting a specific set of criteria. These criteria may not be as apparent in the early stages of the disease but can be verified through blood test results.

A particular marker in the blood, known as rheumatoid factor (RF), is often found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the absence of RF does not rule out RA, nor does its presence confirm it. There are two types of RA: seropositive RA, where RF is present in the blood, and seronegative RA, where RF is absent. The type of RA does not affect treatment, it serves as a diagnostic tool for the physician.

For a diagnosis of RA, the following criteria must be present for at least six weeks:

• Morning stiffness in and around the joints lasting at least one hour

• Joint area swelling in three or more areas simultaneously

• Swelling in the proximal interphalangeal joints, hands, or wrists

• Symmetrical swelling

Upon diagnosing RA, the physician must determine the disease stage to devise the most effective treatment and rehabilitation plan, typically indicated by rheumatic nodules, rheumatoid factor, and X-ray changes.

The treatment and management of Rheumatoid Arthritis aim to suppress the process that damages the joints. This is generally achieved with medications that control inflammation and disease progression.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, a form of arthritis impacting children and teenagers under 16, typically shows a positive response to chiropractic mobilisation techniques.