Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, affects more than 20 million Americans and is more common in women than in men. The disease affects the cartilage—slippery tissue on the ends of bones that meet in a joint. Normally, cartilage helps bones glide over one another as the joints move. In an OA patient however, the cartilage is broken down and eventually wears away. As a result, instead of gliding, bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Although the majority of patients with OA are 65 and older, recent research shows that osteoarthritis is not a by-product of aging.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained to detect minor misalignment of joints that can lead to arthritic change. They see the impact of degenerative changes in the spine, as well as the hips, knees, and other weight-bearing joints. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to relieve pain through chiropractic adjustments and may recommend massage therapy, physical therapy or other modalities to improve your condition. In addition, your chiropractor can help you choose proper supplements that play important roles in OA prevention and treatment.