Treating Arthritis With Chiropractic and Acupuncture Care

Arthritis can affect anyone--men or women, children to senior adults. Generally when we think of arthritis we think of the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, which occurs through general wear and tear on the joints as we age. Yet arthritis, which is the inflammation of a joint or joints, can occur at any age for many reasons such as from an autoimmune disease, an infection, or after an accident or injury. When arthritis occurs, the swelling and inflammation can cause joint stiffness, immobility, and great pain.

Arthritis consists of more than 100 different conditions of which can be helped by both chiropractic and acupuncture care. Arthritis conditions can range from tendinitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis to the most crippling arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers are initially treated with medications but find that the drugs only mask the pain and symptoms and often produce unwanted side effects. Chiropractic and acupuncture are drug-free therapies. Spinal alignments by a chiropractor can help improve joint motion and reduce body pain. Balancing a person's Qi with acupuncture helps improve overall body function, providing a positive outlook for many patients suffering from arthritis.

What happens when arthritis occurs and where can it occur? There are more than 100 joints connecting the body's 206 bones. Between the bones is a joint cavity, which gives the bones room to move. The joint space between two bones is enclosed by a capsule that is flexible, yet strong enough to protect the joint against dislocation. The inner lining of this capsule, called the synovium, produces a thick fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joint. In many forms of arthritis, the synovium becomes inflamed and thickened, producing extra fluid which contains inflammatory cells. The inflamed synovium and fluid can damage the cartilage and underlying bone causing pain and dysfunction.

Chiropractic and acupuncture have been used for many years to provide pain relief from arthritis. As arthritis progresses, pain and loss of mobility tend to follow. Chiropractic and acupuncture are very effective against arthritis and can keep the condition from progressing and causing more joint damage. Chiropractic improves mobility and decreases pain. Acupuncture seeks to balance the Qi of the body and reduce pain and irritation. Arthritis treatments help to increase the range of motion in the affected joint or joints and return more natural movement. The more the joint is allowed to move, the more the healing of the joint is promoted.

If you suffer from arthritis or know someone who does, consider contacting your local chiropractor to find out what comprehensive plan of care they can provide to help manage the pain and symptoms. Most chiropractors will provide a free consultation to review your history and discuss treatment options. Be prepared to let them know what treatment options you have previously tried and how they have affected you. This will help them prepare an effective and individualized treatment plan for you to help you overcome your arthritis pain.

Arthritis - The Life Long Disease

Introduction

Arthritis is defined as the presence of swelling, the presence of effusion, or the presence of 2 or more of the following signs: limited range of motion (ROM), tenderness, pain on motion, or joint warmth. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Arthritis is diagnosed through a careful evaluation of symptoms and a physical examination.

Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability for many people. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). Rheumatoid arthritis appears to have been described in paintings more than a century before the first detailed medical description of the condition in 1800 by Landre-Beauvais. Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose early because it can begin gradually with subtle symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in middle age and is most common in older people.

Treatment

Treatment options include medications, reduction of joint stress, physical and occupational therapy, and surgical intervention. Treatment decisions require careful consideration of the risks and benefits to the mother and fetus. Treatment can include patient education, self-management programs, and support groups that help people learn about:Treatments-How to exercise and relax-How to talk with their doctor-Problem solving.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may involve:Lifestyle changes-Medicine-Surgery-Regular doctor visits-Alternative therapies. The goal of treatment in this chronic disease must be two-fold: to alleviate the suffering of the patient here and now, and to prevent the future destruction of the joints and resulting handicap if the disease is left unchecked.

Risk

The risk of first developing the disease (the disease incidence) appears to be greatest for women between 40 and 50 years of age, and for men somewhat later. It is important to recognize that patient with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing lymphoma as a consequence of their autoimmune disease, independently from any potential medication effects. It is important to note that rheumatoid arthritis itself is a risk factor for non-Hodgkins lymphomas. A modest increase in the risk of serious infection was observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical trials treated with anakinra in combination with DMARDS other than TNF inhibitors, compared to placebo with DMARDs (2 % vs 1%).

Conclusion

Arthritis is a term that groups together over 100 rheumatic diseases and other related conditions that cause stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints of the body. Arthritis is exploding in an aging US population. Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life.

My Knee Joint Hurts! Be Sure to Ask These Crucial Questions Before Your Doctor Starts Treatment

There are many types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis- a breakdown and loss of joint cartilage. A wear and tear type of condition, it is found mostly in seniors, but younger people can also suffer from it's painful effects.

Your first line of defense against arthritis is probably an over- the- counter pain reliever. It may help, but as you lose more cartilage, the effectiveness wears off.

Next, is usually a trip to your doctor. You should be able to receive an accurate diagnosis of your problem, but make sure you ask the right questions concerning your treatment. For osteoarthritis, common treatments include cortisone shots, or a prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug know as NSAID.

Cortisone injections are usually safe and can give satisfactory arthritis pain control in many cases, but only for a short time. Usually though, doctors will put a limit on the number of injections given, because they can cause a weakening of the tendons.

Another doctors' choice is one of the NSAID type of drugs for pain relief. These are powerful medications which can also cause serious side effects. These drugs are heavily advertised on TV and widely prescribed. Make sure your doctor thoroughly explains the negatives associated with these drugs. Also, ask your doctor about possible interactions with any medications you may be taking.

A common thread with both cortisone injections and NSAID drugs is that these treatments do not correct the condition. All they really do is treat the symptoms, but not the problem itself. So, while your joints may feel better, they are still deteriorating. And the NSAIDs come complete with horrific side effects, which can be damaging and sometimes even fatal.

If your doctor suggests NSAID medications, make sure to ask for what period of time. Remember, those type of drugs only help control the pain-nothing else. They do nothing to correct anything and can actually make things worse.

You want to know about the long-term result of any treatment you're offered. If you aren't getting a real solution, your future options usually come down to more limited mobility, or painful joint replacement. Not a pleasant picture, but you may have a better choice.

Ask your doctor how much cartilage is left. If there is some amount remaining, why not try a good natural solution, which can start to regenerate the cartilage, stop arthritis pain and prevent painful surgery.

Undoubtedly, you won't receive much support or help from your doctor if you bring up that subject. The reason is that your doctor receives very little in the way of natural healing, or nutritional information from traditional medical training.

A good, natural remedy won't interfere with any treatment you are receiving and can help in stopping arthritis pain and restoring the cartilage. And you don't have to worry about potential drug interactions, or the deadly side effects of NSAID drugs.

CMC Arthritis - How I Restored Mobility in My Hands

Carpo-Metacarpal (CMC) Arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the thumbs in particular. The pain can be debilitating and something as simple as holding a pen can be just about impossible. I had to suspend almost all the activities of daily living. But, I had to do something. So I did. It took roughly four months.

I did not resort to taking any NSAIDs, nor any Acetaminophen, nor having cortisone injections, and I definitely did not have any surgery. The big picture for me was that my body was seriously out of balance. I had depleted stores of certain nutrients and an excess of others.

But before I could restore that balance, I had to eliminate processed foods from my diet. The reason for that has to do with two ingredients that are common in all processed foods.

HFCS and Partially Hydrogenated Oils

In all the literature on combating arthritis the advice is to eliminate sugar and to limit fat consumption. Well, HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), and Partially Hydrogenated Oils are sugar and fat on steroids.

Our bodies have not adapted to these additives; and therefore cannot process them. So, these additives get slapped into storage, which happens to be our fat cells, and thus accumulate. This extra weight is an added stress on our joints.

When other carbohydrates are ingested, the pancreas produces insulin which then signals the brain that we have consumed enough. Not so with HFCS which goes straight to the liver where it is turned into fat. And since our hunger is never satisfied, we just keep on eating.

Likewise, our bodies are not adapted to deal with partially hydrogenated oil and it too, gets stored as fat. Since the melt-point for this oil is 113 degrees Fahrenheit, which far exceeds human temperatures, it just accumulates in the body as more fat.

I think by eliminating HFCS and partially hydrogenated oils from my diet, it made my body more receptive to beneficial foods.

Common Deficiencies in Those With Osteoarthritis

Sulfur: Those who suffer from osteoarthritis have low levels of sulfur in their bodies. Sulfur is essential for the building, repair and maintenance of cartilage, bone and connective tissues. It also aids in the absorption of calcium. Supplementing with Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM is standard procedure for those who suffer from arthritis. I also eat onions, garlic, eggs and asparagus regularly as they contain high levels of sulfur.

Synovial Fluid: Supplementing with Hyaluronic Acid helps to restore synovial fluid, which provides lubrication and shock absorption for the joints. This supplement works quickly. I noticed improvement within two weeks.

Vitamin E: This is a powerful antioxidant which is needed to protect your joints.

Vitamin B-Complex: This is an absolute must to lessen swelling and inflammation.

Vitamin K: This vitamin is necessary for the deposition of minerals in the bone matrix.

I found a really comprehensive multi-vitamin and multi-mineral complex supplement that worked for me. I focused on quality, not on cost.

Precautions for Those With Osteoarthritis

Arthritis sufferers, in general, have too much acid in their blood, which causes cartilage in the joints to dissolve. So, I eliminated citrus fruits from my diet.

Arthritis sufferers have an excess of copper and iron in their blood. Consuming rice, wheat and rye, which contain histidine, an amino acid, removes excess metals from the body.

While the literature encourages increasing fresh fruits and vegetables in our diets, they do advise against vegetables in the nightshade family. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers contain a substance called solanine. For some people, solanine interferes with enzyme activity in the muscles and can trigger pain.

Prior to my new diet, I was overweight by 45 pounds, had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and was severely depressed. As such, I was a candidate for diabetes, heart attack and stroke. But it was the fear of being crippled by my arthritis that galvanized me into some sort of action.

I did restore the mobility in my hands, and along the way, I lost 45 pounds. I do not have the strength I once possessed, it is true; but I am oh so grateful for what I have restored.

How To Deal With Tuberculosis Arthritis

Tuberculosis arthritis is a form of arthritis that usually involves only one joint at a certain period although sometimes it may involve more than one joint. This usually spreads from a primary focal infection coming from the lungs or the lymph nodes. In most cases, there is a previous history of injury to the joint that occurred a few weeks earlier. The spine, ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder and wrist are the joints most commonly affected with tuberculosis arthritis. This disease however is no longer as widespread as it was some generations ago. This disease used to be commonly caused by a type of germ coming from a bovine and transmitted by raw milk. The advent of milk pasteurization and tuberculin testing of dairy cows has minimized the occurrence of this type of arthritis.

During the early stages of tuberculosis arthritis, the joint involved usually emits less pain. The only noticeable symptom is swelling of the affected area without inflammation. One of the bones near the joint is usually the starting point of the infection. If the infection is left unchecked and untreated, the joint will likely be invaded and followed by an attack in the articular cartilage and finally permanent damage to the joint. The good news is, early treatment of the active tuberculosis can arrest the development of the disease at its initial stage before damage to the articular cartilage sets in. This could also mean restoration of the joint's normal activity. However, as a rule, tuberculosis arthritis continues until there is destruction of the joint tissues. Healing only occurs when there is already a stiffened permanent joint, where the joints finally bond together. The infection usually terminates itself after the damage is done and with no fatal outcome.

Tuberculosis arthritis comes with systemic symptoms similar to any forms of tuberculosis. These include a daily rise in body temperature, anemia and loss of weight, strength and appetite. This also exhibits local symptoms like pain upon pressure or motion and thickening or swelling of the joint tissues. The joint muscles may experience spasm causing limited motions. During the course of the infection, abscesses may develop. Pus is produced by these abscesses and can drain through an opening in the skin, abdominal cavity, chest cavity or the spinal canal. Usually a surgical intervention to drain the abscess is recommended.

A person suffering from tuberculosis arthritis can do the following:

1. He should seek professional and medical care since self treatment is practically useless in this type of arthritis. However, proper treatment by a competent medical professional may result positively especially if the treatment is initiated during the early stage of the disease.

2. Orthopedic devices can help put the affected joint at rest which is essential in reducing strain on the joint.

3. Tuberculosis arthritis can benefit from sunbathing especially done at high altitudes. In some early cases, complete healing can be attained through this regimen.

4. Many cases attain recovery and improvement through surgical intervention with the addition of some chemical remedies.

5. As with any other forms of tuberculosis, tuberculosis arthritis requires the same general program of diet given to patients suffering from other forms of tuberculosis.

Osteopathy and Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term which refers to more than 500 conditions that pertain to the inflammation of one or a number of joints, the tissues around the joints and other connective tissues. Arthritis is the condition where there is a breakdown among the cartilages of the body, normally, to our extremities. The cartilages' purpose is to protect the joints and allow these joints to move smoothly when you are moving normally. With the breakdown of cartilage, there would be a deficiency of cartilage that covers and protects the bones and joints. This causes the bones to rub together, thus, causing the arthritis, characterized by swelling, pain and stiffness.

There are over a hundred types of arthritis identified to date and the number of identified conditions are still growing. These are caused by numerous factors. And these factors correspond to different types of arthritis. For example, arthritis such as osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by the wear and tear of your body's cartilage. Other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis are linked with inflammation which is caused by an abnormal rate of activity in the immune system. Others like gout and pseudo-gout are caused by metabolic abnormalities in the body. Lastly, types of arthritis like systemic lupus erythematosus are caused by hereditary factors, infections, and auto-immune diseases.

Along with joint pain, there are many other symptoms that you may feel if arthritis attacks your body. Other symptoms include: joint swelling, inability or reduced ability to move the affected joint, redness of the skin around the affected joint, stiffness, and warmth around the joint. These symptoms, especially the pain may be greatly decreased if you consult an accredited medical professional, such as a good Osteopath. A skilled Osteopath may be able to give you treatment plans that may help you minimize the pain caused by your arthritis.

A knowledgeable Osteopath may carefully mobilize your arthritic joints through massage to increase the motion in these areas and decrease the pain you are feeling at the same time. This kind of treatment may also be very effective even to people with severe types of arthritis. An experienced Osteopath will also offer you advice regarding your lifestyle that may help you prevent further re-occurrence of arthritis.

Arthritis can be one of the most debilitating conditions that is difficult to treat. An Osteopath may be able to assist your condition and restore your quality of life.

Degenerative Knee Arthritis - The Knee Pain Nightmare! - Improve Your Knee Stability and Reduce Pain

How painful are your knees right now?

Osteoarthritis of the knee or degenerative knee arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people throughout the world in different ways. While some people find it necessary to get knee replacement surgery, for some others this is simply not a viable option for several reasons. It could be the high cost factor or the high risk factor brought on by an underlying medical condition. Moreover, there is no guarantee that your knees will be fully restored even after surgery.

If you are suffering from degenerative arthritis, you should know that there are several non-surgery options that are available and which are very effective at treating the symptoms of the condition.

1.) Recognizing the Symptoms

Before you deal with the condition, you have to first be familiar with the symptoms. One thing that sets degenerative knee arthritis symptoms apart from other disease symptoms is that the swelling, pain and stiffness in the knee joint will be intermittent. The knee will not bother you every day but you will suddenly have a flare up for no apparent reason. You will start to notice an increase in the pain from time to time but it can subside just as suddenly. Walking, running and damp weather can often exacerbate the problem.

2.) Getting the Diagnosis & Treatment Recommendations

You should never self-diagnose or self-medicate your condition as your knee pain could be brought on by some other condition. If you feel that you have degenerative knee arthritis, you should speak to your physician who will first take an X-Ray to help confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor will most likely recommend that you wear a knee brace to support the knee and will possibly advise you to take anti-inflammatory medication or over the counter pain medication to manage the swelling and pain (speak with your physician before taking any medication). Most doctors will treat this condition in a conservative fashion such as the use of a knee brace and pain killers and only recommend surgery, such as full knee replacement surgery, as the last option.

3.) Exploring Your Treatment Options

Anti-inflammatory medication, over the counter pain medication and a well designed, low profile brace are usually very helpful treatment options for degenerative arthritis. These measures will help control the pain and swelling and do not entail any invasive procedure.

If you have degenerative knee arthritis, it is important that you maintain flexibility in your knee. Osteoarthritis is essentially progressive and incurable and resting the knee will not help "cure" your knee. Instead, it will cause your knee to become stiffer and even more painful. Swimming and a select few low-impact exercises are the best way to keep the knee joint flexible and stave off stiffness.

While over-frequent use of pain medication is not recommended, it is an effective measure when the pain is too much to bear. At other times, the knee brace will keep the swelling down and allow you to maintain physical movement. Wearing the knee brace can help provide you with meaningful support and they do not have to be heavy or odd looking. They will help allow you to participate in activities by helping to maintain proper alignment and if you have osteoarthritis you will want to consider what is called an OA (osteoarthritis) knee brace..