What is Arthritis?
Saying someone has arthritis is like seeing a green food and simply calling it a vegetable—it’s a broad term that encompasses many types and degrees of joint conditions. The word "arthritis" is derived from the Greek roots "arth" (joint) and "itis" (inflammation). Technically, even swelling caused by stubbing your finger is a type of arthritis.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
The most common form of long-term arthritis is osteoarthritis. Joints in the body lack a direct blood supply, relying instead on motion and proper alignment to absorb nutrients, lubricate themselves, and eliminate waste products.
When a joint is misaligned or suffers trauma, this process breaks down, leading to:
- Joint starvation (lack of nutrients).
- Grinding or stickiness (lack of lubrication).
Over time, the body recognizes this dysfunction and compensates by altering the joint's structure. This can lead to the growth of bony spikes (osteophytes) and, in advanced cases, the formation of a bony cage that fuses the joint.
As chiropractors, we aim to intervene early by correcting misalignment and restoring proper motion. By reintroducing motion into the joint, the healing process begins. Nutrients and lubrication return, waste products are removed, and the joint’s natural life cycle is restored. This process can slow down, stop, and in some cases, even reverse osteoarthritis damage.
Other Types of Arthritis
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout are examples of other forms of arthritis. These may be caused by genetics, trauma, or lifestyle factors. While their underlying causes differ, many patients benefit from a combination of chiropractic adjustments and dietary changes to manage symptoms effectively.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
At We Care Chiropractic, we’ve found that many arthritis patients respond exceptionally well to Spinal Decompression Therapy. This treatment can alleviate pain and improve joint health.
If you’re experiencing arthritis-related discomfort, schedule a consultation with us to see if Spinal Decompression Therapy is the solution for your pain. Call us today!