Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases. It is characterized by degeneration and wear of one or more joints . The tissue that covers the joint surfaces, the cartilage, thins and cracks with time. The stress supported by the joint increases as the cartilage disappears. The joints, such as the hips, knees and spine, are more likely to be affected.
Osteoarthritis is not only due to age. It is known that osteoarthritis is also due to accumulated traumas (falls, minor accidents, bad postures, etc.). These disrupt the normal movements of certain joints and promote the development of localized wear.
Short-term and long-term consequences
Osteoarthritis is a clinical sign of the presence of subluxation (misalignment or bad movement of a joint). Subluxation causes poor coordination between the nervous, muscular and articular systems, causing pain, muscle tension and joint stiffness. Subluxation will tend to promote the progression of degeneration of the affected area.
In many cases, there are no apparent symptoms until harmless activity or a larger incident acts as a triggering factor.
The more advanced the condition is, the more likely the symptoms and pain will be. In the long term, the joint space can completely disappear and the surfaces of the joint will deform. Other symptoms, such as numbness in the legs or arms and chronic muscle spasms may be caused by the presence of osteoarthritis.
In particular, arthritis affects the membrane surrounding the joint, developing inflammation and leading to long-term destruction and deformation of the joint, bones and surrounding tissues.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a systemic disease and in most cases involves inflammation of many joints . This problem is relatively small in the population. There are many forms of arthritis (congenital, metabolic, or infectious). Arthritis particularly affects the membrane surrounding the joint and can lead to destruction and deformation of the joint, bones and surrounding tissues.
Short-term and long-term consequences
Arthritis causes pain, swelling and sometimes redness of the joints. In the long term, arthritis causes destruction of the affected joints, deformities and significant joint pain. People with arthritis are at higher risk of developing certain diseases and conditions.
The chiropractic approach
The chiropractor can diagnose if you have arthritis or osteoarthritis. The chiropractic approach helps to reduce pain and inflammation . The treatment aims to reeducate the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems so that they find an optimal balance and begin to work in synergy.
Chiropractic treatments can be effective in stopping the progression of osteoarthritis and preventing the occurrence of painful episodes . Chiropractic adjustments help restore joint movement and slow down the degenerative process in the affected joints.
The chiropractic approach also aims to correct postural anomalies. In fact, poor posture leads to poor alignment of the joints and therefore increases stress and premature joint wear.
Source: ACQ – Association of Chiropractors of Quebec – ACQ
