Chicago Chiropractor and Arthritis

Introduction

One of the most commonly misunderstood conditions among sufferers is arthritis..When some people hear this word they contemplate a future with crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is generic word that comprises many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will restrict this discourse to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD) are the names for the most common form of arthritis, which is also called, spondylosis, if it occurs in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the breakdown of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is damaged, the sensitive bone tissue that is usually guarded by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Now and then, osteophytes, or bone spurs, can occur when the bone around the joint proliferates. Bone spurs create painful inflammation to other tissues surrounding the joint complicating the already grievous condition. 

Degenerative joints as a rule occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Everyone may experience DJD at one point in their lives, though previous trauma, ones occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity affect the degree of the condition and its onset.

The symptoms of DJD perpetually involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. As the condition advances there can be loss of mobility, especially when weight-bearing joints such as hips or knees are affected.  As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is sufficiently worn and movement is unattainable without severe pain.

The best management of DJD is, naturally, prevention that involves taking care of ones joints at an early age.

• One should always make sure that, especially when young, all injuries to joints are properly managed to insure proper healing to avoid future disability.
• Shoes with good support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs necessitate extended periods of standing or walking.
• Excess body weight can produce increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.

• Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and create knee pain.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they contain natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recently there have been some studies that offer proof that the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can help with DJD and can possibly help rebuild joint cartilage. However, it must be used over a long-term period and does not work in all conditions.

Chiropractic adjustments assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. Chiropractic care is not only a smart idea, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly experienced when it comes to arthritic pain relief. In addition, chiropractic modalities such as joint mobilization, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, massage and electro-therapy may be used to aid in the treatment of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is used to secure the joint and relieve pain. Movement is vital to the maintenance of arthritic joints. A chiropractor often suggests gentle, mobilizing activities such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by acute pain and swelling of the joints in the big toes, knees, ankles and wrists. A large number of people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are more often than not brought on by binge eating of agitative foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Foods that need to be avoided have a natural substance called Purines that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. People with this condition cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, thus the proliferation in the bloodstream and the ensuing joint problems. The foods most connected with high purine content are: red meat especially organ meat, certain seafood, legumes, mushrooms and other foods as well. There are other dietary restrictions that must be followed including refraining from drinking alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The primary cause is not known, but it is thought to be associated with a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, while other areas of the body can be affected as well. Morning stiffness aggravated by movement is usually associated with the disease. Frequently people complain of general malaise and fatigue, and the disease in its more advanced forms can affect many of the other body systems. There are definitive blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Though, currently, there is no cure, in addition to medication and vitamin and diet therapy, treatment should include chiropractic treatments to mobilize joints and help to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with this disease. Additional modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy, and massage may also be valuable. Your Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to assisting sufferers in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

SLM Back Pain & Sciatica

If you are an individual that has suffered low back pain then this combined program may be what you are looking for. Steve Lockhart is a muscle therapist and back pain specialist, including lower back muscle pain specialist with over 20 years experience. He has had enormous success treating all back conditions, using a little known but effective therapy method called SLM Bodywork.

SLM Bodywork is not for all intensive purposes considered a a fix for lower back muscle back pain, but more of an ancient system that over time has proven itself. In SLM circles a true master of the ancient bodywork John Guttenbiel was the teacher of Steve.Originally from Tonga, John Guttenbiel was trained by a Japanese man on the Island while he was growing up.

Most underlying problems for lower back pain are usually related to muscle imbalance. The SLM program helps individuals to understand the issues of these underlying problems and helps to teach them how to correct them.

The combined SLM program teachings include some of the following:

• Self diagnosis’s  of your own back condition and exactly which approaches will provide the best chance of fixing it. 
• What therapies won’t help your pain and why – (This alone can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary costs.) 
• Some of the exercises you should be doing and which ones you should avoid for the best results. 
• When and how you should do particular exercises to maximise their benefit. Useful information such as how you can spend one hour in front of TV in the evening to ensure you get a good nights sleep and wake up loose and refreshed. 
• An understanding about your body and back pain that you are unlikely to get from a Doctor or conventional therapist. 
• Certain aspects of your lifestyle that may be worth addressing to minimize any pain you do get. 

To help your lower back muscle pain and find out more about this amazing program Click Here! I highly recommend having a look at Steve Lochart’s site and finding out more for yourself, don’t miss this great opportunity to rid yourself of lower back muscle pain! To find out more information on all types of back pain visit Your Back Health.