Arthritis Care Week in the UK runs from the 14th – 21st of May this year. This event, designed to highlight the work of the charity, Arthritis Care, raises awareness and improves support for those who suffer from the pain, inflammation and joint stiffness that characterise this condition.
Winchester Chiropractor, Max Atkinson wholeheartedly supports the aims of the charity and this year’s theme, “Wake up to Arthritis” and says that he would like more people to “wake up to the benefits of Chiropractic” for joint pains from osteoarthritis. Many people are unaware of the improvement in mobility and pain relief that Chiropractic can provide to sufferers, as an adjunct to core osteoarthritis treatments – a fact highlighted in Arthritis Care’s own leaflet on Complementary Therapies in the care and treatment of Arthritis. You can access the complete leaflet here. ¹
If you are an osteoarthritis sufferer, Chiropractic could be of benefit, reducing pain and improving joint mobility! To find out more about the treatment options and alternatives available to you, call the Bradford House Practice today on 01962-861-188 and arrange your initial assessment appointment.
What Is Arthritis?
Often thought of as a condition that only affects older people, Arthritis is, in fact, the single largest cause of physical disability in the UK with at least 9 million people affected. While it is a fact that with an ageing population in the UK, there will be more older people who will experience the problems pain, isolation and reduced mobility of Arthritis, an estimated 12,000 children and 27,000 young adults (under 25) also have arthritis.
The most common form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. Because there is no effective ‘cure’ for these inflammatory conditions, medication with anti-inflammatory drugs and monitoring of symptoms is vital to help protect the affected joints.
Can Chiropractic Help?
The Arthritis Care leaflet on Complementary Therapies explains how Chiropractic can improve an osteoarthritis patient’s mobility and relieve their pain. Chiropractors use a number of techniques, including Chiropractic adjustments to the joints of the spine and other areas affected. They can also provide advice on beneficial exercises that a patient can continue at home to help keep joints mobile and, on changes to diet and nutrition that may be beneficial in reducing inflammation within the body.
During an assessment appointment, your Winchester Chiropractor can ascertain whether Chiropractic care is appropriate for you as there are some situations where treatment is not indicated – during a ‘flare-up’ of Rheumatoid Arthritis or where there is an infection, (for example).
Arthritis is not a ‘curable’ condition – and Chiropractic cannot ‘repair’ damaged joints. However, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis, regular visits to your Chiropractor for adjustment of affected joints may help to keep joints more mobile and reduce the associated pain.
Chiropractic, together with gentle exercises, advice on nutrition and possibly on dietary supplements can be useful adjuncts to treatment with anti-inflammatory medications. If you have concerns about osteoarthritis, Max Atkinson invites you to make an appointment at Bradford House, today.
¹ Bradford House Chiropractic wholeheartedly supports the aims of Arthritis Care and Arthritis Awareness Week, but wish to make clear that they are neither affiliated with nor endorsed by, this charity.
Sources:
https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/assets/000/001/679/ComplementaryTherapies_170117_final_(web)_original.pdf
https://www.quayphysio.co.uk/arthritis-care-awareness-week-2015/
https://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/arthritiscareweek.html
https://www.isischiropractic.co.uk/chiropractic_arthritic_pain.html
