The theme of World Arthritis Day, which took place on October 12th this year was, ‘It’s in your hands, take action’. We thought it was time to take action ourselves and help raise awareness that Chiropractic can help with Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis affecting people here in the UK! (Although, please note, that at Bradford House Chiropractic, we are neither affiliated with, nor endorsed by, World Arthritis Day).
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is most often pain and stiffness in the knees and hips that makes the activities of daily life difficult. Winchester Chiropractor, Max Atkinson uses Chiropractic treatments to relieve symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis and help patients to manage their condition with lifestyle and dietary changes as well as the prescription of helpful exercises.
If Osteoarthritis is a problem for you or a loved one, please call to arrange an appointment on 01962 861188 and find out the treatment options and alternatives that are available to you at Bradford House Chiropractic & Wellness Centre.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Joint cartilage helps joints to operate smoothly and painlessly. As we grow older, the cartilage cells are no longer able to repair themselves so cartilage softens and wears away, losing elasticity and causing stiffness and pain in affected joints. The damage can deteriorate further causing changes to the joint making it appear swollen and enlarged. Bony spurs can form and even break off and float within the joint causing further pain, stiffness and reduction in joint mobility and range of movement.
More than one third of people over the age of 65 in the UK have some degree of Osteoarthritis. Patients suffer from aches, pains and joint stiffness. The problem often only affects one side of the body, with the most commonly involved joints being hips, knees, feet, hands and the spine. Patients often report that symptoms are worse for the first hour after getting up or after sitting for a while, for example on a car journey or after watching TV in the evenings.
Common Causes
Osteoarthritis usually affects people from mid-life onwards. Being overweight or obese is a major factor as it puts more strain on joints, particularly the knees and increases the chances of arthritis worsening. The advice that a Chiropractor can give on lifestyle, diet and nutritional supplementation (if appropriate), can be invaluable in helping patients to manage their condition more effectively.
Injury can also be a factor. For patients who have suffered an injury or needed an operation on a specific joint may go on to develop Osteoarthritis in that area.
For most people, the normal activities of everyday life do not cause arthritis, but for those who lead very physically demanding lives can be at increased risk.
Patients with joint abnormalities, whether genetic or acquired, can also be at greater risk of developing Osteoarthritis earlier and to a more severe degree.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
Max Atkinson DC will assess each patient individually, paying particular attention to the musculature and the range of movement in the joints. In many cases, Chiropractic adjustments can be helpful in improving joint mobility.
He can also offer alternative treatments, as appropriate, for each individual patient. These may include helping muscles to relax with soft tissue stretching, making joint movement easier and more comfortable and advising on exercises and techniques that will help with the symptoms. Several studies have shown that keeping physically active is one of the best ways to improve flexibility in joints and improve the strength of bones and muscles supporting the affected joints.
The advice Max can give on the self-help measures you can take with diet and exercise can help to slow down the progress of the disease. While there is no cure for Osteoarthritis, taking action and seeking help from your Winchester Chiropractor can help you get your life back, with reduced pain and better mobility.
