By Dr Deanna Barbaro
When diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, treatment usually consists of merely managing symptoms since there is no known medical cure for such joint degeneration. Managing symptoms usually consists of prescription medication such as analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid injections. Patients are also encouraged to be physically active, stretch, manage weight and attend physical therapy. The goal with these treatments is to manage pain, stiffness, swelling and improve joint mobility and flexibility.1
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is often a result of misapplied pressure on a joint which thereby creates added stress. When pressure is misapplied to a disc, the disc height is affected resulting in stenosis. When bones begin to rub together, your body grows extra bone material in the joints (“lipping” and “spurring”) to help support the misapplied pressure.2 Due to narrowed space, these growths cause nerve compression which not only cause pain but also affect proper nerve flow and communication into organs that innervate in the affected joint.3 When left untreated, these joints continue to degenerate resulting in fusion and often desiccation of the disc and more damage to the nerve.
Chiropractic care can be a safe, non-invasive way to manage and relieve pain caused by arthritis. Chiropractic treatment has been proven to increase these narrowed disc spaces created by misapplied pressure. In a controlled study of 112 patients with low back pain, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was taken of patients at L4/L5 and L5/S1 (low back) and the space of the facet joints was measured. During this time, patients received (SPP) non-manipulation and (SMT) spinal manipulation treatment. After 2 weeks of chiropractic treatment, a second MRI was taken. The gapping in the facet joint (or Zygapophyseal Joint) was measured and patients were asked about pain levels. Patients with spinal manipulation treatment experienced increased gapping at the facet joints and decrease in pain levels. Patients with side-posturing experienced the greatest spacing at these joints. The study went on to explain that after having the spine manipulated, the fibrous adhesions “break up” at the facets allowing for increased mobility and reestablishing normal facet or Z joint motion.3 Another study showed similar results in the cervical spine (neck).5
Studies have even shown that discs can repair and regenerate when properly aligned. In some cases, reversibility of osteoarthritis is possible. 6 Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, safe, non-invasive, and a non-addictive alternative to prescription opioids and harmful injections. Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body has the ability to better manage symptoms caused by osteoarthritis arthritis.
Studies have even shown that discs can repair and regenerate when properly aligned. In some cases, reversibility of osteoarthritis is possible.6 Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, safe, non-invasive, and a non-addictive alternative to prescription opioids and harmful injections. Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body has the ability to better manage symptoms caused by osteoarthritis arthritis.
Health Benefits Chiropractic care can provide to those suffering with osteoarthritis
• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved range of motion
• Improved flexibility
• Increased activity and lifestyle
• Restore normal movement of the spine
• Relax the muscles
• Improve joint coordination
A Better Life Chiropractic
(239) 263-3369 | www.Ablchiro.com
References:
1. https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/osteoarthritis/treatment.php
2. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis
3. Giles LG. The pathophysiology of zygapophyseal joints. In Haldeman
4. Picture: https://www.mayoclinic.org
5. Upper Cervical Manipulation Combined with Mobilization for the
Treatment of Atlantoaxial Osteoarthritis: A Report of 10
Cases J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011 (Feb); 34 (2): 131–137
6. Disc regeneration: reversibility is possible in spinal osteoarthritis.
Ressel, OJ. ICA Review March/April 1989 pp. 39 -6