Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that develops as part of the natural ageing process. It involves the stiffening of the cartilage within a joint and most commonly occurs in the spine (intervertebral joints), the knee or the hip. Osteoarthritis is often described as a condition for which ‘nothing can be done and you simply have to learn to live with it’. This is only partly true. Although the process cannot be reversed, a chiropractor can help reduce pain and stiffness and slow down the degenerative process.

Symptoms
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How can osteoarthritis be recognised? Limited mobility (stiffness) is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis. Pain is often present around the stiffened joint. If the osteoarthritis is located in the spine, the pain may radiate to the arms, legs, head or chest. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by tingling sensations. A characteristic feature of osteoarthritis is that the pain is worst when you first start moving, for example in the morning when getting up or after sitting for a long time. The pain usually decreases once you get moving. Only in advanced stages of osteoarthritis does the pain persist even then.

Causes
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What causes osteoarthritis? As we age, the cartilage becomes less flexible as it dries out and stiffens. This eventually happens to everyone, although not everyone experiences symptoms. There are certain factors that accelerate the wear-and-tear process and increase the likelihood of pain, such as too little physical activity, heavy physical work, poor posture, or previous injuries.

Because of joint stiffness and pain, movement becomes less smooth, which can have further consequences. Surrounding nerves and tissues (muscles, ligaments and the joint capsule) may become irritated. If other joints compensate for the stiff joint, they may become overloaded and start to cause pain as well.

Treatment

The chiropractor will first ask you questions about your symptoms to gain an understanding of your overall health. This is followed by a thorough physical examination, focusing particularly on joint mobility. Based on the information from the consultation and the findings of the examination, the chiropractor can determine whether osteoarthritis may be present. Once the diagnosis has been made, a treatment programme can be established.

The chiropractor can help you move in a better and more efficient way. The core of the treatment involves the application of pressure techniques. By applying pressure to specific areas, the joint is adjusted. This increases the amount of fluid in the joint, allowing movement to become smoother. In addition, the surrounding structures (such as nerves, muscles and ligaments) are restored to their proper position, which helps to reduce pain. Muscles relax again and movement becomes much more comfortable. Even severe osteoarthritis can be significantly relieved in this way.

The treatment is generally not painful, but if it is, the chiropractor will inform you beforehand. You can also contribute to keeping your joints flexible. The chiropractor will prescribe exercises, and advice on good posture or nutrition may also form part of the treatment. Your commitment plays an important role in the success of the treatment and in preventing the recurrence of symptoms.

‍Prevention

What can you do yourself to help manage osteoarthritis? Movement is the best remedy for osteoarthritis. Physical activity is beneficial both for prevention and for managing symptoms, provided it is done sensibly. Incorrect movement can actually worsen symptoms. Calm, gradual activities such as walking, cycling and swimming are most suitable, while sudden or forceful movements are best avoided. Good nutrition and proper posture are also important. Your chiropractor can advise you on all of these aspects.

Contact Chiropractic Practice Vividus

If, after reading this, you still have any questions or comments, or would like to make an appointment, please contact us. You can do so, for example, by calling 077-320 1919 or via the contact form. We will contact you as soon as possible.