By Dr. Heather McCarter, D.C.
Osteoarthritis is Greek from arthron, meaning joints, and itis, meaning
inflammation. It is the most common form of arthritis, predominately
affecting weight-bearing joints. Most commonly, the knees, hips,
and lower back are affected. However, there is also an increase in
neck, hand, and finger arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage
between joints breaks down, allowing the bones to rub together. This
causes deformity of the bone and pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness
of the joints.
New research has focused on the use of complementary and alternative
medicine for the treatment of arthritis, with great results in many
categories of alternative health care. Spiritual healing and
chiropractic health care rated the highest in pain relief and general
wellness with 73% of patients stating that chiropractic was helpful
with their arthritic discomfort. Diet/Nutrition was rated third,
acupuncture was rated fourth, and massage (electric or hand) and herbal/vitamin
therapy were 5th.
What this shows are the general benefits of working with the body
to heal the body. Pills may reduce pain, but they don't fix arthritis
or stop the degenerative process. Stretching the muscles, massaging
the joints, realigning the spine and limbs all help reduce pressure
on the joint and in turn, help reduce arthritic pain and degeneration. Nutrition
helps feed the joints (glucosamine/chondroitin and more water). Acupuncture
and yoga also show many benefits.
Medical care, chiropractic care, balanced nutrition and soft tissue
therapy (massage, stretching, glucosamine) work together to reduce
joint pain and improve joint function.
There is hope-one may just have to dig a little deeper to find relief.
For more information, contact McCarter Chiropractic Clinic, 1506
36th Street, Parkersburg, 1-800-660-2225 or drheather@mccarterchiropractic.com
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