Chiropractic treatment of arthritis

We treat both young and old suffering from osteoarthritis of the spine, shoulder, hips, knees and feet. "Arthritis" is used to describe a joint where pain, wear and inflammation are present in the joint. Usually this will present as a joint which looks reddish, inflamed and warm. Stiffness in certain movements is also very common with arthritis. There are many types of arthritis but they can be split into two groups, the inflammatory arthropathies and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to excessive postural load on joints over a period of time or as a result of some kind of trauma or injury.

Osteoarthritis the ‘wear and tear’ arthritis is the most common type especially as we age. This can lead to the growth of bony spurs, inflammation and stiffness of the affected joint. When a joint is not functioning correctly it becomes painful and the muscles surrounding the joint tighten. Osteoarthritis tends to affect weight bearing joints, hips and knees, but it can also affect the hands and the spine. This means that there are irreversible degenerative changes in the joints. While chiropractic cannot reverse these changes, it can promote healthier joints by improving their function and mobility, decrease pain and discomfort and help slow any further wear and tear.