The word arthritis suggests inflammation of the joint and its components.  Arthritis causes neck pain, back pain, knee pain, ankle pain, muscle pain, etc. Arthritis usually affects one or all of the following:

1)      Bone around the joint and bone that makes up the joint             

2)      The cartilage that lines the surface of the joint

3)      The ligaments that support the joint

4)      Muscles that move the joint

        Arthritis causes pain, stiffness and in most cases reduced range of motion.  There are many types of arthritis – some types are autoimmune related in which the bodies immune system attacks the joints.  Although there are hundreds of autoimmune types of arthritis, some of the more common ones include:

1)      Rheumatoid

2)      Psoriatic

3)      SLE

4)      Ankylosing Spondylosis

A Hip Joint Showing Signs Of Arthritis

The most common form of arthritis is associated with “wear and tear” and is commonly called osteoarthritis.  This kind of arthritis is the one that we think of as being associated with the aging process.  Osteoarthritis primarily affects weight-bearing found in the spine, hips, knees and feet.  Osteoarthritis also affects joints that may get overused such as joints in the thumbs, fingers, elbows and shoulders.  

Genetics and mechanical stress on joints also play a big role in the development of osteoarthritis.

Chiropractic care can help arthritis by helping patients maintain their range of motion (for more on this click here).  Since arthritis is an inflammatory condition it tends to generate scar tissue which limits joint motion.  Chiropractic adjustments restore break down scar tissue allowing joints to move through a wider, pain free range of motion.

Do you suffer with arthritis?  If so, call us at (619) 280-0554 - we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding treatment and what care can do for you.