Arthritis

Arthritis is the word used to describe pain in the joints; it literally means inflammation of a joint. There are many causes, and some, such as osteoarthritis, are due to the natural ageing process. Most people are likely to get some degeneration, or 'wear and tear', later in their lives. When one joint wears faster than the rest, it is in most cases due to excessive or too little movement. This can often be corrected by Chiropractic adjustments. Other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are less common but can affect children as well as adults.

Osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage covering the bones in a joint become eroded and roughened. Tendons and ligaments holding the joint together get weaker and the joint itself may become deformed, painful and stiff. Joints which have been injured or subject to unusual stress, perhaps as the result of a sporting career or heavy manual job, are likely to wear faster.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis that mainly affects young men. Beginning with pain and stiffness in the lower back thighs and buttocks, it can result in severe inflammation and eventually fusing of some joints of the spine.

After taking a full case history and conducting an examination which may include X-rays, your Chiropractor will make a diagnosis and propose a treatment programme. While chiropractic treatment is appropriate for many forms of arthritis , for some it can only give pain relief and you may be referred to your GP for further treatment.