Health Society of South Africa

ARTHRITIS Chiropractic Care

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a natural method of health care that treats the causes of physical problems such as arthritis, rather than just the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise: With a normally functioning spine and nerves and a healthy lifestyle, your body is better able to heal itself. That's because the spinal cord, which is protected by the spine, is the main pathway of your nervous system. The nervous system controls movement, feeling and function throughout your body, including in your joints.

Your chiropractor has at least six years of professional training in the sciences and health care, leading to a doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree. He or she works to restore your health and guides you in a personalised approach to overall wellness.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a slow degeneration of the joints that connect your bones and allow you to move. Ageing, injury, poor posture and excess weight can cause joints to wear down and become stiff and painful.

Healthy Joints. Inside each joint, the ends of the bones are covered with a tough tissue called cartilage. In healthy joints, the cartilage is smooth and slick, so the bones can move easily.
Arthritic Joints. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes rough and pitted. As the joints wear down, calcium deposits, spurs (bony outgrowths) and swelling may develop. This restricts movement and causes pain.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Me?

Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your overall health - not only your osteoarthritis but also your lifestyle. This total approach to wellness helps determine the best treatment for your problem.

History
To help find the cause of your arthritis, you and your chiropractor discuss your symptoms, any prior injuries, your health history and your lifestyle, including work-related and leisure activities.

Physical Examination
Physical, orthopaedic (bone and muscle) and neurological (nerve) tests can help reveal the condition or your spine and joints. Your chiropractor gently touches and moves your spine and joints to locate tenderness, pain, swelling and restricted range of motion.

X-rays
As "blueprints" of your bones, x-rays can reveal arthritis or other problems such as fractures and diseases of your bones. Other tests can be done, if necessary.

Diagnosis
Based on the results of your exam and tests, your doctor of chiropractic may recommend a treatment programme to improve the range of motion in your joints and relieve pain. If needed, your chiropractor also consults with or refers you to other medical specialists.

How Does a Chiropractor Treat Arthritis?

Your doctor of chiropractic is trained to restore the health of your spine and joints. Special chiropractic methods, called adjustments, can help reduce swelling and irritation, relieve pain and slow degeneration.

Spinal Adjustments
Your treatment depends on the cause and location of your arthritis. During a spinal adjustment, your chiropractor gently presses on the joints to improve range of motion and relieve nerve irritation.

Related Treatment
Your chiropractor may suggest other types of treatment to improve your range of motion. These may include ice or heat, massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound or exercises. Your chiropractor can discuss these with you.

What Can I Do to Keep My Joints in Shape?

Do gentle exercise, such as swimming and walking, but slow down if you feel pain. Limit your activities to shorter periods of time and avoid high-risk or high-impact sports. Eating a low-fat, low-calorie diet may also improve your health, since losing excess weight can help relieve pressure on your joints.

Chiropractic Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular chiropractic examinations. Even if you don't have symptoms, chiropractic care is one of the best ways to manage or prevent joint problems and maintain a healthier life.