Arthritis Care in Papakura
Arthritis is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a single disease but a term encompassing over 100 different types of joint conditions.
What Are the Common Types?
While there are numerous forms of arthritis, two types stand out as the most prevalent:
- Osteoarthritis: Often referred to simply as “arthritis,” osteoarthritis is the most common form. It results from wear and tear over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disorder causes joint inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint in the body but typically targets weight-bearing joints. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not solely a result of ageing. Instead, it develops in specific areas due to poor biomechanical loading.
For example, the cervical spine (neck) should have a natural curvature. When this curve is reversed or altered, it places excessive load on certain segments, typically C4-C6. This increased stress causes the discs to lose height, prompting the brain to reinforce the area with additional bone growth, resulting in bone spurs characteristic of osteoarthritis.
The pain or symptom you’re experiencing isn’t the problem—it’s a signal of an underlying issue, much like a check engine light in your car. The light isn’t the problem; it’s what you notice. The real issue lies deeper, in the body’s ‘engine’.”
Dr Mohammed
Ways to Manage the Condition
While arthritis itself cannot be reversed, there are ways to manage symptoms and slow its progression:
- Maintain body movement: Regular, appropriate exercise is crucial for managing osteoarthritis.
- Early intervention: As with many conditions, earlier detection and care can lead to better outcomes.
- Chiropractic care: While chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis, it may help redistribute the load on affected joints, potentially slowing the rate of deterioration.
Frequently Asked Questions
The arthritis itself will not go away and will continue to progress. However, proper management can slow down the rate of deterioration and improve quality of life.
How could chiropractic care help?
Chiropractic care focuses on improving joint function and biomechanics. By redistributing the load on affected joints, our chiropractors may help reduce pain and slow the progression of arthritis.
Get on the Path Towards Relief
Don’t let arthritis control your life. You can manage your symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle with natural chiropractic care. Contact Papakura Chiropractic today to find out how we may be able to help you live with less pain.
