Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic: Understanding and Treating

Osteoarthritis, or joint wear and tear, is often seen as an inevitable consequence of aging. Although age is an important factor, research shows that osteoarthritis is not evenly distributed throughout the spine. This suggests that other factors, such as abnormal loading and biomechanical changes, play a greater role in the development of osteoarthritis.

How Does Osteoarthritis Develop?

Osteoarthritis is a long-term process that occurs when the load on a joint is greater than the body’s ability to recover. This can be related to:

1. Normal loading on an abnormally shaped joint: For example, due to structural abnormalities or poor posture.
2. Abnormal loading of a normal joint: Think of incorrect posture, asymmetrical movements or other functional movement disorders.

When joints do not move properly, such as with blockages in the spine (functional movement disorders), a chain reaction occurs:

• Reduced Movement: Blockages cause limited movement in the joint. This prevents the normal nutrition and lubrication of the cartilage, leading to degenerative changes.
• Increased Pressure: The load on surrounding structures increases, especially on intervertebral discs and cartilage, causing them to wear out more quickly.
• Inactive Tissues: The surrounding muscles and ligaments become less active, which reduces the stability and shock absorption of the joint, causing further wear and tear.

Scientifically Substantiated Insights

1. Joint Blockages and Degeneration
   Studies show that joints that move less degenerate faster. Immobility reduces the supply of nutrients to the cartilage, resulting in damage and osteoarthritis. This process is exacerbated by increased pressure on the “weak spots” in the joint.
2. Chiropractic and Movement Restoration
   Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal joint function, which can slow and sometimes even partially reverse degeneration. Research published in Spine showed that spinal manipulation reduces pressure on discs and surrounding structures, which can slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
3. Muscle and Tissue Activation
   Restoring movement reactivates surrounding muscles and ligaments, reducing stress on joints. Active tissues support the joint, improve biomechanical balance, and prevent further damage.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis often develops gradually and may be accompanied by:

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
• Pain in the joint, sometimes radiating to surrounding areas.
• Cracking noises when moving.
• Decreased mobility and loss of strength in advanced stages.

It is important to watch for early signs, such as stiffness or mild pain, as these indicate underlying biomechanical problems.

How Chiropractic Can Help

Our chiropractic approach focuses on restoring normal function to the spine and joints, which is essential to slow or reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.

1. Restoring Motion: Targeted chiropractic adjustments restore normal joint function, improving nutrition and lubrication of the cartilage.
2. Reduce Pressure: Chiropractic helps to reduce pressure on weak areas in the joint, preventing further wear and tear.
3. Activation of Surrounding Tissues: By activating muscles and ligaments, the joint is better supported, which reduces the biomechanical load.
4. Prevention: With periodic adjustments and specific exercises, chiropractic care helps prevent further wear and pain.

Scientific Comparison with Other Treatments

• Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatories provide temporary relief, but do not treat the cause and can have harmful side effects if used for a long time.
• Injections: Corticosteroids may be effective in the short term, but frequent use can accelerate cartilage damage.
• Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as joint replacement, are invasive and carry risks such as infection and long rehabilitation. They also focus on end-stage disease, while chiropractic care offers an early, less invasive solution.

A Conservative Solution

Chiropractic is a safe, non-invasive, and scientifically proven way to treat arthritis symptoms. By restoring your body’s biomechanics, it works with its natural healing abilities, without the risks of medication or surgery.

Do you suffer from osteoarthritis or do you want to protect your joints from wear and tear? Contact us and discover how chiropractic can help you maintain your joint health.