What is it? Who has it? What’s the best way to manage it?
- Mild early morning stiffness
- Stiffness following periods of rest
- Pain that worsens on joint use
- Loss of joint function
If you experience these symptoms you may
have osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
40 million American have Osteoarthritis;
80% are people over 50 years of age.
Causes of
Osteoarthritis:
I. Wear & Tear
II. From trauma, joint defect, other
joint disease (RA, etc)
40% with the worst x-ray findings of
arthritis are pain free
What You Can Do to
Help OA
- Chiropractic care helps restore
and continue better range of motion in the spinal joints, and also
improves joint function and restores skeletal alignment and balance.
- Dietary considerations:
- Night Shade family vegetables such
as tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant may trigger OA.
- Natural, unprocessed, low-carb, high
fiber foods are beneficial.
- Aspirin and other NSAIDS may
actually contribute to OA by inhibiting cartilage repair
- Glucosomine Sulphate
has been thoroughly researched and has few side affects. People with
sulpha allergies or blood sugar problems may not tolerate it. Studies
using arthritis drugs have shown that Glucosomine Sulphate produces
better results without side affects.
- Topically applied menthol or
capsaicin preparation can help reduce the pain of Osteoarthritis
- Vitamin C at 1,000mg to 3,000
mg per day have been helpful
- Botanicals such as Yucca
leaves, Devil’s Claw and Alfalfa
- Exercise. Best is
non-traumatic, low impact such as swimming, walking, isometrics
In summary, Glucosomine Sulphate, regular
low impact exercise, Vitamin C, herbs, low carb/high fiber diet and
Chiropractic care all help relieve symptoms of arthritis.
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