It’s time to take control!  Some common conditions about Arthritis include but are not limited to the following:  What is Arthritis, who is at risk, What are the types of Arthritis, What are my treatment options, What can I do?  Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.  The word “arthro” means joint and the suffix “itis” literally means inflammation.  46 million Americans of 1 in 5 people are affected with some kind of Arthritis.  Over the age of 65 years old, 2/3 of Americans are affected.  This is the most common cause of disability in the United States.  Medical costs for this condition top $81 billion annually and accounts for $47 billion in lost wages annually.  There are 750,000 hospitalizations per year due to Arthritis and 36 million out-patients cases annually.  The percent of adults with Arthritis is expected to increase in 48 states between 2005 and 2030. 

Types of Arthritis

There are two types of Arthritis primary and secondary.  Primary Arthritis includes the following subtypes: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, AS, and Septic Arthritis.  Secondary Arthritis includes: Psoriatic, SLE, Reactive, and autoimmune disorders. 

Signs and Treatment of Osteoarthritis (DJD)

DJD can cause joint pain, stiffness, crepitus, loss of motion, and eventual weakness.  What are my treatment options for Arthritis?  Go see a doctor now, determine your current status, discuss your course of action, and direct you mind and focus to getting better.  Treatment goals should be reducing pain, promoting healing, restoring function, regaining strength and stability, changing your habits, and maintaining homeostasis or balance within your body.  Your diet should include the following: lean protein, complex carbohydrates, good fats, multi-vitamins, flaxseed oil, Glucosamine Sulfate, and at least 6-8 hours of rest per night. 

Alternative Treatment

The Archives of Internal Medicine said the number of people seeking alternative healthcare is on the rise.  Recent studies have shown that people are seeking natural healthcare providers that offer a drug-free approach to pain relief rather than a traditional medical approach.  Thomas Edison once said, “The doctor of the future will give his patients no medicine, but will interest his or her patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”  Furthermore, Mark Twain stated, “Be careful about reading health books.  You may die of a misprint.”  Chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture are all great adjuncts in helping to treat and manage the signs and symptoms of Arthritis.    

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that leads to swelling of the joints and surrounding structures causing pain and sometimes deformity.  Early symptoms include: fatigue, morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour, a loss of appetite, muscle aches, and weakness.  Joint pain will later follow and is typically on both sides of the body in the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and the neck.  When the lining of the joint becomes inflamed this causes the synovial fluid to cause swelling in the affected joints.  Some additional symptoms related to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are: reduced range of motion, a low-grade fever, pleurisy, numbness, tingling, skin redness, swollen glands, and anemia.  Noticeable joint destruction is noted within 1-2 years of the onset of the disease. 

X-ray changes seen with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Although diagnosis is made by a detailed case history, physical examination, and laboratory studies; x-rays are equally important in the diagnosis of RA.  The changes that the physician will notate on an x-ray include the following: narrowing of the joint space, periarticular osteopenia, juxtaarticular bony erosions, subluxation and gross deformity, and periarticular soft tissue swelling.  The erosions seen with RA include Haygarth’s and Bouchard’s nodes.  These affect the MCP and proximal interphalangeal joints respectively.

Treatment

Unfortunately, Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition with no known cure.  The best treatment programs available for RA patients include medical, social, and emotional support of the affected patient.  Treatment is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, reducing or eliminating the progression of deformities before they set in, and increasing range of motion and the patient’s quality of life through diet and exercise.  Treatment may include pharmaceutical medications, reduction of stressors to the joints, physical and occupational therapy, Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, massage therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention for severe deformities. 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is essential for anyone suffering from an arthritic condition.  The Chiropractor’s job is to reduce pain and inflammation, increase range of motion in all joints, and reduce subluxations or mis-alignments within the spine and/or extremities to prevent diseases from occurring within the human body.  They work on the most important body system in the human body-the nervous system.  The nervous system controls and coordinates every organ and body part.  Chiropractors utilize static and kinetic palpation to effectively determine the level of subluxation and therefore perform manual adjustments accordingly. 

Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to an increased risk of fracture due to the bones being weak and brittle.  In this condition, the BMD (Bone Mineral Density) is greatly diminished as shown on a bone-scan known as DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry).  This condition is most common in women after menopause; however, it can occur at any age and may also occur in men.  Sometimes, individuals may also get Osteoporosis from certain medications like glucocorticoids.  Other factors that may lead to Osteoporosis include over-consumption of dietary protein, and diseases of the parathyroid like Hyperparathyroidism.  Fortunately, OA is a preventable disease.  Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and supplements can greatly reduce a person’s chances for contracting OA.  There really aren’t any signs and symptoms of OA; some people won’t even realize they have this condition until they suffer from a fall and/or fracture.  Since elderly people have an increased risk of falling as they age, prevention is the key. 

Risk Factors

There are some risk factors that may predispose someone to getting Osteoporosis and include the following: excessive alcohol, tobacco smoking, excessive Vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, heavy metals, caffeine consumption, or someone who is either underweight or inactive.  Risk factors that are unfortunately non-modifiable include: being female, of advanced age, having an estrogen deficiency, and those with European or Asian descent. 

Diseases associated with Osteoporosis

In addition, there are a host of diseases and disorders that have been linked to Osteoporosis and include the following: immobilization, a Vitamin B or K deficiency, renal insufficiency, Hematologic disorders, Scoliosis of an unknown cause, malnutrition, Hypo-gonadal diseases, and some inherited disorders.  If you have any of the above mentioned diseases or disorders it crucial to speak with your primary care physician to know your risk for getting Osteoporosis and have a DEXA scan preformed to check the bone density. 

Chiropractic Care and Osteoporosis

Chiropractors need to be extremely careful when treating Osteoporotic patients because their bones are so weak and brittle.  It is necessary to use a light-force technique such as the Activator tool or SOT (sacral occipital technique) to adjust the patient’s spine, especially where it is Osteoporotic.  Once the patient exhibits the signs of Osteoporosis they cannot be reversed.  The doctor can only help to stop the progression and reduce any signs and symptoms the patient may have.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD).  Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, clicking, locking, and inflammation.  OA most commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine.  When OA affects the hands, Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes may be present on the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.  It has been researched that overuse and activity may be linked to the development of Osteoarthritis or dramatically increase one’s risk for the condition.  Overuse can damage the joints and break down the cartilage within them.  Ultimately, this will cause local pain and inflammation.  There are two types of Osteoarthritis: primary and secondary.

Primary and Secondary

This is a chronic degenerative disorder related to the body aging.  As we age, we lose the water capacity within our joints, causing the joints to therefore breakdown.  In the spine, OA will cause bony outgrowths known as osteophytes. On the contrary, Secondary OA is caused by one of the following conditions: Diabetes, congenital disorders of a joint, inflammatory diseases, septic arthritis, Marfan syndrome, obesity, Alkaptonuria, and Hemochromatosis. 

Diagnosis 

Diagnosis of OA is straightforward for the most part.  A physician will take a detailed case history and through physical exam; however, the real diagnosis is made once the physician looks at an x-ray report.  Upon x-ray of an Osteoarthritis patient, the physician will observe the following changes: decreased joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, subchondral cyst formation, and osteophytes. 

Treatment 

There are many advancing treatments for the treatment of Osteoarthritis patients.  They include but are not limited to: lifestyle modification such as diet and exercise, analgesics, physical therapy, chiropractic care, surgery, glucosamine supplements, acupuncture, and other supplementation such as vitamin A, C, E, ginger, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and chondroitin sulfate. 

Chiropractic care 

Chiropractors can significantly reduce the effects of OA.  They can increase range of motion and reduce pain and local inflammation by administering manual manipulations and incorporate physiotherapy modalities.  These modalities may include the following: ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser treatments, inter-segmental traction, whirlpool, spinal decompression, paraffin baths, and diathermy.  Since OA is a wear and tear type of condition, significant improvement is not very common.  The above treatments may help relieve the patient’s symptoms; however, most patients won’t get significant re-growth of the cartilage which has broken down.  Most will only see minor improvements according to the current literature out there. 

Degenerative Arthritis is also known as Osteoarthritis and is the breakdown of cartilage of one or more joints in the human body.  Cartilage is made out of proteins which lubricates, or coats the joints.  Although there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis is the most common.  Osteoarthritis affects more than 20 million people in the United States alone.  The incidence of this disease increases as we age due to the breakdown of cartilage from wear and tear of our joints.  Osteoarthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as: hips, knees, spine, and hands.  OA can lead to swelling, pain and tenderness, and decreased range of motion.  The two most common types of arthritis include Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own synovium (the protective lining of joints).  Symptoms of RA are that of OA: swelling, pain and tenderness, and loss of range of motion.  With RA, genetics seem to play an important role in contracting the disease.  The disorder is diagnosed via laboratory testing, x-ray, and physical examination.  RA patients will exhibit certain physical characteristics such as joint deformity or bony nodules due to the disorder. 

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis or JRA unfortunately is a type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents alike.  There are three types of Juvenile Arthritis and they include: polyarticular which affects many joints, pauciarticular which affects a few joints, or systemic which affects the child’s entire body. 

Treatment

Treatment is dependent on what time of Arthritis the patient has, the age of the patient, and the severity of the Arthritis.  Some patients benefit more from pharmaceutical treatments to reduce the pain and inflammation while others benefit more from Chiropractic care to increase range of motion and mobility.  The primary goal is to reduce pain, inflammation, deformity, and increase overall range of motion in the affected joints.  Your physician will determine the best fit treatment for your specific Arthritis is question. 

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Individuals with spinal stenosis have a spine that is narrowed in one or three parts of the spine.  One to three of these areas could be affected: the center of the spine, the area where nerves branch from the spine, or in the vertebrae.  Narrowing in these areas adds pressure to the nerves and spinal cord which is what causes the pain to occur.  Spinal Stenosis is most common is both men and women over 50 years old.  Aging and changes in the spine is the most common cause of this condition.  As people age, the bones and joints enlarge and bones may bulge out.  These are all contributors to spinal stenosis.  Aging is a common factor to the cause but it’s possible to be born with a narrowing spinal canal as well.  Anyone who suffers a spinal injury during their lifetime is at risk too.  Some symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain in the back or neck, pain the in legs or arms, foot problems, and shooting pains in the legs.  Sometimes, there are no symptoms of these conditions and other times symptoms appear and get worse as time goes on. 

 How is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed

During an examination, the doctor will conduct a thorough interview on medical history and then perform a physical exam.  He/she may also conduct other tests such as X-rays, MRI, CAT scan or a bone scan to gain a better understanding of the condition. 

Who Treats Spinal Stenosis? 

Spinal Stenosis can be treated by a variety of qualified specialists.  Some physicians include Rheumatologists (doctors for arthritis), Neurologists, Orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and acupuncturists.  Doctors will refer you to the proper specialist based on your symptoms. 

Acupuncture treatment 

Before the treatment begins, patients are required to fill out a medical history questionnaire.  The physician will interview the patients about lifestyle habits, sleep, stress, diets and other things that may contribute to the condition.  Once the interview is complete, treatment begins.  It typically takes several sessions to feel a positive response to treatment.  The acupuncturist may use 6-12 needles and will insert them into different areas of the body.  As the needle is inserted, the patient may feel a prick, but once the needle is in the skin, there will not be any pain or discomfort.  If the patient does feel discomfort, he/she should alert the acupuncturist immediately.  Treatment usually lasts 20-30 minutes and patients should begin to feel relief after several sessions.

Arthritis means joint inflammation plainly.  However, there are more than 100 rheumatic diseases that cause joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness.  Some rheumatic diseases can cause life-threatening situations, affect muscles, bones, and internal organs.  The two most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Arthritis can affect anyone at any age and in every joint; however, incidences begin to rise as we age.  If arthritis is left untreated, it can cause damage to bones, joints, organs, and even the skin. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is also known as degenerative joint disease.  The pressure on the affected joint can lead to pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.  The most affected joints in Osteoarthritis include: the knee, hips, hands, and spine.  Although, incidence increases with age there are some risk factors that increase the risk such as obesity, joint trauma, and repetitive use of the affected joint.   

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the synovium, the lining inside the joint.  They symptoms are the same as Osteoarthritis and include: pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.  Genetics play an important role in the cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  RA is diagnosed via blood testing, x-ray, case history, and physical examination.  There are classic features that distinguish all Rheumatic diseases apart such as symmetry, nodes, and whether it’s unilateral or bilaterally affected. 

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis or JRA is the most common arthritis in children.  There are three major types: polyarticular which means it affects many joints, pauciarticular which only affects a few joints, and systemic which affects the whole body. 

Treatment

Depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the complications, treatment varies greatly from person to person.  Some individuals respond very well to Chiropractic care since they work on the joints of the human body; while others respond favorably to pharmaceutical medications for anti-inflammatory properties.  Either way, arthritis can be a very debilitating condition, but if left untreated is a painfully reversible one. 

The anatomy of the rotator cuff includes four muscles; the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus, the subscapularis and the teres minor. Several tendons are also present and this group of muscles and tendons cover the head of the humerus and allows the arm to rotate. A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury and in most cases the supraspinatus muscle is the muscle that tears, although it can occur in any of the four muscles or tendons. A tear of the rotator cuff can occur from a sudden trauma, can accompany another injury to the shoulder region such as a fracture or a dislocation, or can be the result of overuse of the muscles of the rotator cuff. The most common cause of a rotator cuff tear is overuse of the muscles. Overhead movements such as those common in tennis, rowing, weight lifting and baseball increase the chances of injuring or tearing the rotator cuff. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain when attempting to lift the arm or lowering the arm when raised, a feeling of weakness and audible cracking when rotating the arm or moving it into certain positions. Atrophy, or wasting, of the muscles from lack of use may also occur if not treated in a timely fashion.

Avoid Surgery

A health history, thorough physical examination and at times, diagnostic imaging are used to diagnose a rotator cuff tear. An MRI is better able to show a tear of the rotator cuff as MRI’s are able to produce pictures of the soft tissues of the body. An examination of the neck may also be done to rule out the presence of a pinched nerve that may be present and referring pain into the shoulder area. Ruling our rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis will also be done. In cases of a rotator cuff tear that does not require surgical intervention, conservative care may be appropriate in helping the muscles of the rotator cuff heal in a timely manner. In the acute stage of injury, rest and icing will be recommended to reduce inflammation. A sling may be necessary if movement during the day causes movement of the arm that produces pain. Strengthening exercises will follow the resting period as well as friction massage and rehabilitation. These forms of treatment can help to reduce pain and restore function to the shoulder and arm. Chiropractors can offer these medical treatments and the results are generally positive and long-lasting. In most cases, even patients who are 50 or 60+ years of age will respond well to this treatment plan and avoid surgery.

References Cited in this Article

www.aaos.org

www.dynamicchiropractic.com

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease of the joints of the body. It is an inflammatory arthritis that causes chronic pain and damages joints, leading to a loss of joint function and eventually, disability. Early signs of the disease include fatigue and pain and stiffness of the joints. Eventually, muscle aches, lack of appetite and flu-like symptoms may be felt. There are three stages of progression of the disease. The initial stage involves swelling of the synovial lining of the joint which results in redness, swelling, pain, stiffness and warmth. Following this stage, cells will rapidly grow and divide which causes the synovial lining to get thicker. During the final stage, these cells will release enzymes that break down the bone and cartilage of the joint. This break down of the joint causes its appearance to change, becoming more gnarled and painful. Function will be reduced or completely lost. At this time, 1.3 million Americans have RA and there is no known cause or cure. Because it is a chronic disease, RA will continue to progress and can be present in organs of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential in controlling the rate of progression.

The Best Treatment Options

There are medications for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Aside from medications, there are several options that can help to control symptoms and to limit the progression of the chronic disease. Range of motion exercises are important to keep muscles and joints more fluid and flexible while weight bearing exercises are helpful in keeping muscles toned and strengthened. Aerobic exercises such as swimming or walking will help keep the circulatory and cardiovascular systems healthy and efficient. Nutritional counseling is also beneficial as some foods and supplements are helpful in controlling the amount of inflammation present in the affected joints. Doctors of chiropractic are able to provide these conservative treatment options and can work in tandem with a primary care physician to achieve the maximum results for a patient. Supplementation must be discussed and a decision will be made if they are an appropriate treatment option and do not interfere with RA medications that are taken by the patient. The best treatment options focus on controlling the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and reducing the pain, inflammation and dysfunction that occur. Because every person will have varying degrees of symptoms, the treatment plans that a physician creates will be tailored to a patients specific health care needs.

References Cited in this Article

www.arthritis.org

www.acatoday.org

Cooking Meat

Are you familiar with Rheumatoid Arthritis?  RA is a painful and even debilitating condition that attacks the joints.  What you probably didn’t know was that illnesses like Rheumatoid Arthritis were never seen before man learned to use fire and use it to cook their foods.  Cooking Meat at high temperatures may not be as healthy as you once thought.  The National Cancer Institute stated that cooking meat increases the amount of Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs), which are created when amino acids and Creatine react to high temperatures.  Creatine is found particularly in muscle meats.  Muscle meats are the most common types of meat for outdoor cooking and contain increased levels of HCAs.  They go on to talk about how there are four factors that are included in the formation of HCA and include the following: type of food, cooking method, temperature, and time.  One particular study showed a three time elevation in the content of HCAs when cooking temperature was increased from 200 degrees Celsius to just 250 degrees Celsius.  For those individuals who like their meat burnt or well-done, those areas are at a much higher risk of HCAs in comparison to more rare meats.  Most scientists would agree that the best way to reduce or eliminate the levels of HCAs is by baking, stewing, poaching, or boiling.  If you cook the meat slowly and at low temperatures it greatly reduces the amounts of these carcinogens. 

 Marinades

 Some people believe that by using spices or marinades that are rich in antioxidants helps to reduce the HCAs; however, most of these also contain increased amounts of sugars.  It is more beneficial to make your own marinade for health reasons.  It is important to eat vegetables and fruits as raw as possible and with the skin still attached.  Meat should be cooked enough in order to kill bacteria; however, not at increased temperatures or increased time to produce increased amounts of HCAs.  It is crucial to read the labels on the meat packages so you know what temperature to cook the meat at.  If you and your family are worried about lessening your risk for cancer or decreasing overall inflammation in your body, it’s important to decrease the risk of HCAs in your summertime barbeque events.  Try and use antioxidant spices to reduce the effects of HCAs and make your own summertime marinades that your friends will be bragging about for summers to come.