What's Normal, What's Not?
In this edition, we focus on two prevalent issues: osteoarthritis, and degeneration. We aim to dispel common misconceptions, clarify what’s considered normal versus abnormal, and shed light on the role of chiropractic care in managing these conditions.
Osteoarthritis: Separating Fact from Fiction
Osteoarthritis often conjures images of inevitable joint deterioration with age, and the permanent limitations it places on us.
In a nutshell, osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing of joints over time. It is characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to changes to the underlying bone.
However, age isn’t the sole culprit; factors such as how much pressure we put our joints under, joint injuries, genetics and obesity also contribute to the speed of its progression.
What is important to know is that this is a process that begins early in our lives and progresses over time, but the speed of these accumulated changes can vary. In fact, the rate of progression determines how active we can be in later life.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Osteoarthritis is Untreatable:
While osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, its symptoms can be managed effectively and its progression slowed through various treatments, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Myth: Exercise Aggravates Osteoarthritis:
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining joint flexibility, strength, and overall function. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can help alleviate symptoms and help slow the progression of further changes.
Myth: Chiropractic Care Worsens Osteoarthritis:
On the contrary, chiropractic adjustments are tailored to each individual’s needs to restore and maximise joint mobility which actually alleviates pain and inflammation.
Degeneration: What’s Normal, What’s Not?
Degeneration is a wide-ranging term that can refer to the gradual breakdown of any tissue in our body, including joints, discs, tendons, and ligaments. While degenerative changes are a part of ageing, like osteoarthritis, this gradual process also doesn’t always cause symptoms.
Understanding what’s considered normal versus abnormal degeneration is key to proper management.
An example of Normal Degeneration:
As we age, spinal discs lose water content, becoming less flexible and leading to overall reduced flexibility in our spines. This natural process is part of ageing and doesn’t necessarily cause pain or dysfunction.
Abnormal Degeneration:
When degenerative changes lead to spinal joint restrictions, nerve compression, or nerve irritation, symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and significant reduced mobility may occur.
This abnormal degeneration often requires intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent further deterioration and damage.
The Role of Chiropractic Care:
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper joint mobility, enhancing muscle, and nerve function, and alleviating pain associated with osteoarthritis and degeneration.
Through gentle adjustments, mobilisation techniques, and rehabilitative exercises, chiropractors help address underlying issues contributing to pain and dysfunction.
By dispelling common misconceptions and embracing proactive management strategies, individuals can take control of their health and enjoy a better quality of life, now and for their future. Regardless of age or degenerative changes!
Remember- with these conditions, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome!