Posted on: December 10, 2013

The pain of arthritis can be downright unbearable. For those of you currently suffering from, or have a loved one who may; you already know how painful and debilitating arthritis can be. Today I will share with you what you need to know to not only minimize the pain and suffering caused by arthritis but also how to prevent and slow the progression of this painful debilitating disorder.

First, let’s discuss the technical stuff, and then we will get down to the discussion and ways to prevent arthritis. Simply put, arthritis is painful inflammation and stiffness of your joints. This inflammation (arthritis) can affect such joints as the back, knees, hips, etc. The 3 most common types of arthritis include: Rheumatoid Arthritis, (when the body’s immune system doesn’t work properly and starts attacking itself,) Osteoarthritis (gradual disappearance of cartilage at the ends of your bones,) and gout (which is the bodies inability to eliminate uric acid.)

What you might find interesting is that at some point, everyone will acquire and experience arthritis. A common misconception is that arthritis only occurs in senior citizens however, many people experience this debilitating pain and stiffness in their joints from arthritis in their early 20’s. Arthritis is not just for “old” people and many factors contribute to how quickly and severe this disease can be. Factors include genetics, age, gender, and TYPE of lifestyle activities you partake in. 

Unfortunately, if left untreated arthritis can lead to severe consequences. Have you ever heard of “fusion” or “knee and/or total hip replacements”? These are the permanent consequences of arthritis that has been left untreated and has progressed to the endpoint of the destruction of the joints. Not to mention the excruciating pain and the inability to move. 

To picture how lifestyle activities can play a role in the increase in speed of arthritis, imagine the joints are like a set of tires on your car. In situation “A” here you constantly drive your car at speeds of 100 miles per hour (mph), frequently jostling between off-roading and highway cruising. As expected, the tires will wear very quickly and unevenly. This extensive use and wear and tear on the tire will cause you to have to REPLACE or REPAIR the tires sooner than normal. Now let's picture situation “B.” Imagine that you take great care of your new tires. You get continuous, routine wear checks as well as regular alignments and drive the speed limit you ensure proper wear of your tires. By taking care of your tires they will last longer and perform better. Your joints are affected by harsh lifestyle choices and activities the same way your tires on your car are affected by the misuse.

Arthritis, if treated like scenario “A” can lead to severe consequences such as the FUSION and or the REPLACEMENT of joints. If left untreated arthritis leads to the destruction of joints, attributing to excruciating pain and stiffness and in worst cases, the inability to move.

Luckily, like scenario “B”, there ARE proven ways to slow down the progression of arthritis, including:

• Treatment – Chiropractic care to restore proper alignment and function
• Supplementation – Joint Max (Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM, Green-lipped muscle, hyaluronic acid)
• Education

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to treat and prevent arthritis. Through regularly scheduled adjustments, joints stay properly aligned and the movement stays fluid. To understand this process, imagine the vertebrae (the back joint) are stuck and unable to move. The disc in-between the vertebra becomes stuck as well. When a disk is stuck, critical nutrients do not get absorbed into the disc and waste products are not able to excite the disc material causing it to stagnate and eventually cause the disc to begin to weaken and die. Arthritis. Chiropractic adjustments/treatments free and “un-stick” these vertebrae enabling nutrients to properly flow into and reach the joints. Oftentimes these adjustments can even prevent the progression of this potentially deadly disease. 

Supplements such as Joint Max (probably the best on the market), Omega 3’s, MyoClam PM, EC Matrix, Kaprex, ChondroCare, and a good Multivitamin can aid in the prevention of arthritis, as well as slow down the diseases’ progression. For more information about what would work for you (or your family member), please feel free to contact me.

Lastly, the greatest tool to combat and prevent arthritis is education. For those looking to improve their joint health and minimize the pain of arthritis, look to partner with a trusted and licensed professional. For instant answers to your questions, feel free to go to my Videos. You may even find my Facts, Q&A, and Definitions helpful to some of your questions/concerns that were not addressed.   

As a leading sports medicine chiropractor within San Diego, I look forward to answering any questions you may have as well as helping yourself or anyone you know, with the treatment and prevention of arthritis.

Please, feel free to contact me with any specific questions you have regarding arthritis.

Written by: Peak Performance Sports