Arthritis is one of the most common ailments that we all will one day experience. It can be very painful. It affects millions of people on a daily basis.
There are many forms of Arthritis but the most common form treated in our office is Osteoarthritis.
Osteorarthrits can cause pain in our joints (called Degennerative Joint Disease) and casuse the joint to wear down. Osteoarthritis in the joints cause pain and swelling. The pain is dull and ache with a lot of stiffness.
When Osteoarthitis affects the spine it is called Degenerative Disc Disease. This is when the discs wear out and become very thin. The vertebrae can also develop bony growths called "spurs". Osteoarthritis leads to an unstable spine causing spinal imbalance which leads the vertebrae being out of alignment called a subluxation. These subluxations cause pressure on the nerve causing the patient to experience a lot of neck and back pain. By simply restoring the normal movement to these affected areas of the neck and back we can help alleviate the pain. By treating these areas earlier in life we can also help slow down and prevent future degeneration.
Degeneration Phase 1
The first stage of spinal degeneration is when there is a minor loss of normal spine balance and spinal curvature. The surrounding features of the spine such as nerves, discs and joints begin to age quicker and are continually more stressed. This stage of the degeneration process rarely is accompanied with any major pain. At this point, there is a good chance that with the proper care, you can return to normal.
Degeneration Phase 2
In the second stage of spinal degeneration, there is a often narrowing of the discs and potentially deformation in the bones. Your posture is often beginning to degenerate as well at this point. As the spinal canal, or opening begins to narrow, there are often significant aches and pains associated. Fatigue and stress are more common at this stage. There is a good chance of improvement at this stage with the proper care.
Degeneration Phase 3
In the third stage of spinal degeneration, there is significant physical and mental involvement due to the level of issues here. There is most likely nerve damage as well as deformation of the bones and discs. There would a significant loss of energy and height at this point. Some reversal is possible.
Degeneration Phase 4
In the fourth stage of spinal degeneration, most damage is permanent including scar tissue, nerve damage and deformation. At this point, the condition is irreversible. Management of pain and discomfort is the best option here.
Chiropractic offers great results with these type of conditions.
