Chiropractic and physiotherapy offer a solution for these complaints!
As we age, the quality of joint cartilage deteriorates slightly. This involves a gradual breakdown of the cartilage and leads to changes on the bone surface. We refer to this as the “wear and tear process” of osteoarthritis.
A therapist could not restore osteoarthritis, but they alleviate the symptoms related to degeneration and that improves joint mobility. The most common complaints are pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” is an irreversible process. Fortunately, osteoarthritis does not always cause joint pain! Improved joint mobility can lead to decreased pain. Chiropractic and physiotherapy can help alleviate pain.
A joint consists of two bones connecting to form a hinge. The ends of each of these two bones are surrounded with cartilage. The smooth cartilage allows gliding movements. There is also synovial fluid present that ensures lubrication of the joint. A stiff capsule wraps around the joint and ligaments are responsible for stability.
From the age of 20, the process of degeneration starts and leads to less lubrication and increased friction during movement. The quality of the cartilage also deteriorates slightly, this affects the load-bearing capacity and mobility of the joint. This result in pain, stiffness and decreased mobility.
“Wear and tear” mainly occurs in weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips, but could equally affect the back and neck. The process of degeneration develops gradually, the how and why is often unclear. However, there are a number of risk factors involved; trauma from a car accident, sports injuries or repetitive incorrect movements can cause the joint to wear out sooner.
“Move, move, move. The solution to address the symptoms of osteoarthritis lies in sufficient movement and decreased joint-load.“
Degeneration is not time dependent. There’s even been traces of osteoarthritis in Neanderthals. “Wear and tear” are also not limited to humans. It predominantly occurs in vertebrates like birds, fish and mammals. Except for bats and sloths, which hang upside down most of their lives, with little weight bearing on their joints. It is unclear why some people are more prone to develop osteoarthritis than others.
Osteoarthritis presents mainly in people over the age of 70, but degeneration of the cartilage often starts as soon as the age of 35. Osteoarthritis is about equally as common in men and women. In addition, genetics play a role.
Sufficient exercise is extremely beneficial. The opposite, namely rest, often negatively impacts the joints. The aim is to keep the joints mobile and moving as this improves lubrication. Increased weight bearing and obesity can also increase the chance of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and/or thickening of the joint capsule, limited range of motion, decreased flexibility and intermittent deep-seated joint pain. Symptoms mainly present in the morning or after rest or especially at the start of a movement. Late stage osteoarthritis frequently displays more constant symptoms.
At the initial consult the chiropractor needs to do a health screening. They’ll ask specific questions about your complaint and perform a thorough physical examination. The examination focuses on joint mobility and range of motion. Based on examination it’s possible to determine if osteoarthritis is the cause of your complaints.
The chiropractor will be interested in any previous X-rays or other diagnostic investigations to help formulate the treatment plan. X-rays may show pathological changes that might contribute to confirming the diagnosis.
Bring X-rays and MRIs to the chiropractor, if any!
The aim of the treatment is to improve mobility, range of motion and to relieve pain. The chiropractor achieves this result by means of specific light mobilizations and/or manipulation techniques.
In addition, MoveWell has several advanced treatment tables that can slowly mobilise joints.
It’s important to look further than only the joints involved. The chiropractor will examine the entire musculoskeletal system. In case of neck complaints, for example, compensatory movements in the lower back can also lead to complaints.
The physiotherapist focuses on the movement of the joint and the surrounding stability. The physiotherapist can treat your complaints by means of mobilization techniques, muscle relaxation techniques and by the use of special treatment devices and equipment. Exercises are given for mobility and/or stability.
If you experience osteoarthritis in your back or neck, it is important to keep the joints mobile and to decrease the pressure and load on the joints. This can be achieved by means of postural corrections, exercises and core stability.
If you have weak strength and stability of the back muscles, back rehabilitation could help with re-conditioning. Thanks to our extensive back rehabilitation and medical fitness, you can strengthen your body and improve your condition.
