Arthritis

Is the word used to describe pain in the joints; it literally means inflammation of a joint. There are many causes, and some, such as the common osteoarthritis, are due to the natural ageing process; most people are likely to get some degeneration, or 'wear and tear' later in their lives. Other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis are far less common but are more severe and can affect children as well as adults.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Is another rare form of arthritis that mainly affects young men. Beginning with pain and stiffness in the lower back, thighs and buttocks, it can result in severe inflammation and eventually fusing of some joints of the spine.

Osteoarthritis

Is caused when the cartilage covering the bones in a joint becomes eroded and roughened. Tendons and ligaments holding the joint together get weaker and the joint itself may become deformed, painful and stiff. Joints which have been injured or subjected to unusual stress, perhaps as the result of a sporting career or heavy manual job, are likely to wear faster.
After taking a full case history and conducting an examination which may include X-rays, your chiropractor will make a diagnosis and propose a treatment programme. While chiropractic treatment is appropriate for many forms of arthritis, for some it can only give pain relief and you may be referred to your GP for further treatment. Although the degeneration of joints cannot be reversed, your chiropractor can regularly adjust them to help keep them healthy and mobile, reducing pain and helping to slow further degeneration.
Degenerative changes in themselves need not produce symptoms. They do, however, make the spinal column more susceptible to damage. Regular manipulation by a chiropractor, together with an appropriate rehabilitation and maintenance plan, can improve movement and reduce the stresses that may cause pain in the future.

Rheumatoid arthritis

typically manifests with signs of inflammation, with the affected joints being swollen, warm, painful and stiff, particularly early in the morning on waking or following prolonged inactivity. Increased stiffness early in the morning is often a prominent feature of the disease and may last for more than an hour. Gentle movements may relieve symptoms in early stages of the disease. These signs help distinguish rheumatoid from non-inflammatory problems of the joints, often referred to as osteoarthritis or "wear-and tear.