Arthritis is a very painful and can be a very disabling diseases.  In the past, scientific studies believed the older people in their mid to upper 40's and 50's had signs of arthritis.

We now know that arthritis can effect people much earlier in life.  Symptoms are morning stiffness, pain upon motion of the joint, and swelling of one or more joints.  In the more advanced stages of arthritis there are distortions of joints especially the hands and fingers.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, has been called the "wear and tear" disease.  It is characterized by a degeneration of the joint cartilage which forms the weight-bearing surface of the joint, changes in the synovial membrane which provides lubrication for the joint, and bony outgrowth called spurs around the margin of the joint.  These can actually fuse together and totally prevent joint motion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect people much earlier in life, but it typically begins between the ages of 35 and 45.  It is a disease that involves the chronic inflammation of connective tissues of the whole body, thus altering the body's connective tissue chemistry.

This disease appears after the body has dealt with overwhelming stress.  Symptoms are swelling joints and motion pain, swelling of one or more joints, and stiffness.  In advanced cases there are distortions of the hands and fingers.  The theories as to its cause focus on malfunction of the immune system and the adrenal glands.  Because of this, chiropractic is and ideal treatment.  Chiropractic care can give the body more resistance to stress, improve the function of the immune system, and correct minor functional problems of the body before they develop into major pathologies.

Chiropractic can break the stress cycle by correcting the spinal problems, thus increasing bodily function and resistance to disease.  In cases where rheumatoid arthritis is already in progress, chiropractic care can help improve the function of the immune system and adrenal glands to air in the control of pain and inflammation.

Gout

Gout is another form of arthritis, involving an imbalance in the metabolism of chemistry of the body.  Attacks are often brought on by stress or by eating certain food.  Your doctor of chiropractic can help iwht dietary counseling and by making the body more resistant to stress.