• How Can Chiropractic Help You
  • Back Pain Treatment
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Growing Pains in Children
  • Headache and Migraine Treatment
  • Neck Pain Treatment
  • Osteoarthritis and Bone Spurs
  • Sciatica Treatment
  • Scoliosis Treatment
  • Spondylosis Treatment
  • Whiplash Treatment

 

Osteoarthritis and Bone Spurs Treatment

Osteoarthritis mostly affects the large weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips and spine, causing pain and stiffness which is worst at the end of the day. The affected person may have difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, squatting or kneeling.

Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by flaking or forming tiny crevasses. Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years can irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility.

Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs, also referred to as Osteophytes) to form around the joints.

Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease or condition. Conditions that can lead to secondary osteoarthritis include obesity, repeated trauma or surgery to the joint structures, abnormal joints at birth (congenital abnormalities), gout, diabetes, and other hormone disorders.

A comprehensive review of the scientific literature suggests that chiropractic, especially when combined with glucosamine supplements and rehabilitative stretches and exercise, is an effective supplemental treatment for Osteoarthritis.

References

1. Osteoarthritis, Health Promotion Board Singapore
2. Osteoarthritis. MedicineNet.