Arthritis
Arthritis can be frustrating.
Have you ever been to the doctor experiencing shoulder, back, knee or ankle pain? A lot of people suffer from chronic pain in these areas. Frustrated, they go to the doctor to find out they have arthritis in these areas. Sometimes they are quickly dismissed and told to live with the pain. In other cases, they may be prescribed medications that do not help relieve the pain or inflammation.
arthritis
What is it?
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is cause by local structural changes. This happens in specific joints. Cartilage is the rubbery substances that cushions the joints. When the cartilage breaks down it leaves the joint unprotected. This may lead to a thickening of the bone. This ends in a build-up called bone spurs.
How common is It?
It is very common. There are more than one hundred different types of arthritis. People of all ages, sexes and race have arthritis. More than fifty million adults have it. It can affect children as well. Approximately 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women. It typically occurs with age.
Most Common Treatment for Arthritis
Pain treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Several different treatments may be initiated before finding the right one. A combination of treatment may be necessary to determine what works best. Medications for arthritis vary. This depends on the type of arthritis. Analgesics (Tylenol, Tramadol, and Percocet) may be prescribed. These help to reduce pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) help to reduce pain and inflammation. These include ibuprofen and Aleve. Some creams and ointments may be prescribed as well.
Most Common Areas it Occurs
There are many types of joint pain. It depends on where it is localized in the body. It is most commonly felt in the fingers, knees, ankles and back and neck. Joint pain in the hands and feet can be early signs of rheumatoid issues. Pain in the knees and shoulders can be a result of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid issues. Another common area is the back and neck. These are some of the most mobile joints in the body. They can be susceptible to a lot of wear and tear in the body.
Diagnoses
It affects approximately thirty-one million Americans. It can be diagnosed with an X-ray or MRI. Being diagnosed with arthritis is not the end of the world. A recent research found “no correlation” between the intensity of low back pain and the degree of arthritic change. Lumbar disc degeneration is present in forty percent of people under thirty. It is present in over ninety percent of those over the age of fifty. In healthy 20-22 year olds with no back pain, forty-eight percent had one degenerated disc.
Stats
Eighty-five percent of adults have knee arthritis that does not cause pain. There is little correlation between the degree of degeneration and pain.
Chiropractic care helps address the underlying reason for both the symptoms and degeneration. Degenerative findings are often NOT the source of your pain. Dr. Maggio uses a computerized tool called the Pulstar ProAdjuster. It helps diagnose and treat patients without any popping, cracking, turning or twisting. If you or someone you know is living with pain, call our office today at (757) 473-9900 (option 1).
