We all know someone with arthritis – family, friends, neighbors, coaches etc. But no one ever seems to be able to give a straight answer about where arthritis comes from. Or, more importantly, how to prevent arthritis from happening in the first place. Is it truly “wear and tear” over time? Why do some have more than others? Why does it affect some joints over others?
What is Arthritis?
Generally when we say arthritis what we actually mean osteoarthritis. There are other types, of course, but those tend to be autoimmune or genetically influenced. You can develop osteoarthritis in any joint but weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spine etc) are most common. Joints with more force and stress would make sense to have more arthritis than those that don’t. But your joints are designed to handle stress, right?
In short, yes, your body is designed to be active. Because joints are designed to move (obviously) they are likely to develop small misalignments and wear unevenly over time. This is the classic “wear and tear” we’ve all heard about. However, there is one key aspect of joint physiology that seems to be overlooked. There is another cause that can begin at much younger ages and with far fewer miles on the joints.
So, what’s causing it?
The biggest concern your joints face in the battle against arthritis is instability. Instability can result from sports injuries, weak muscles, poor posture, car accidents, other conditions, growth spurts and a host of other causes. When your body detects instability, in the spine or otherwise, it must stabilize that joint. Unfortunately, its’ only method for doing so is to lay down more bone around the joints. If you’ve seen an x-ray with bone spurs or haziness around a joint, that is the body responding to an unstable joint.
What do I do about it?
The best medicine for any condition is to prevent it entirely or manage it as soon as possible. Osteoarthritis is a very slow process that can take years or even decades to start showing symptoms. By that time, the goal is to slow progression and preserve mobility.
Luckily, prevention is simple and is the same advice you’ve heard for almost every illness you’ve ever had: eat right, exercise, good posture, drink more water, and CHIROPRACTIC.
Diet and hydration are irreplaceable methods for preserving joints long-term. Your body is mostly water which means the joints and their cartilage are also mostly water. Healthy diets also contain many anti-inflammatories which reduce stress on joints and ease discomfort if osteoarthritis has begun.
Posture and exercise create strong muscles capable of stabilizing the joints and prevent instability. The type of exercise you prefer can have varying degrees of “wear and tear” so ask Dr. Bowman about your specific sport for more detailed advice.
Finally, Chiropractic will be a key component to your long-term joint health. Degeneration in the spine can begin within weeks which is why Dr. Bowman likes to see patients at least twice per month. Chiropractors focus on the correction of small misalignments and follow the cues being signaled by your body. If you want to operate at 100%, you need to see your chiropractor regularly!
