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Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is often used as a wastebasket term. It is misused and misunderstood by the general public and even overused by some doctors.

Arthritis comes from the Greek “Arthron” meaning joint and “itis” a word termination denoting inflammation; thus, arthritis means inflammation of a joint.

Inflammation can be a very mild or very severe process. In this true meaning, the condition of arthritis could be present if a joint is strained and inflammation follows. That certainly does not mean it is incurable; yet the common misunderstanding is that arthritis should be controlled with pain medication, such as aspirin.

Using medication to override the pain allows the condition to remain the same and possibly worsen. It is much better to determine exactly what caused the problem and correct that cause, if possible. Many people have an unrealistic attitude toward pain; they consider it an enemy when, in reality, pain is often a friend. Pain is the body’s alarm system, telling us when something is wrong. In most cases, functional pain can be eliminated as the body’s function is returned to normal by natural health care approaches. This is true of many types of arthritis.

Many types of arthritis respond favorably to treatment. All to often, however, a patient diagnosed with Arthritis ceases all efforts to obtain correction and resorts to pain pill override. This is an unfortunate, erroneous thought.

There are three major types of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, Gouty Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. We will discuss Osteoarthritis this month and Gouty and Rheumatoid in the August column.

Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is generally considered the “wear and tear” type and develops from the fifth decade of life on. It is most commonly found in the weight bearing joints of the body––hands, knees and hips.

Because Osteoarthritis is correlated with strain to joints, it is important to maintain weight at a recommended level, taking strain off the weight bearing joints. You can see why a knee under constant strain from poor muscular support is more susceptible to Osteoarthritis. Postural balance is also very important, because the joints of the spine are frequent sites of Osteoarthritis.

Although Osteoarthritis is commonly associated with mechanical strain to joints, there is a correlation with specific metabolic or nutritional deficiencies that cause a weakening of the joint surfaces and make them vulnerable to wear and tear. Protein deficiency has been indicated as a causative factor in osteoarthritis. Clues that protein is not being digested properly include gas after a meal, brittle and cracking fingernails and poor quality hair and skin.

Long-term Osteoarthritis is characterized by additional calcium buildup in the joints, with possible spurs formed around the joints. Calcium use in the body is a very complex subject. Dietary change and/or nutritional supplementation may be necessary to improve its absorption and utilization. This nutritional change is required because there are different ways that calcium is used in the body and it must be properly balanced with other minerals.

An interesting correlation has been made in the treatment of Osteoarthritis with applied kinesiology principles. In an effort to stop the conditions’ progress, the joint structure is balanced with muscle balancing techniques and manipulation. The pain is completely relieved although the joint structure still appears damaged.

The bottom line in arthritic conditions is to determine exactly what is taking place and eliminate the causative factors. This makes more sense than overriding the discomfort with pain medication. Many people with Arthritis can obtain correction of the condition and lead happy, health lives.

Note: August issue will discuss Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gouty Arthritis.

Dr. Susan Bobak is director of the Healing Arts Center of Covina and a Chiropractor since 1982. (626) 859-6480 • 646 East Eremland • Covina • CA (Just south of Rowland, between Citrus & Barranca)