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Arthritis
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Arthritis is the word used to describe pain in the joints; it literally means
inflammation of a joint. There are many causes, and some, such as osteoarthritis,
are due to the natural ageing process, and most people are likely to get some
degeneration, or 'wear and tear', later in their lives. Others, such as rheumatoid
arthritis, are less common but can affect children as well as adults.
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Anklosing Spondylitis is another rare form of arthritis that mainly attacks young men.
Beginning with pain and stiffness in the lower back, thighs and buttocks, it can result
in severe inflammation and eventually fusing of some joints of the spine.
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Osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage covering the bones in a joint becomes
eroded and roughened. Tendons and ligaments holding the joint together get weaker
and the joint itself may become deformed, painful and stiff. Joints which have been
injured or subject to unusual stress, perhaps as the result of a sporting career or
heavy manual job, are likely to wear faster.
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After taking a full case history and conducting an examination which may include
X-rays, your chiropractor will make a diagnosis and propose a treatment programme.
While chiropractic treatment is appropriate for most forms of arthritis, for some
it can only give pain relief and you may be referred to your GP for further treatment.
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Although the degeneration of joints cannot be reversed, your chiropractor can regularly
adjust them to keep them healthy and mobile, reducing pain and helping to slow further
degeneration. In addition, chiropractic care can keep your spine free of the nerve
irritation which may prevent your body from fighting disease and healing itself properly.
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Degenerative changes in themselves need not produce symptoms. They do, however, make the spinal column more susceptible to damage. Regular manipulation by a chiropractor, together with an appropriate rehabilitation and maintenance plan, can improve movement and reduce the stresses that may cause pain in the future.
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