Almost everyone is going to experience some type of arthritic pain in their lifetime. I will share 2 things I believe you can do to combat degenerative and arthritic changes. 

Nutritional Help for Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that people develop. There is a cascade of degenerative changes that lead to osteoarthritis in the spine. We first see changes in the disc, such as the loss of chemicals called glycosaminoglycans (GAG). These changes can be seen as early as adolescence. 

GAG holds water in the disc and aids in the health of the disc. As GAG diminishes, the disc begins to breakdown, we see destruction of cartilage in other areas of the joints, inflammatory changes, pain, spur formation and eventually stenosis of the spine. 

You may have heard of Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate. These are two components that make up GAG.  A number of studies have shown glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help to reduce pain, inflammation and improves the health of the discs and other cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin appear to be beneficial for other conditions as well, such as finger, knee pain, hip joint pain and even heart health. Note that these substances are tied to sulfate, not hydrochloride. Sulfate acts like a magnet to attract fluid. You will now find a lot of glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL), which is cheaper to produce, but I believe to be less effective. 

The formula we recommend in our office is Discat Plus Enhanced. Its source of chondroitin sulfate is perna canaliculus, which is reportedly one of the highest sources of chondroitin sulfate. 

Allergy Warning – If you are allergic to shellfish, then you should avoid taking these supplements. 

Manual Therapy Help for Arthritis

Chiropractic adjusting techniques have helped patients manage the effects of arthritis for years. One way joints get nutrition is through movement. Gentle techniques help improve range of motion, decrease pain and improve overall function in patients. This can help a patient manage their condition at a higher level and reduce the need for medications that often have side effects. 

Cox distraction technic is a gentle form of decompression manipulation and my preferred method for treating patients with arthritis. Decompression reduces disc and nerve pressure, pulls fluid back into the discs and can reduce stiffness.  Two studies have shown that 28 days of compression resulted in disc degeneration and 28 days of distraction reversed it. 

We recommend regular adjustments to combat the effects of arthritis.