Forty-three million Americans report that a doctor told them they have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of more than 16 million adults. The two main classes of arthritic conditions are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis/degenerative arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - RA can affect many different joints and, in some people, other parts of the body as well, including the blood, the lungs, and the heart. Inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. RA can last a long time and can be a disease of exacerbations and remissions.

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means the body's natural immune system does not operate as it should; it attacks healthy joint tissue, initiating a process of inflammation and joint damage. The exact cause of RA is not yet known. Although scientists do know that many factors may contribute to the development of RA. Genetic, or hereditary, factors play a role. Scientists have shown certain genes that play a role in the immune system may be involved in determining whether or not you develop RA.

Chiropractic procedures for RA involve structural alignment of the joint to help decrease the amount of dysfunction and damage due to misalignment of the joint (see Osteoarthritis). We also utilize nutritional protocols to improve immune system function to help eliminate the miscommunication and destruction of healthy joint cells. This combination has effectively helped many of our patients manage and slow the progression of this disease with a better quality of life.

Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the United States , affecting an estimated 21 million adults. OA begins with the breakdown of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. OA commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When OA is found in a less-frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint.

Although the exact cause of OA is not known, some scientists believe that joint damage begins in response to physical stress (such as an injury or repetitive movement). Also known as "wear and tear," this stress can erode the cartilage that normally encases the ends of the bones in a joint. Cartilage serves to cushion the bones and to help the joint move smoothly and easily. As cartilage breaks down, the ends of the bones thicken and the joint may lose its normal shape. With further cartilage breakdown, the ends of the bones may begin to rub together causing pain.

Chiropractic uses an approach and philosophy that addresses the structural alignment of the joints in the body. These joints are created to last a lifetime; however due to trauma, repetitive stress, and alignment issues the integrity of these joints may become compromised. In the proper anatomical alignment the joints slide smoothly across one another. The alignment of the joint is a fundamental component in the functioning of that specific joint. A slight variance from its optimal position could place the body in a mechanical disadvantage. Now instead of a smooth gliding motion between joints this dysfunction creates a grinding or damaging situation that if left untreated will accelerate the destruction and arthritic changes to the joint.