Preventing Arthritis

By: Dr. Alan Rosenthal

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is also known as degenerative joint disease. Eighty percent of people over 50 years of age experience this type of arthritis, which can also begin in teenage years.

Affected Areas

Pain, deformity, and limited motion of joints within the whole body are usual. The onset can be very subtle. Morning joint stiffness is often the first symptom. As the disease progresses, pain on motion of various joints that worsens with prolonged activity and relieved by rest also occurs. Common affected regions are neck, back, hips, knees, feet, fingers.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused from an improper function (or motion) of the involved joints. Unfortunately improper joint movement is something that we cannot feel 90% of the time. As a result, we unknowingly cause joint degeneration. Therefore, we must actively work to make sure all of our joints are working the right way throughout life. Otherwise, we will suffer the consequences of joint degeneration and osteoarthritis.

Unveiling Misconceptions

There are two misconceptions about osteoarthritis:

1. It is a normal part of aging and
   
2. Nothing can be done about it.

Taking care of our joints at a young age can help to significantly prevent osteoarthritis by the age of 50. Chiropractic wellness care has proven to substantially improve joint movement by helping patients learn how to properly use their joints. Even people who have neglected their joints to the point of daily pain and limited motion can benefit by improving joint function from chiropractic wellness care. It is never too late to start caring for your body.

Why NSAIDs Are Dangerous

Some people are not aware that there are natural methods of fighting osteoarthritis and are constantly taking drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil and Motrin, a category of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

According to a UK research report in the journal PAIN patients taking NSAIDs for at least two months show a risk of death at a rate of 1 in every 1,200 patients, 1 in 5 will have ulcers, about 1 in 70 have stomach pains/symptoms, and 1 in 150 have ulcers that bleed. It was concluded that NSAIDs kill three times as many people as cancer of the cervix.

Optimal Health = Optimum Function

Whole Health Family Chiropractic in Thousand Oaks, California has a team of highly specialized health professionals that will help you reach your Health and Wellness goals. Chiropractic wellness care improves your body’s natural ability to heal and enhances your overall quality of life. Imagine living a healthy and holistic lifestyle free of asthma, low back pain, ear infections, menstrual pain, headaches, ADHD, and many others. Take the first step toward better living and contact us today at (805) 449-0061.

Dr. Alan Rosenthal also dedicates his time to health awareness and education within his community. He offers free lectures and workshops to businesses and organizations. If you would like to schedule Dr. Rosenthal to speak at your next event or to view his list of chiropractic lecture topics, please go to Free Lecture Topics.