Your Pain

GENERAL CONDITIONS

OSTEOARTHRITIS (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Virtually every movement you perform involves your joints. Walking, lifting and running are just a few of the common things people do that would be impossible without joints. To prevent these joints from wearing down during these movements, our joints rely on cartilage, a spongy tissue that helps to cushion the friction between connecting bones. Without it, everyday activities would be extremely painful.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes this cartilage to break down and become rough and flaky, making movements in the affected areas more difficult. OA usually occurs in weight-bearing joints, like hips or the knees, which support the body. However, any joint can become affected. In fact, OA can occur in several joints or regions of the body at the same time. It's possible, for example, to have pain and degeneration in one knee and not the other, and at the same time in the neck or hip.

Patients with OA often report having mild pain, morning stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected joint or region. The pain tends to come in bouts, with particularly painful periods followed by periods of relief. Patients usually report the most discomfort at night and after extensive use of the affected joint. Some patients also complain of a complete loss of motion in certain areas, although this is rare.

Age and improper joint movement for extended periods of time play a role in the development of Osteoarthritis. Obesity also increases the risk of becoming affected as extra weight puts more stress on joints. Almost everyone experiences some changes in their joints by the age of 40, and although few people show any symptoms, OA occurs most often in those who are middle-aged or older.

While there is no cure for OA, manipulation, exercise and nutritional supplementation promote joint health, relieve pain and assist in preventing further degeneration.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic syndrome characterized by nonspecific, usually symmetric inflammation of the peripheral joints. It frequently leads to progressive destruction of joint structures.

About 1% of all populations are affected, with women being affected 2 to 3 times more frequently. Onset may be at any age, but RA most often occurs between the ages of 25 to 50. Individuals may notice an abrupt beginning to the process, with simultaneous inflammation in multiple joints. But, its beginning is usually insidious with progressive joint involvement. Tenderness in nearly all "actively inflamed" joints is the most sensitive physical sign.

Symmetric or bilateral involvement of the hands, wrists, elbows and ankles is typical, but manifestations may occur in any joint. Stiffness lasting greater than 30 minutes upon arising in the morning or after prolonged inactivity is common; early afternoon fatigue and malaise also occur.

Treatment of RA usually requires a multidisciplinary approach as pharmaceutical, nutritional and manual therapy approaches are necessary for successful control of inflammation and maintenance of strength and mobility of the affected joints.

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia indicates pain in fibrous tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. Any fibrous tissues may be involved, but those of the occiput, neck, thorax, low back and thighs are especially affected.

Fibromyalgia typically occurs in females and may be induced or intensified by physical stress, poor sleep, trauma to the cervical spine, exposure to cold or dampness, or exposure to an underlying rheumatic disorder. Men are more likely to develop localized fibromyalgia in association with repetitive occupational or recreational strain. Symptoms in men and women may be significantly exacerbated by environmental or emotional stress.

Onset of stiffness and pain frequently are gradual, diffuse and of an "achy" character. Pain is aggravated by straining or overuse. Tenderness may be present, usually localized to specific small zones; ie, "tender points."

Fibromyalgia may remit spontaneously (in milder cases) with decreased stress but can become chronic or recur at frequent intervals. Relief may be obtained with improved sleep, gentle soft tissue techniques, stretching and rehabilitative exercise.

TENDINITIS

Tendinitis simply means inflammation of a tendon. Tendinitis usually occurs in the middle and older age groups, but is growing in prevalence in the adolescent population. It usually occurs as a result of highly repetitive occupational and/or sporting activities, which lead to microtrauma and microscopic tearing of the tendon. Excessive straining, prolonged poor posturing and unaccustomed exercise may also lead to tendinitis.

The involved tendons are usually painful with motion or when loaded with weight. The tendons may become inflamed or remain dry but cause friction rubs with movement. Along the tendon, localized tenderness of variable severity is usually present, but may be severe and disabling.

The most common sites for tendinits are the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and Achilles tendon.

Tendinitis responds very well to a multidisciplinary approach which includes; neuromuscular reeducation, stretching and mobilization activities, manipulation, avoidance of highly repetitive activities, postural recommendations, cardiovascular conditioning, nutritional support, icing, rest and appropriate bracing.

TENOSYNOVITIS

Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of the lining of a tendon sheath. It usually occurs simultaneously with tendinitis.

BURSITIS

Bursitis refers to inflammation of a bursa. Bursa are saclike cavities filled with synovial fluid and located at tissue sites where friction occurs, such as where tendons or muscles pass over bony prominences. Bursa facilitate normal movement, minimize friction between moving parts, and may communicate with joints. Most bursitis occurs in the shoulder, but also frequently occurs in the elbow, hip knee, heel and base of the big toe.

SYNOVITIS

Synovitis refers to the inflammation of the lining of a joint. Synovitis usually occurs as a result of improper motion or traumatic injury to a joint.

FASCIITIS

Fascia is a non-contracting connective tissue which helps to maintain the structural integrity of our musculoskeletal system. Fasciitis is inflammation of this fascia as a result of repetitive or traumatic irritation. Fasciitis is best treated by implementing anti-inflammatory measures coupled with manual therapies to restore appropriate musculoskeletal function.

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES (RSI)

Repetitive Strain Injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendinitis account for over 67% of all occupational injuries. Common sporting conditions such as Swimmer's Shoulder, Rotator Cuff Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Patellar Tendinitis, Shin Splints, Achilles Tendinitis and Plantar Fasciitis are all names for repetitive strain injuries.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a soft tissue injury in which muscles and tendons become torn as a result of repeated physical movements or overuse. Your body repairs these microscopic tears through the build up of scar tissue also known as "adhesions". As these adhesions form they may restrict the normal movement of muscles, tendons and nerves. This creates inflammation and irritation. Other common symptoms include:

The most common body parts affected by RSI are hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, neck, lower back, hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet.

Individuals who are at the highest risk are in occupations which:

Many doctors prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, bracing and surgery to address the symptom. Although these remedies do provide some relief, they do not break up the adhesions that have formed around the muscles, tendons and nerves. There is only one way to permanently remove the adhesions, Neuromuscular Reeducation (NMR).

DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE

Spinal disc degeneration is a well-known cause of pain and muscle spasms in the neck, shoulder, arm, hand, low back, hips and legs. Weakness, numbness, pins and needles are also commonly reported in these areas as a result of disc degeneration.

Intervertebral discs provide for appropriate spacing, cushioning and movement of the spine. These discs are soft, fluid-filled pads. These discs may become "herniated" or ruptured due to traumatic events or steady physical wear and tear over an extended period of time. Work or activities which require repetitive lifting, bending, twisting or prolonged sitting put people at greater risk.

Once the disc becomes herniated, the gel-like material in its center may spill out into the surrounding area and compress or irritate the spinal cord or peripheral nerves leading to serious neurological compromise.

As herniations or tears to the intervertebral disc usually occur on the side of the disc, the pain is usually worse on the corresponding side of the neck or low back. The pain can worsen with coughing, straining, sneezing, as well as slouching or bending, which compresses irritated discs in the spine.

While extreme cases of disc degeneration may require surgery, the majority of these cases respond extremely well to conservative chiropractic care and physical therapy.

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