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Degenerative Joint Disease
New Hope For Those Suffering From Arthritis
Osteoarthritis affects more than 80% of people over 55 years of age. Although it
becomes increasingly common with age, about 10% of the population is affected before the
age of 25. In spite of this fact, little has been known about what causes this disease, or how
to treat it. Arthritis has long been considered an inevitable part of the aging process. For
years people have been told by their doctors to exercise less, take something for the pain, and
learn to live with the disease...until recently.
New Understanding Leads to Treatment
A great deal has been learned in recent years about the cause and treatment of arthritis.
New understanding has led to new and better methods of treatment. Much of what was
formerly believed about this disease has now been proven untrue.
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UNTRUE: Arthritis is a normal part of the aging process.
UNTRUE: Arthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joints.
UNTRUE: Cartilage cannot heal itself.
UNTRUE: The arthritic process is irreversible.
New Understanding of the Cause of Arthritis
New research indicates that the joints of the body develop arthritis because they fail to
get the proper circulation and delivery of nutrients. Arthritic joints are, in effect, suffering
from malnutrition.
This happens because the cartilage which helps lubricate the joints is different from
other tissues in the body. There is no direct blood supply to the cartilage of the joints and
therefore no direct supply of nutrients. Cartilage must absorb nutrients from the fluid that
surrounds it - like a sponge absorbing water.
The Body’s Joints Must Be Exercised To Receive Proper Nutrition
Exercise of a joint causes the cartilage to be compressed, squeezing fluids out like
water out of a sponge. Then when resting the sponge-like cartilage absorbs fluids, taking in
nutrients that the cartilage needs to grow, heal and function normally. In arthritis this process
is interrupted. Without the proper movement of the joint and adequate flow of nutrition the
cartilage begins to shrink. The joint begins to become stiff, degenerate and hurt.
How Does Arthritis Begin?
Researchers have proposed that arthritis may begin with a single inquiry, or repetitive
damage to a joint that causes tenderness and ongoing pain. Joint pain and stiffness combined
with spasm in the muscles surrounding the area, contributing to compression of the cartilage,
squeezing fluids out and preventing the absorption of vital nutrients that the cartilage needs to
heal. The pain causes the person to use that joint less, reducing even more the movement that
the sponge-like cartilage needs to soak up nutrition. Degeneration of the joint, osteoarthritis,
has begun.
Avoid Aspirin If Possible *
Although aspirin is the most commonly recommended pain reliever for patients with
arthritis, for some patients it shouldn’t be recommended. Why? Because it is now known
that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatroy drugs (NSAIDS), may interfere with
the metabolism and repair of both cartilage and bone. This means that regular use of these
pain relievers make it more difficult, for arthritic joint to heal. That’s in addition to the other
side-effects that may cause, including ulcers, intestinal bleeding and anemia.
Proper Use Of The Joint Is Key
Finally, and more importantly, arthritic joints must receive regular exercise and
manipulation to ensure proper mobility and function. Otherwise, the nutrition will not get
into the tissue that is literally starving for nourishment - the cartilage. A program of regular
spinal manipulation and exercise will make sure the joints are functioning properly and give
them the stimulus they need to heal.
Hope For Relief
Remember with the information we have today, there is good reason to believe that arthritis
sufferers can greatly improve their joint function and mobility, leading active, productive
lives without the pain of arthritis.
Article published by the American Chiropractic Association, 2004. Www.Amerchiro.org.
* Dr. Miller strongly recommends substituting Glucosamine for Aspirin in this case.