As we age, our bodies naturally undergo degenerative changes, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis, a common condition among mid-life and senior individuals, is characterized by degeneration in weight-bearing joints, including the thinning of spinal discs and the formation of bone spurs.
Subluxation Degeneration
Chiropractors have a different term to describe osteoarthritis—subluxation degeneration. Science has shown that the number one reason why weight-bearing joints degenerate has little to do with age and more to do with subluxation and time. The longer a subluxation is left untreated, the more degeneration will occur.
Subluxation degeneration occurs when excess load is put on certain joints due to a shift in spinal alignment. Immobilizing joints will also accelerate the rate of degeneration, as seen in some animal studies, where immobilizing rabbits’ joints caused degenerative changes to set in as quickly as two weeks.
The Importance of Alignment
To prevent premature joint degeneration, it is important to maintain a subluxation-free spine by keeping it aligned optimally and moving freely. This can be achieved through consistent chiropractic care throughout your lifetime. By doing so, you can prevent the pain and suffering associated with osteoarthritis-related changes and promote optimal nerve transmission and communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Help Your Body Heal & Stay Healthy
When your nerve system is free of subluxation and your brain can communicate with the rest of your body, your body can function, heal and regenerate with ease. This is the goal of chiropractic care—not to fix or cure any specific condition, but to allow the body to do what it innately wants—be and stay healthy.
If you or a loved one is struggling with osteoarthritis pain, give our practice a call today. We want to help you move freely and live the abundant life you deserve!
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