How are Rheumatic conditions different from Osteo arthritis?
Osteo arthritis is a degeneration of joints and the soft tissue surrounding them, caused by joint abuse, trauma, genetic degeneration and aging. Unlike Rheumatic diseases, osteo arthritis is normally not a systemic disease and is usually confined to specific joints, such as a knees, fingers, hips, etc. Also, early degeneration of spinal disks in the neck or lower back can cause a cascading effect of pain in the hips, shoulders, arms and legs. In extreme cases, where there is a cascading effect, the patient may well feel like he/she has a systemic disease. Although there is no cure for disk degeneration, Chiropractic manipulation to periodically realign the spine and a properly designed exercise routine to build specific muscle strength to protect the affected joints, has many times proved effective in controlling the discomfort and allowing a more normal life style. The most common treatment for Osteo arthritis is OTC and Rx pain killers and anti inflammatories. Unfortunately, these me
