Arthritis & Joint Pain in Ottawa ON

There are two common types of Arthritis in Ottawa ON: Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Any type of arthritis involves inflammation, which can cause redness, swelling, stiffness, pain, loss of joint function, range of motion, and eventually joint deformity.

Several treatments can improve and alleviate arthritis and joint pain:

• acupuncture
• chiropractic treatment
• rapid release therapy
• laser therapy
• nutrition changes

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Osteoarthritis (OA) in Ottawa ON

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the spine, and large weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Osteoarthritis usually has no known cause and is referred to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) may also be known as wear and tear arthritis, spondylosis, degenerative joint disease (DJD) or rheumatism.

Patients with osteoarthritis who take an active role in their own treatment can prevent additional joint damage and usually will be able to continue with most of their normal activities. The key to managing the condition is to get an accurate diagnosis and start early, proactive treatment. Most osteoarthritis treatments are focused on reducing the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and maintaining the joint mobility and flexibility needed to continue with necessary and desired activities. It is clear that a combination of proper exercise, joint mobility, weight control, nutrition and use of appropriate medication is required to control osteoarthritis.

There are a number of reasons why some people are particularly disposed to osteoarthritis. However, as with nearly all abnormal conditions affecting the body, it is likely that a combination of risk factors work together to cause osteoarthritis. Repetitive trauma to the spine from repetitive strains caused by accidents, surgery, sports injuries, poor posture, or work-related activities are common causes of spinal arthritis.

Therefore, athletes and people with jobs that require repetitive, and particularly heavy, motion have been found to be at greater risk. Other known risk factors for developing spinal arthritis include:

• Aging: steady and advanced aging of spinal structures, beginning in the 30’s, often work-related
• Gender: osteoarthritis being more common in post-menopausal women (although below age 45, it is more common in males)
• Excess weight: causing more stress on weight-bearing joints and the spine, particularly during the middle age years
• Genetics: having a family history of osteoarthritis or congenital defects of joints, spine, or leg abnormalities

Chiropractic care can have a positive impact on osteoarthritis. Because one of the contributing causes of osteoarthritis is abnormal wear and tear on a malfunctioning joint, chiropractic care can actually help treat a contributing cause of osteoarthritis. There are numerous ways that chiropractic can help osteoarthritis. The most important way is it restores normal joint alignment. By aligning the joint and enabling it to move properly, chiropractic care can reduce further wear and tear and slow down the degenerative process. In addition, chiropractic care relieves pain and inflammation in the joints, which goes a long way to reducing the pain in osteoarthritis patients. Chiropractic manipulative therapy also increases the mobility of the joint which can help improve joint stiffness and lack of motion.

Patients with osteoarthritis who take an active role in their own treatment can prevent additional joint damage and usually will be able to continue with most of their normal activities. The key to managing the condition is to get an accurate diagnosis and start early, proactive treatment. Most osteoarthritis treatments are focused on reducing the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and maintaining the joint mobility and flexibility needed to continue with necessary and desired activities. It is clear that a combination of proper exercise, joint mobility, weight control, nutrition and use of appropriate medication is required to control osteoarthritis.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a specific type of arthritis that is chronic, progressive and often debilitating, characterised by the symmetrical joint involvement and the age at which it begins. With RA, an auto-immune response, the body’s immune system starts to attack itself and causes damage to certain joints. The body’s white blood cells (immune defence system) cannot differentiate from bad cells and its own body cells. An early diagnosis is important to minimise the amount of joint damage and complications that can occur with RA and improve the quality of life.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissues and leads to severe degeneration of the joints, particularly the hands and feet. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis involves the inflammation in the lining of the joints (synovium) that releases enzymes which digest bone and cartilage. The affected joint can become malformed, resulting in pain, loss of motion and swelling. In the back, it is more common for rheumatoid arthritis to develop in the cervical spine causing neck pain. It can also affect other parts of the body such as the heart, lungs, small blood vessels, the nervous system and eyes.Some scientists believe that certain environmental factors can trigger the inflammation to start.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is treated conservatively with anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and physical therapy or manipulation to maintain motion, as well as nutritionally to help reduce inflammation and toxicity.

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Can Acupuncture help RA?

Acupuncture has not been shown to prevent joint damage, and some study data is conflicting as to whether acupuncture helps to control arthritic inflammation. Acupuncture can, however, help with RA-related pain, just as it does with other types of pain, through the stimulation of endorphin production. Acupuncture should not be used as the sole treatment for RA, but rather as an additional treatment, in conjunction with RA disease-modifying medications or other therapies. It is a tool to fight pain with minimal side effects, which can be undertaken along with medication treatment.

Once under control, there are several ways to ease the symptoms. Treatments may include:

• education about the condition and support to patients with RA and their families,
• non-drug treatments including topical treatments and pain relieving strategies (rest and relaxation),
• physical therapy such as chiropractic and occupational therapy,
• pain-killers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• immunosuppressants
• joint injections
• dietary changes

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Need more information?

Many symptoms can be helped with preventative care like acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, physio and laser therapy. We strongly recommend anyone experiencing the symptoms discussed on this page, see one of our health professionals soon.