If you have a bad back will you necessarily get arthritis in your back as you get older? From Scott in Algonquin.

Jan 28
2009
Leave a
Comment

This is a very good question Scott.

 

The short answer is yes, degeneration and arthritis WILL become a problem with a “bad back”. You may have noticed that older individuals who are not healthy have a bent over posture. This is called Ankylosing spondylitis of the spine due to degeneration and arthritis. In fact, it doesn’t matter where in the world or who in the world has a “bad back”, arthritis and bent over posture will become evident unless it is structurally treated. I treat all of my patients to stabilize their structure. Of course, nutrition and health play a very big roll as well. This is the very reason that I perform proper laboratory work to detect these imbalances so that I can prescribe supplements to treat the person naturally without drugs.

In addition, your bones are defined by your genetics. It is why we look like our parents and are the same general size of our parents. The GOOD news is that this problem can be treated effectively and better yet, it can be prevented. I help my patients with very specific adjustments that do not hurt. However, the adjustments are very affective because I am treating only the levels that need it. In fact, with our total patient treatment protocol, my patients can receive minimal treatment and maintain the wellness level they have achieved. This is important in that you want to prevent your back from becoming degenerated but you don’t want to be told that you have to keep coming back for plain adjustments twice a week for the rest of your life. Since I take a total body approach, we can maintain your health with much fewer treatments.

Check out my web site at cl-chiro.com.

Thanks for the good question and keep your back healthy.

 

Dr Bob.

Written by Dr. Bob in: Arthritis, Back Pain |

My neck and sometimes my joints crack or pop and seem to feel better afterward. People have told me the cause is arthritis or osteoporosis. What is it and should I be concerned?

Jan 14
2009
Leave a
Comment

Good question!

There are a lot of myths out there about popping your joints.

Basically the popping sounds that you hear are from gases that escape from the fluid in the joint when the joint capsule stretches as the joint reaches its endpoint. However a popping sound is not associated with an adjustment. An adjustment is a very specific application of a force to correct a problem. In fact, I adjust without popping and without pain because pressing a joint to end range to get a pop can cause pain and damage.

So the physiology behind the feeling you get is that as the gas is released there is a small drop in pressure. However if a popping sound occurs easily, there are a few reasons, 1) you have a high degree of flexibility and/or 2) you are forcing the joints. In all cases, the joint is moving to end range quite possibly causing damage. Now this damage may be very little but can accumulate over time and become degenerative joint disease later in life.

Our patients are treated to prevent this condition. In fact, Chiropractic is the only means to preserve your spine and joints. Drugs actually have the opposite effect by causing joint erosion.

However, a growing number are coming in for chiropractic care the first time in their life but they have waited years until their condition is very bad. Also, young people like pitchers and gymnasts who often experience significant injuries that last a life time because no one recommended proper preventative care from a biomechanical specialist. They are told to “walk it off” or just take a pain reliever and so proper treatment is avoided and the injuries continue.

I have over 16 years experience in specialized areas such as biomechanics, athletic performance and sports injuries. We have several programs for those who want to preserver their bodies and maintain the healthiest means possible as well as a full rehab facility to help out when injuries occur.

Remember, you can’t see your joints and exerting force on them may have you “popping” for a problem down the road!

Keep the good questions coming.

Dr Bob.

Written by Dr. Bob in: Arthritis, Neck and Joint Pain |

Don’t Take Arthritis Lying Down

Dec 15
2008
Leave a
Comment

Years ago, doctors generally told rheumatoid arthritis patients to “go take a hike” or “go for a swim.” Arthritis was considered an inherent part of the aging process and a signal to a patient that it’s time to slow down. But not so anymore. Go Ask Dr Bob! Read the rest of this entry »

Written by Dr. Bob in: Arthritis, Pain | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,