Introduction to Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of back pain. Millions of Americans suffer from it, and many find it debilitating. But what, exactly, is it? Cleary Family Chiropractic in Woodstock is here to provide patients with safe, noninvasive relief, but patients should first understand some more about arthritis’s causes. When we speak of arthritis, or “joint inflammation,” we are describing something that can arise from several disorders. Some of those disorders, such as rheumatism, are due to a compromised immune system, but the most common is osteoarthritis. In our joints, the bones are cushioned by a slippery substance called cartilage. Our cartilage is mostly made up of a protein called collagen, and when collagen production decreases, cartilage can become deformed and wear away. As cartilage degenerates, the bones grow spurs, chip off, or grind against each other, triggering inflammation. The inflamed joint is stiff, often painful, and may put pressure on other parts of the body. A degenerative...