Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of back pain and stiffness we see at the Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, but many patients have questions about the condition. To help them understand it, we put together this introduction.
Osteoarthritis is distinct from rheumatoid arthritis. While rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects many kinds of tissues, osteoarthritis is caused by wearing down of cartilage between joints. In the spine, it is the cartilage between facet joints that gets worn down, resulting in inflammation as the joints press into each other. This causes pain and muscle spasms, most commonly after long periods of inactivity, such as sleeping. Drops in atmospheric pressure also trigger swelling, resulting in back pain, numbness, or tingling.
People with degenerative disc disease are at particular risk of developing osteoarthritis. As the discs get worn out, they are less able to absorb shocks, causing the force to be transferred to the cartilage. Our anti-aging treatments can help prevent osteoarthritis and chiropractic treatments can reduce discomfort. Diagnosing osteoarthritis will require examinations, imaging tests, and a medical history so we can eliminate other possible causes of pain. Ask about our x-ray special for new patients.
Dr. Kent Carlomagno operates Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at 710 C Street, Suite #12, San Rafael, California, 94901. To schedule an appointment, call 415-721-7520 or visit Summit Chiro and fill out a contact sheet.
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