Arthritis is a condition characterized by an inflammation of the joints. It causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints. This can make it hard to do the movements you rely on every day for work or to take care of your family. But you can take steps now to avoid arthritis, reduce pain and keep moving.

How does it begin?

Normal curves and proper disc spacing allow normal function of the spine and nervous system.

Subluxation degeneration (arthritis) is related to the same process the body uses to mend a broken bone. The body attempts to fuse the adjacent spinal bones together.

Like the mineral deposits in a cave, if given enough time, adjacent spinal bones can fuse together.

• Regardless of age, when spinal damage goes uncorrected, the body deposits calcium on the surface of adjacent bones that aren't moving properly.
• If neglected long enough, this splinting effect can result in complete fusion. This worsening process is called subluxation degeneration (Spinal Decay) and can occur throughout the spine.
• Chiropractic adjustments can help prevent subluxation degeneration.

Researchers recognize several phases of spinal decay.

• Loss of normal curves and nervous system dysfunction result result from uncorrected spinal trauma.
• This is usually seen as misalignment and malfunction of the spine. Normal spinal motion, curves, and disc spacing are altered. Because the body is so adaptable, this early phase can exist without warning of pain or other symptoms. If left uncorrected, the degeneration continues.

• Bone spurs and abnormal bony growths distort the shape and function of the vertebra.
• Recognized on X-ray views of the spine by visible bone spurs and rough edges of the vertebrae. Soft tissues, such as discs and ligaments degenerate from the lack of normal joint movement. Again, pain or other symptoms may or may not be present.

• After years of neglect, the improperly functioning spinal joints often fuse together.
• A lifetime of neglect may cause the eventual fusion of the malfunctioning joints. Atrophy, permanent nerve damage, and soft tissue degeneration are prevalent. Reduced mobility and impaired nervous system function, diminish one's quality of life. Today, over 70 million Americans endure the chronic pain of arthritis.

What can be done?

Subluxation degeneration is how the body responds to improperly functioning spinal joints. With early detection, appropriate care has been shown to slow, stop, or even reverse the early stages of this process.

Some rheumatologists are now practicing what they call "integrative medicine," a mix of Western and alternative therapies, to treat people with arthritis. This approach focuses less on the disease and drug treatments and more on the individual person being treated. Along with conventional medical treatments, these doctors include a range of therapies that aren't generally considered "medicine," such as chiropractic, acupuncture, meditation, massage, herbal remedies and some dietary changes. They are sending patients for yoga and tai chi. Some of them are even praying with their patients.

Science is increasingly finding real therapeutic potential in many herbs, chemical compounds and other substances sold as "dietary supplements."   And scores of studies also recommend warm water therapy as a key treatment for joint pain, sore muscles and stiffness.

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