Bugging you about Weight-------Again!!

Our office, Sparlin Health Care, puts out a weekly flier to our patients concerning health related issues. A few weeks ago, " The Wellness Express", discussed obesity and arthritis. Its estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. There are several. I will not go into full explanation of these but touch a little on each. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a destructive arthritis that affects the small joints of the hands and feet and other ligaments. It is very disabling and one that patients seem to know about and worry over. They have seen the gnarled fingers of their grandmother. Another form is Psoriatic Arthritis. This has a tendency to affect the larger joints of the body. It's also related to a skin condition called psoriasis. Your grandfather talked about " the gout ". Gout is very painful and comes on in "attacks" when it is active. A lot of swelling and redness at the affected area is common and usually affects the big toe. The arthritis I see the most in my office in my office is Osteoarthritis. Although it is considered a constructive arthritis it it is referred to as "degenerative joint disease". Damage to the joints and natural wear and tear causes the degeneration. The body will put "calcium deposits" at the joints called lipping and spurrring. You can see this on x-rays. When I discuss this with patients it makes it very easy to help them understand their stiffness and pain.
OK, now to the over weight part. Obesity is linked to 1 of every 4 cases of arthritis. It's a two edged sword. Obesity will cause undo wear and tear and stress onto the joints causing them to deteriorate. Having joint pain from arthritis limits your ability to exercise making it much easier to gain that weight. Obesity also causes inflammation in your body and it will go to the weakest links such as already damaged or arthritic areas. More over weight people have joint replacement surgery. Sadly being over weight makes post surgical rehab very difficult. A healthy diet becomes even more important. Get or keep your weight down to take the stress off the joints. Eat right! More fruit and vegetables, less red meat and pork.
Of course, chiropractic spinal adjustments can be your main avenue of joint motion and mobility to help slow the degenerative process.
Keep up regularly. As always, all I ask is for a chance to help you.