Management of Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is a painful and debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by wear and tear on the joints, which leads to joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and decreased range of motion. While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy exercises, and other treatments. In this blog post we will discuss how to best manage osteoarthritis in order to improve your quality of life.

The first step in managing osteoarthritis is understanding what causes it so that you can take steps to prevent further damage or slow its progression. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between two bones begins to break down due to age-related wear and tear or injury. This causes inflammation in the joint which can lead to pain and stiffness as well as reduced mobility. Understanding why this happens helps you figure out what activities might make your symptoms worse so that you can avoid them if possible or find ways of dealing with them effectively when they do occur.

It’s also important to maintain an active lifestyle even if your symptoms are making movement difficult; exercise not only keeps your joints strong but also helps to reduce pain by increasing blood flow to the affected areas. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, biking, and walking are great ways to stay active while avoiding further damage. Stretching can also be beneficial; it’s important not to push yourself too hard, however, and make sure that you stop if your pain becomes unbearable.

In addition to lifestyle changes, there are a variety of medications available that can help manage osteoarthritis symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from joint pain and stiffness while prescription medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may work better for more severe cases.

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to managing osteoarthritis that can provide significant relief for those suffering from the condition. Here at The Woodstock Chiropractor we use manual adjustments, massage, medical acupuncture and other techniques in order to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Additionally, chiropractic treatment may help promote healing by increasing blood flow to affected areas, which helps reduce inflammation and speeds up recovery time. Furthermore, regular chiropractic visits can help prevent further damage or slow down its progression by addressing any underlying issues such as muscle imbalances or poor posture that may be exacerbating your symptoms.

The benefits of maintaining a strong core:

Maintaining a strong core is an important part of overall health and well-being, as it helps to improve posture, balance, and stability. It can also help to reduce the risk of injury and improve athletic performance.

When it comes to strengthening your core, it’s not just about doing crunches or planks—it’s about working the muscles that support your spine in order to maintain good posture and proper alignment throughout the body. A strong core includes the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis), obliques, lower back muscles (erector spinae) and even hip flexors (iliopsoas).

A strong core is essential for everyday activities such as lifting objects, bending down, or twisting your torso. Additionally, a strong core can help you perform better in physical activities such as running or playing sports. Core strength provides stability which helps to prevent injury while competing or exercising. Having a strong core can also help to improve endurance since the trunk is being supported through dynamic movements rather than relying solely on arm and leg power alone.

Stronger muscles are also linked to better coordination and improved proprioception (the ability to sense where one’s body parts are in space). This means that having a stronger core can lead to improved balance and agility in sport-specific movements like throwing or jumping.

Finally, having a strong core can also have positive effects on mental health. Core muscle strength has been linked with improved confidence and self-esteem due to feeling more physically capable when engaging in activity or exercise. Additionally, stronger abdominal muscles can help reduce stress levels due to improved breathing efficiency which oxygenates the brain more effectively leading to clearer thinking and reduced stress levels.

In conclusion, having a strong core offers numerous advantages when it comes to sports performance as well as everyday activities such as standing upright with ease or lifting heavy objects without putting strain on the back. Maintaining a strong core contributes greatly towards maintaining good posture while improving balance, coordination, agility and proprioception. Finally, there are also mental benefits associated with having a stronger core such as higher self-esteem and reduced stress levels due to improved breathing efficiency.

Can turmeric help you?

At The Woodstock Chiropractor we are always looking at how much more we can make a difference to the health of Oxfordshire residents and beyond!

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is a member of the ginger family and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Recently, turmeric has gained popularity in the health community due to its potential health benefits. In this blog, we will explore the health benefits of turmeric supplementation and the conditions it can help with.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

One of the most well-known health benefits of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, some studies have found that curcumin is more effective than some anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pain Reduction

Another benefit of turmeric supplementation is its ability to reduce pain. Curcumin has been shown to be effective in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of chronic pain. It works by blocking inflammatory pathways and reducing the production of certain enzymes that cause pain.

Improved Brain Function

There is also evidence to suggest that turmeric can improve brain function. Curcumin has been shown to increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone that helps to maintain and repair brain cells. Low levels of BDNF have been linked to depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive disorders.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Turmeric supplementation may also help reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that curcumin can improve the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels. This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, as endothelial dysfunction is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Conditions Turmeric Can Help With

Turmeric supplementation may also be helpful for a variety of specific health conditions. Here are some examples:

• Osteoarthritis: Turmeric can reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, and may even slow the progression of the disease.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Curcumin has been shown to reduce joint pain and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Depression: Some studies have found that curcumin can be as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression.

• Inflammatory bowel disease: Curcumin may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion

Turmeric supplementation has a variety of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, pain reduction, improved brain function, and reduced risk of heart disease. It may also be helpful for specific health conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of turmeric supplementation, and it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. As with any supplement, it is also important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting to take turmeric.

The effective dose of turmeric supplementation can vary depending on the specific health condition being targeted and the formulation of the supplement. The active ingredient in turmeric that provides its health benefits is curcumin, which is typically standardized to a specific percentage in supplements.

Here are some general guidelines for effective dosages of turmeric supplementation:

• For general health and well-being: A daily dose of 500-2,000 mg of turmeric extract containing 95% curcuminoids is recommended.

• For reducing inflammation and pain: A daily dose of 1,000-2,000 mg of turmeric extract containing 95% curcuminoids is recommended.

• For improving brain function: A daily dose of 500-1,000 mg of turmeric extract containing 95% curcuminoids is recommended.

• For reducing the risk of heart disease: A daily dose of 500-1,000 mg of turmeric extract containing 95% curcuminoids is recommended.

It is important to note that the absorption of curcumin is generally poor, so it is often recommended to take supplements that include ingredients that enhance its bioavailability. Some key ingredients that can increase the effectiveness of turmeric supplementation include:

• Piperine: This is a compound found in black pepper that has been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%. Supplements that include piperine are often labeled as "bioperine" or "black pepper extract."

• Phospholipids: These are naturally occurring compounds that are found in cell membranes. Supplements that use phospholipid complexes or liposomes to deliver curcumin have been shown to significantly increase its bioavailability.

• Turmeric essential oil: This is a volatile oil that is extracted from turmeric root. It has been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin by up to seven times.

When selecting a turmeric supplement, it is important to look for products that contain high-quality ingredients and are standardized to contain a certain percentage of curcuminoids. It is also a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Matt recommends: https://bettervits.co.uk/products/turmeric-complex?_atid=iWdCexzds69Ytp7Ed91ETCYRNOkEY4

Are you deficient in Vitamin D?

What is Vitamin D and is deficiency common?

Vitamin D, most of us know it as the sunshine vitamin and whilst we get the majority of our intake from the sun, we also get vitamin D from fish, red meat, milk and mushrooms. So, if you’re lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet then you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

In fact, according to NHS England approximately 25% of people in the UK are deficient and nearly three quarters are in the lower range. Due to increasing cloud coverage and rainfall in the UK vitamin D deficiency is an increasing issue. Last year scientists made a connection between UK climate change and an increasing prevalence of rickets.

What are the effects of Vitamin D deficiency? 

Amongst children the effects can be profound as it can lead to growth complications dental issues, decreased height as well as weak and brittle bones. 

In adult’s vitamin D is also important for maintaining strong and healthy bones however it also plays an important role in a number of other biological functions. Deficiency can lead to increased cardiovascular problems, cognitive impairment amongst older adults, muscle pain, hair loss and even an increased risk of cancer. Recent studies even show that higher levels of vitamin D may help to reduce the effects of covid-19. 

Should you be supplementing?

The short answer is yes! In 2016 Public Health England published new guidelines stating that everyone over the age of one should be supplementing their diet as the levels of sunlight in the UK are not always sufficient. Their recommendations are for 10 micrograms per day which is the standard amount found in over the counter supplements.