Is that pain Arthritis?
By: Dr. Donna A. Pontoriero, Chiropractor

"Arthritis" is often used as a generic diagnosis for a variety of symptoms, including: back pain, decreased range of motion, stiffness, shoulder, arm and knee pain, lack of strength and coordination, as well as a host of others. However, many times this term is used by patients and doctors alike.

Literally, arthritis means inflammation of a joint. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is generally considered a "wear and tear" arthritis. If the bones that comprise a joint are misaligned, the joint is not able to glide smoothly. This causes the joint to wear down unevenly, degenerating the cartilage in the joint capsule. The joint becomes unstable, relying on the ligaments and muscles for support. If the muscles and ligaments decrease in strength as well, the joint will degenerate further. Your body will then try to add more stability to the area by forming bone spurs. This adds to the painful process.

Traditional medical treatment usually consists of a pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs, which only mask the pain, leaving the instability, and therefore allowing the joint to continue to degenerate. A doctor of chiropractic can realign a misaligned joint and help strengthen the ligaments and muscles, as well as to stop or slow down the degenerative process. Often once the joint is realigned, the patient feeld relief from pain and symptoms as well.

Dr. Donna Pontoriero can be reached at 85 Franklin Ave, Nutley, 235-9393.