Chiropractic care a game changer for patients suffering with arthritis
Tuesday, 12 October 2021 06:42.PM
- The Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness that Ontario chiropractors are fully trained to treat the pain and functional limitations of arthritis. -
Today, one in five Canadians are struggling with chronic pain associated with arthritis. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage the disease and get people back to doing the things they love and want to do.
In recognition of World Arthritis Day on October 12, the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) has launched a new 'Circle It' arthritis campaign to help raise awareness that as experts in neuromusculoskeletal (nMSK) (spine, muscles, joints, and related nervous system) care, chiropractors are fully trained to treat the pain and functional limitations of arthritis, as well as the management and ongoing care of inflammatory arthritis (IA) and osteoarthritis (OA).
In Ontario, chiropractors are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat issues affecting the nMSK system, including arthritis. They are trained to help patients manage their arthritic pain by utilizing a combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies. Extensive knowledge in spine, muscle, joints, and related nervous system health allows chiropractors to be a part of a thoughtful and thorough diagnostic team.
With over 100 different types of arthritis, chiropractors use best available evidence and clinical expertise to help patients with arthritis navigate their care options. Chiropractors can work as part of a patient's circle of care – which can include a rheumatologist, family doctor, and neurologist – to assess, diagnose, and help manage their arthritis. When appropriate, they will communicate with a patient's care team to support ongoing care and management of their long-term condition.
Arthritis is a complex medical condition that is chronic and without a cure. As our population ages, there's no better time for chiropractors to play an active role in a patient's circle of care and work alongside rheumatologists and other specialists to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
Quick facts:
- According to a 2019 Statistics Canada Health Survey, arthritis is the most prevalent long-term health condition in Canada, affecting about 6 million people. In Ontario alone, 17 per cent of the population suffers from arthritis. Nationally, the disease affects one in four women, and one in six men. The number of people living with arthritis in Canada is expected to increase to a total of 9 million by 2040.
- Over half of those living with arthritis are under the age of 65, and the onset of arthritis varies depending on the type. Due to its propensity to affect multiple joints of the body, a significant proportion of people living with arthritis report difficulties with mobility and activities of daily living such as doing housework and running errands.
- Despite its prevalence, finding the right care for arthritis is a challenge for many patients as its early signs and symptoms can mimic those of other diseases. In addition, because there are many forms of arthritis and the condition has the potential to affect multiple joints in the body, treatment must be tailored and individualized to the patient's specific needs.
- The 'Circle It' arthritis campaign will run until December 2021 and include consumer advertisements across Ontario to help advance the knowledge that chiropractors are an important part of the circle of care for patients with arthritis.
SOURCE: Ontario Chiropractic Association