New Englanders in particular are the most familiar with the romantic serenity of the countryside, with the old red barn and it's big double doors. We can almost hear the creaking of the hinges as they protest our intrusion - preferring to be left alone in peace, quiet, and rust.

To the millions who suffer from osteoarthritis, the preceding paragraph may strike a familiar chord.

Those afflicted with this debilitating condition are keenly aware of the joint stiffness, dysfunction and pain associated with the slightest movement (even when it's not about to rain).

The many joints which make up our spine are similar to the  barn door hinges. As the iron oxidizes, rust enters the hinge causing dysfunction in the form of resistance to movement. In the human spine, it is the similar degeneration of the bone and surrounding soft tissues which sets the stage for calcific infiltration of the joints, resulting in arthritis.

For our purposes, we are only allowed to use the door on the right. We will open it as wide as we can, go in and out often, and use oil or 'WD-40' a few times a month. We will continue this for a period of three months. We will leave the door on the left to the mercy of the elements.

At the end of the three months, I am quite certain that the door on the right will exhibit much greater range of motion, offer much less resistance, and be much quieter than the door on the left. The frequent use alone would make continued movement easier, but the application of the lubricant on a regular basis would preserve the integrity of the iron while retarding the oxidation process.

How does this all relate to the chiropractic management of osteoarthritis? Let's read on!

The human body is magnificent! When left unadulterated and when properly cared for, it will respond by rewarding it's owner with years of vitality. This is aptly demonstrated in the function of our spinal joints - from the base of our skull to our tailbone. The surface of each bone is covered with a unique type of  liner called the synovial membrane, the function of which is to produce synovial fluid. With the consistency of raw egg white, it serves the joints in much the same way  that oil or 'WD-40' served those hinges on the door on the right! But... there's a catch. The membrane will only do this when stimulated to do so. The catalyst? Joint movement! Motion is the key! The more the synovial joint is moved, the more lubricant it produces, resulting in  greater range of motion, less stiffness and better function!

There are three universally accepted degrees of  joint movement: active motion, passive motion, and joint cavitation.

Active motion is that type of motion that you can do for yourself; namely daily activities, exercise and activities like yoga.

Passive motion is movement initiated on your body by a second party. Physical therapists, massage therapists and other health practitioners often apply passive motion to compromised joints in order to restore movement. This is considered greater in scope than active motion and likely increases stimulation of the synovial membrane.

Joint cavitation is the third type and results in the greatest range of motion. This is the motion that commonly produces the "popping" sound as carbon dioxide is released from the joint. This is not harmful to the joint but rather is an audible indicator that fullest range of motion has been achieved, resulting in increased production of synovial fluid. Chiropractors are specialists at achieving joint cavitation safely and efficiently; each of us having devoted years of study to the proper administration of this practice. These specific techniques are referred to as chiropractic adjustments, and have been most successful in restoring normal alignment and function to compromised joints.

Regular chiropractic care is likened to applying lubricant to those hinges.Well adjusted is well lubricated and this results in less pain and a more active life style!

While the above addresses the immeasurable benefit of chiropractic care in the treatment of osteoarthritis, it merely scratches the surface of the role of chiropractic care as a natural, drug-free health care alternative. It's contribution is much more than the "cracking" of joints. It's true value rests in it's relationship to the health of the nervous system. The nerves which feed every muscle, organ and cell of the human body exit the spinal cord through openings between the vertebrae. Chiropractic care keeps the spinal bones aligned so that the nerve roots do not become irritated (or releases them when they do). This ensures optimum function so that the nervous system is free to do it's job for the body, which is basically...everything.

N. Richard Archambault, D.C.

Archambault Chiropractic and Wellness Center

9 Chestnut St., Arlington, MA

781-646-8400