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The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is characterized by joint pain, brought on by the breakdown of cartilage. Weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips, are most often affected, although it can also affect the fingers, lower back and neck or any other joint.

Many factors contribute to the cartilage breakdown that causes osteoarthritis, including restriction in a joint’s range of motion, mental and emotional stress, toxins in the body, repeated high-impact exercise, improper nutrition, hormonal imbalances and excessive body weight.

Strategies for reducing osteoarthritis may include:

• Chiropractic care to optimize joint movement and reduce stress
• Increase in water consumption
• Nutritional supplements to overcome dietary deficiencies
• Moderate exercise, particularly aquatic exercise along with muscle conditioning, aerobic exercise, walking and stretching
• Adoption of a healthier non-inflammatory diet and weight reduction

Management of osteoarthritis includes a number of changes in diet and lifestyle that are best monitored by a knowledgeable healthcare professional. Plus, chiropractic care can help restore proper mobility and function to affected joints.