20 Jul 2018

It’s time to take the UK’s musculoskeletal health seriously

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A recent supplement in the Daily Telegraph began with the eye catching headline “It’s time to take the UK’s musculoskeletal health seriously.” Full page articles about osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, the effects of depression that may present with a diagnosis of arthritis, dealt with the real issues that patients with these conditions face.

At northlondonosteopaths Alan Nevies and his colleagues are dedicated to taking musculoskeletal health very seriously. It is more than our day (and sometimes!) night job. We are all passionate about the potential for osteopathy to prevent, ideally, and cure and or manage many musculoskeletal conditions.

One of these conditions is rheumatoid arthritis. This is generally not a well understood condition. It is an autoimmune disease that causes painful, swollen joints and stiffness and can affect any part of the body. One man in his 20’s (not the age associated with arthritis) was continually visiting A&E with excruciating shoulder pain and was only diagnosed when his GP finally referred him to the rheumatology department.

At northlondonosteopaths Alan Nevies and his colleagues would like to add the observations listed below:

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes stiffness in the joints. It is important that those who suffer with it get a good balance of exercise and rest. While rest is needed and will help the inflamed joints feel more comfortable, too much rest may mean that the joints will stiffen up and range of motion at affected joints will be further reduced.

Alan Nevies and his associates would recommend and guide you through appropriate exercises and stretching. This should help strengthen the muscles around the joint giving the joint more flexibility and will help improve general fitness. Osteopathy plays an important role in maintaining joint range of motion and muscle stretching and strengthening.

Northlondonosteopaths might also recommend certain foods eg turmeric that reduce inflammation.

If the control of the pain and stiffness is inadequate from the stretching, exercises and osteopathic treatment then symptom control is recommended with Non Steroid Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

We hope that with a whole view of the patient and the problem, Alan Nevies and associates at northlondonosteopaths will help anyone suffering from this condition to manage and hopefully reduce their symptoms.

Wishing everyone a pain free and mobile summer with all the best form northlondonosteopaths.

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