Part 1 of this article discussed in depth how osteoarthritis (OA) is often misunderstood as an inevitable consequence of aging, but it’s actually a degenerative process—not a disease—and one that can be influenced, slowed, or even reversed through the right lifestyle choices. Affecting over 32 million Americans, OA impacts people of all ages and stems from causes like old injuries, misalignment, poor movement patterns, and chronic inflammation—not just age. However, with consistent, drug-free care and mindful daily habits, people living with OA can reclaim their mobility, independence, and vitality—at any age. 

To read Part 1 of this article in it’s entirety before continuing, click here.

Neuroplasticity and BAM

Neuroplasticity is a term that wasn’t coined until 1948. Today the term is being used everywhere, perhaps because we’re continuing to learn new things about the brain and its ability to adapt. Like the body, the brain too needs to keep moving. If you keep learning, keep challenging your nervous system, the brain will keep growing and adapting. 

Specifically, neuroplasticity is the brain and nervous system’s ability to adapt, rewire, and form new connections in response to what you learn, what you experience, and how you move. We used to believe that our brains stopped changing when we reached a certain age. Science has proven that isn’t true. Our neuroplasticity continues throughout life, and it plays a crucial role in how our bodies maintain balance, alignment, and motion (BAM). That’s particularly true when we are dealing with osteoarthritis.

The nervous system controls every movement in the body. When your spine is misaligned or your joints aren’t moving properly, the brain receives distorted or incomplete signals. If this goes on for too long, your body will start to adapt to this new situation, see it as normal. This new way clearly won’t be as efficient, so the body might begin to compensate for the bad signals and create further stress or degeneration. 

That’s where chiropractic care comes in, and it’s essential. Regular chiropractic care and get your BAM back in shape. By restoring your alignment and improving functional motion the nervous system can function at a higher level. Your neuroplasticity will literally kick in to rewire your body’s IT system for better communication and maximum performance. 

Your Chiropractors Tool Kit

Today, chiropractic lifestyle care isn’t just about cracking backs. 100 Year LifestyleⓇ providers focus on the body’s innate ability to heal, supported by chiropractic adjustments and other tools. Their proactive approach to  your health might include other modalities of care such as: 

• Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is a motorized traction which stresses the spine. Doing so effectively relieves pressure on the nerves. It can reposition herniated discs and facilitate fluid movement into the discs.
• Laser Therapy uses light energy to reduce inflammation and pain by targeting superficial tissues.
• SoftWave Therapy stimulates tissue regeneration and healing by delivering low-intensity, broad-focused acoustic waves to both superficial and deep tissue. This wave goes deeper into tissue than laser therapy. Therefore, it is better able to target the root cause of pain.
• ShockWave Therapy stimulates a metabolic reaction in tissue and breaks down scar tissue with its delivery of high-energy acoustic waves. It is capable of targeting both superficial and deep tissue for reduced pain, improved function, and faster healing.
• Magnesium oil is an optimal solution for sore joints. Unfortunately, not all magnesium oil is created equal. High quality products like Electra Magnesium Oil recommended by The 100 Year LifestyleⓇ, are often immediately effective in both relieving pain and increasing range of motion. If applied consistently results will be maintained and improved!
• Anti-inflammatory Nutrition is essential. If you think what you eat doesn’t affect your joints, you’re wrong. The worst things to eat when it comes to healthy joints are any and all inflammatory foods. The main culprits include sugar, fried foods, seed oils, and excess alcohol. The best things to eat include leafy greens, bone broth, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and get your Omega-3s through foods like wild salmon and flax. If you need more help, your 100 Year LifestyleⓇ provider can guide you in getting the information you need. 
• Targeted Exercise—yes, even golf, tennis, or drumming! We all need to maintain our FitNESS, regardless of our age. FitNESS stands for Frequency, Intensity, Time, Neurology, Endurance, Strength, and Structure. 

Let’s talk a bit more about exercise and movement. There are people playing competitive tennis or running races at age 100 these days. While athletic competition might not be part of your lifestyle, that doesn’t mean your only other option is to “sit this one out.” It’s not about doing less, it’s about doing things differently or doing different things. Be smart. If running is too strenuous, become an avid walker or hiker. Adapt. 

Keep in mind that adapting doesn’t mean your broken. Regardless of your age, you can’t afford not to care for your joints. But you can afford to create a lifestyle that protects them.

Prevention or Cure?

Everyone, particularly in hindsight, would prefer to take prevention over cure. We mentioned earlier that you need to put on the breaks if surgery is being suggested to you. Here’s some information your doctor may not have shared with you. Replacement joints aren’t always as good an idea as they sound. Even if they work, recovery if brutal. Many people actually require second or third surgeries. Known as “redo” surgeries, they aren’t as fun as they sound.  And artificial disks can have complications and sometimes, not often, lead to paralysis. Feeling lucky? Why put yourself at risk when you have other options?

If you’re not at that stage, then you have time for prevention. But don’t wait. Function degeneration can blindside you. It can happen quickly and suddenly. Prevention is always the best cure and when we’re talking about OA it means early correction of misalignments as early in life as possible. Then continue your chiropractic care while living your 100 Year LifestyleⓇ. Throughout your long, healthy life, continue to move, stay strong, and adapt smart!

You wouldn’t drive your car on a flat tire for 10, 20, or even 50 years. Why would you live without taking proper care of your spine and nervous system?

Next Steps

It’s important to note than any lifestyle change requires time and consistency to have an impact. If you’ve had degeneration for 50 years, it could take 50 years to regenerate. Time doesn’t matter. You’re either on the path to health or not. Be on it. Even if your degeneration were to be able to be corrected overnight, you’d still need to maintain that new level of health. Stay on the path. 

However, even with that in mind, regardless of your age and whether or not osteoarthritis is on your radar or already part of your life, there things you can and should be doing. Start by finding a 100 Year LifestyleⓇ provider near you and making an appointment for an evaluation and an adjustment. Together you can create a plan to meet your needs and ideally prevent OA in the first place. If you do have OA, your provider can use all the tools in their kit to help you effectively manage your OA without medications or surgery. 

 If, by chance you’re concerned about costs, let’s get clear that when it comes to your health, you can’t afford not to take care of it. Between medication and hospitalization costs and missed life opportunities whether it’s spending more time pursuing your goals or spending time with family, that’s a price none of us can really afford to pay. 

 By working together with your chiropractor to create your ideal 100 Year LifestyleⓇ, you’ll live the active, purposeful life you were born to live. Together you’ll redefine what’s possible!

The post Living Vibrantly with Osteoarthritis (OA) – Part 2 appeared first on The 100 Year Lifestyle®.