Arthritis / Reversal of Arthritis

Disc regeneration: reversibility is possible in spinal osteoarthritis. Ressel, OJ. ICA Review March/April 1989 pp. 39 -61.
From the abstract: “Historically, osteoarthritis has been regarded as a common slowly progressive disorder seen most often in the elderly that affects the weight bearing joints, the peripheral and axial articulations, and the spine...clinically, osteoarthritis has been universally accepted as an integral consequence of aging. The condition is considered to be the product of various pathobiomechanical alterations in joint function, a “wear and tear” sequela. It is only in the past few years that increased knowledge about the histopathology, biomechanics, biochemistry, and metabolic properties of normal and osteoarthritic tissue structures has given clinicians any hope of being able to deal with osteoarthritis. When patient care is related to the pathology, pathophysiology, and the kinesiopathology of this condition, arrest and even reversal is possible.”

Osteoarthritis, chiropractic, and nutrition: osteoarthritis considered as a natural part of a three stage subluxation complex: its reversibility: its relevance and treatability by chiropractic and nutritional correlates. Berkson DL Med Hypotheses Dec 1991; 36(4):356-67
Author’s Abstract: It is proposed that chiropractic and nutritional treatment contribute to the amelioration and perhaps reversal of osteoarthritis (OA). It is further proposed that the chiropractic manipulative thrust, is in effect, treating dysfunctional bio-mechanics of joints, affecting positive cartilaginous change. The pathophysiology and multi-factorial causes of OA are reviewed. New interpretations of the literature surrounding OA are discussed which offer arguments for OA’s treatment and reversal through chiropractic manipulation and nutrutional support. Presented is a new model of the chiropractic concept of subluxation (abnormal joint complex resulting in fixation or decrease in normal range of motion) and the chiropractic manipulative thrust. The associated histologic correlates are also discussed. A review of the literature of anti-inflammatory and muscle/joint complex supportive nutrients appropriate for OA is presented. Finally, a complete treatment protocol for OA is summarized.

The reversibility of osteoarthritis. Bland, JH. American Journal of Medicine, 75:16-26, 1983.

Osteoarthritis: a review of the cell biology involved and evidence for reversibility. Bland, JH, Cooper SM, and SEM Arthritis Rheum 14 (2): 106-133, 1984.

Experimental models of osteoarthritis: the role of immobilization. Videman T. Clinical Biomechanics, 1987; 2:223-229.
From the author’s abstract: “Evidence is reviewed from animal experiments supporting the hypothesis that immobilization, for whatever reason, is one of the pathogenetic factors in musculoskeletal degeneration. It shows beyond reasonable doubt that immobilization is not only a cause of osteoarthritis but that it delays the healing process.” Osteoarthritic changes were observed after only a few weeks of immobilization.

The chiropractic medical management of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis. Hicks L. American Chiropractor 1991; 13:12-15.

Rheumatoid arthritis, a case report. Nelson W. Chiropractic Technique 1990; 2:17-19.

Atlanto-axial subluxation and upward translocation of the odontoid in rheumatoid arthritis. Rana NA, Hancock DO, Taylor AR, Hill AGS, Am J Bone Joint Surg 55A: 1304, 1973.

Research has shown that most patients with rheumatoid arthritis have severe spinal misalignments.

Brain stem compression in rheumatoid arthritis. Mayer, JW et al JAMA Nov.1, 1976- Vol.236, No.18. “Involvement of the cervical spine, particularly the atlanto-axial (C-1 to C-2) area, by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may result in serious complications, including quadraparesis, vertebral artery insufficiency and even death. Pathologic conditions of the cervical spine are common in RA and may occur in as many as 86% of patients with this disease.” The incidence of roentgenographic evidence of serious C-1 to C-2 subluxations has been reported as high as 25%.”

Incidence and prognosis of the coxarthrosis. Danielsson LG. Acta Orthop Scand (Suppl) 66; 1-114, 1964. Reversal of osteoarthritis is shown possible.

A 5-year follow-up of 50 cases of idiopathic osteoarthritis of the hip. Seifert M, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 28:325, 1969. Spontaneous reversal of osteoarthritis is noted.

Spontaneous recovery of the hip joint in degenerative joint disease. Perry GH et al. An Rheum Dis 31:440-448, 1972

Restoration of the femoral head after collapse in OA. Storey et al. Ann Rheum Dis 30:406-412, 1971

OA of the hip: a study of the nature and evolution of the disease. Harrison MHM et al J Bone Joint Surg 35B: 598-626, 1953

References from Koren Publications’ brochure: Arthritis, “Rheumatism” and Chiropractic

Lederer J. Arthritis: The mind-body connection. Mind-body health digest. Pub. By the Institute for the Advancement of Health. Vol. 2 No. 4.

Pathologic Basis of Disease, Stanley L. Robbins, M.D. Published by W. B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia.

Ligament and Tendon Relaxation Treated by Prolotherapy by George Hackett, MD 1958.

Nathan H. Osteophytes of the spine compressing the sympathetic trunk and splanchnic nerves in the thorax. Spine, 1987; 12:527-532.

Ressel, Disc Regeneration: Reversibility is Possible in Spinal Osteoarthritis. Int’l. Review of Chiropractic, March/April 1989 pp. 39-61.

Journal of the American Medical Association, July 12, 1984. “Up to 40% of those vaccinated with rubella suffered joint pain arthralgia, with less than 2% going on to develop arthritis”.

The People’s Doctor Newsletter by Robert Mendelsohn, M.D., Published Monthly. Vol. 8, No. 12, P.O. Box 982, Evanston, Illinois, 60204.

“A Chiropractic Story Silently Told In A Medical Museum” by Blaire, D.C. of Lubbock, Texas, 1975

Goldberg, P. Questions and answers about arthritis and rheumatism. Today’s Ctic July/August 1995. Newsweek: March 20, 1989, pp. 65-66.

The People’s Doctor Newsletter by Robert Mendelsohn, M.D. Published Monthly. Vol. 6, No. 9. P.O. Box 982, Evanston, Illinois, 60204.

Rana NA, Hancock DO, Taylor AR, Hill AGS: Atlanto-axial subluxation and upward translocation of the odontoid in rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Bone Joint Surg 55A: 1304, 1973.

Mayer, JW et al Brain stem compression in rheumatoid arthritis. JAMA Nov.1, 1976-Vol.236, No.18.

Chiropractic Management of Degenerative Joint Disease of the Spine. Shell, R.C. Journal of the National College of Chiropractic, 1970.

‘Orthopaedic Medicine-A New Approach to Vertebral Manipulations’ Maigne R., Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois (1972).

Mennell, J. McM., M.D. “Back Pain-Diagnosis and Treatment using Manipulative Techniques”. Little Brown, Boston 1960, p. 27.

Zusman M A “A Theoretical Basis for the Short-term Relief of Some Types of Spinal Pain With Manipulative Therapy”. Manual Medicine, 1987; 3:54-56.