How Exercise Helps Prevent Arthritis
Arthritis can happen to all of us, even when we are not very old. It can be a result of RSI, an injury, or simply the fact that our joints are getting old and worn out. Unfortunately, human joints are not as simple to replace like a worn out car part, so it’s imperative that we do what we can to keep them healthy and functioning to their optimum ability. And one of the very best ways to achieve this is to exercise our joints regularly.
Exercise Promotes Cartilage Growth
The problem with most joints in the human body is a lack of blood flow into the actual joint itself. When a joint sustains an injury the healing process can be notoriously slow due to this. Soft tissue damage will receive an immediate burst of nutrients via the flow of blood, but joints are a different story.
Arthritis is essentially the breaking down of articular cartilage in the joints, and this cartilage can form burrs without regular movement of the joints. The more a joint is exercised, the more the body knows to maintain healthy cartilage in the joint as well as keeping the surface of the cartilage smooth.
Exercise Keeps the Joints Lubricated
Synovial fluid is the body’s natural joint lubricant. It’s like oil for the joints. Dry joints are stiff and ineffective. Regular exercise that allows the joint a full range of movement without harsh impacts helps to feed the joint with synovial fluid, keeping it well lubricated and operating smoothly. The smoother the joint functions, the less chance arthritis will develop. A lack of synovial fluid will increase joint friction and lead to cartilage degradation.
Exercise Keeps Your Joints Flexible
To really keep joints flexible, free of pain and in good health, they need regular movement through exercise that doesn’t place heavy load on them. Low impact exercises such as swimming, for example, are a great way to achieve range of movement in many of the joints without impact.
Both the neck and spine also need exercise that doesn’t put a heavy strain on them. Often the neck and spine will be forgotten about in an exercise regime, but it’s just as important to keep these joints healthy as it is any other joint in the body. Poor spine health will lead to all manner of debilitating problems.
Your Chiropractor Can Help
Nobody knows more about spine health and preventative exercises than your chiropractor. This is the area they specialise in, so it makes sense to seek the help and advice from your local chiropractic centre.
Helensvale Chiropractic Centre has been servicing the needs of patients on the Gold Coast for more than 20 years. If you have any back, neck or spinal issues in general, or just want some friendly advice on how best to look after the health of your spine, then book an appointment to see a chiropractor today.
BY: Helensvale Chiropractic
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