Dr. Bruce Rachum

Arthritis is a disease of the whole body (a systemic disease) that is most dramatically seen in the joints.  There are over 100 conditions that fall under the diagnosis of "arthritis".  Arthritis was previously known as "rheumatism".

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease.  This is the most common type of arthritis affecting more than 21 millions Americans.  Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down.  The most commonly affected areas are the hips, hands, knees, low back and neck.  OA often results from an unbalanced structural system that creates stress on the joints resulting in bone growths (spurring) to try to strengthen the joint by depositing extra bone.  Sometimes the growths compress on nerves, causing pain and affecting the internal organs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects 2.1 million Americans, primarily women.  This chronic condition occurs when the lining of the joints becomes inflamed and can lead to long-term joint damage and limited movement.   RA is the crippler that destroys joints, affects the heart, blood vessels, eyes, skin, muscles and other organs. 

Medicine offers no cure for arthritis.  Since the underlying cause is unknown, symptom treatment is suggested.  This usually entails prescription medication.  If a joint becomes severely deteriorated, then surgery may be considered.

The following is a list of some lifestyle changes you can make that may provide some relief:

1.  Exercise can help increase flexibility, strengthen muscles and bones and help you maintain a healthy weight.

2.  Try a healthy diet consisting of a wide variety of unprocessed, organic foods.  Dr. Rachum can recommend some foods that act as a natural anti-inflammatory to your diet.

3.  You can improve your health by trying to reduce the stressors in your life.  For those stressors that cannot be removed, learn techniques to cope such as meditation and breathing exercises.

4.  Rest and moderation.

5.  Seek a natural treatment method for pain relief that does not use medications with harmful side effects.  Contact us for a free consultation.

Chiropractic Approach

For over a century arthritis patients have benefited from chiropractic care.

Chiropractic is a system of healthcare that improves the function of the entire body by removing or releasing blockages called subluxations.  Subluxations weaken your nervous and immune systems, thereby weakening your body.  This can set the stage for sickness and disease, arthritis included.  By improving your immune system, you can better prepare your body to fight off disease and arthritis.

For our Medicare patients, we do accept Medicare assignment.

Acupuncture Approach

Acupuncture offers a safe, natural way to control joint pain and other symptoms and maintain overall health

In a 2004 study, patients with OA of the knee experienced a 40% decrease in pain and a 40% increase increase in function after receiving a series of acupuncture treatments.

The acupuncture approach addresses the imbalance or blockage of the flow of Qi along the meridians.  These meridians are pathways throughout the body and they nourish the body's organs to keep it healthy and protect it from illness.  When there is an imbalance or blockage of Qi, physical symptoms and illness result.