The term arthritis is somewhat of a “catch all” term. Breaking down the actual definition based on its Latin definition, arthritis is : “arthro” which means joint and “itis” which means inflammation of. So technically, the word means inflammation of the joint. However, this term is often applied to painful conditions of the musculo- skeletal system when other causes have been ruled out.
“It’s just arthritis.”
But what does that actually mean? There are many misconceptions regarding this term.
There are many types of conditions referred to as arthritis. Only a small percentage of what we refer to as arthritis is actually a disease process. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes a physiological degeneration of the joints. However the majority of the time when the term arthritis is used, it is referring to a normal wear and tear, or wearing out of the joints over time. Virtually, everyone over the age of 40 or so has this type of “wearing out” which is referred to as arthritis. Therefore, this is normal, but yet is often perceived as some kind of disease or disorder. However, in nature anything that wears out often depends on the circumstances it is exposed to. This is also true of our structure. This wearing out, often referred to as arthritis, is not always necessary – at least to the degree that we often accept.
For example, a 1968 car which has been left out in the elements in a junk yard for many years will be very different than a car of the same age which has been taken care of in a closed garage. Even though the two cars are the same age, there condition is very different depending on how they were cared for. The same is true for our bodies. There are two major influences that we have control over, which significantly affect the health and longevity of our joints:
1. Our relationship to gravity. Gravity is a tremendous force that is exerted on our body on an ongoing basis. How we receive those forces is extremely significant and under our control much more than we usually realize. Learn more about how gravity can effect the way you function and feel.
2.Our diet. What we consume also has a significant influence on joint health and function. Learn more about how nutrition can effect the way you function and feel.