Is Arthritis Really to Blame?

When someone has joint pain, they often say, “It’s just arthritis.”

But what really is arthritis?

The most common type is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the tissues inside a joint change over time. The cartilage, which helps cushion the joint, can wear down. The joint may also become stiff or swollen (1, 4).

Many people think that if an X-ray shows arthritis, then the arthritis must be causing the pain.

But that is not always true.

Studies have shown that many people have arthritis on imaging and feel no pain at all. One large review found that signs of osteoarthritis on MRI were very common in people who had no symptoms (2).

Another research review found that imaging changes do not always match how a person feels. Some people have a lot of arthritis on imaging and little pain, while others have pain with only small changes on imaging (3, 4).

So what does this mean?

It means we should not only look at pictures of the body. We also need to look at how the body moves and functions.

At our office, we often find that the real problem is not where the pain is felt.

For example, someone may have pain on the outside of the hip. Many times, this is related to irritation of the hip tendons and muscles. But the reason the hip hurts may actually come from poor balance or weakness at the ankle. If the ankle is unstable, the hip muscles may need to work too hard. Over time, that extra stress can lead to pain.

An X-ray cannot show that kind of movement problem.

That is why a full functional exam is so important. We want to find out why the body is under stress, not just what an image looks like.

If you are in pain, we would love to help you.

Please call us at 717-766-5406 to see how we can help you.

References

1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 23, 2026, from NIAMS Osteoarthritis Overview

2. Culvenor, A. G., Øiestad, B. E., Hart, H. F., Stefanik, J. J., Guermazi, A., & Crossley, K. M. (2019). Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis features on magnetic resonance imaging in asymptomatic uninjured adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(20), 1268–1278. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099257

3. Felson, D. T. (2011). Imaging abnormalities that correlate with joint pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(4), 289–291. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2010.081554

4. Roemer, F. W., Demehri, S., Omoumi, P., Link, T. M., Kijowski, R., Saarakkala, S., Crema, M. D., Hayashi, D., & Guermazi, A. (2022). State of the art: Imaging of osteoarthritis—Revisited 2022. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 30(7), 913–934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2022.02.898

How to pass a DOT physical

Is your DOT physical about to renew? Getting a physical can be nerve-wracking, especially when your job depends on you passing the physical. This article is going to give you some helpful tips to help you pass your physical.

Maintain a healthy blood pressure.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) wants your blood pressure to be less than 140 mmHg/90 mmHg.  Here are some things you can do the day of your physical to help keep your blood pressure at a normal level.

·         Avoid caffeine the day of your DOT physical. Caffeine can cause an immediate spike in blood pressure. 

·         Avoid smoking.  Smoking before your physical can cause between a 5 mg and 10 mg increase in blood pressure.

·         Stress management.  Try abdominal breathing to decrease your overall stress and anxiety, which can affect your blood pressure.

·         Get a good night’s sleep.  Getting 6 hours of sleep or less may increase you blood pressure.

Bring your medical records with you to your appointment. Some medical conditions require proof of compliance with the recommended treatment.  Not having your medical records may lead to a delay in certification.

·         If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the FMSCA requires you prove compliance with using a C-PAP machine. 

·         A list of your health conditions. 

·         A complete list of your medications.

If you are noticing your vision is getting blurry, have it checked by an optometrist before your physical.

·         To pass your dot physical, your vision needs to be 20/40 or better.

·         If you wear glasses, bring them with you to your physical.

In need of a DOT Physical?  Warner Chiropractic Care Center is offering DOT physicals by either walk-in or appointment. 

Want to avoid the wait? Schedule an appointment with us today by giving us a call at 717-766-5406!