Definition:
Inflammation of a joint. Arthritis can occur in any joint of the body, including the spine.
As a chronic condition, arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in America. Between approximately 40 to 60 million people suffer from arthritis. Arthritis affects women about twice as much as men.
There are many types of arthritis. The two major types are:
- Osteoarthritis, where the cartilage (cushioning between 2 touching bones) breaks down, causing pain and damage to the joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the joint and causes damage.
