ArthritisDigest2013
New factsheet on the effects of steroids on osteoporosis
The links between taking glucocorticoids (steroids) and developing osteoporosis have been explored in a new factsheet produced by the National Osteoporosis Society.
One of the recognised side effects of treatment with glucocorticoids is that they can reduce bone strength and make broken bones more likely, particularly when taken over a long period of time. Continue reading
Exercise is important in osteoarthritis, highlights new UK guidance
The importance of exercise for people with osteoarthritis has been underlined again, this time in official guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The updated clinical guidelines on the care and management of osteoarthritis in adults includes a reminder that the core treatment for osteoarthritis remains exercise. Benefits of offering advice on ways to lose weight for people with osteoarthritis who are overweight or obese are outlined too. Continue reading
Appointment with chiropractor after back injury = lower likelihood of surgery
People who have had a work-related back injury are less likely to have spinal surgery if they visit a chiropractor than if they are referred to a surgeon for assessment, suggests a study published in Spine.
A team from the University of Washington in the US evaluated 1,885 people who had injured their backs in the workplace, and recorded if they had surgery within three years of the incident. Continue reading
Poor sleep increases pain in later life
Low quality sleep increases risk of widespread pain later in life says a UK study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
And anxiety, memory impairment and poor physical health among older adults may increase the risk of developing widespread pain too. Continue reading
Weather may impact osteoarthritis symptoms after all – but not by much
Weather patterns can have an effect on the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms, says a study published in Spine.
A total of 222 people with hip osteoarthritis were followed for two years and symptoms were evaluated every three months. Data was collected on weather variables such as temperature, hours of sun, wind speed, precipitation, barometric pressure and relative humidity. Continue reading
