Exploring the use of nutritional supplementation and nutritional education in the chiropractic management of osteoarthritis amongst practicing chiropractors in South Africa

Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, resulting in chronic joint pain and stiffness which may worsen overtime. Chiropractors treat all types of conditions, with osteoarthritis being one of the most common. Chiropractors provide patients with detailed plans of treatment to reduce pain and the increase movement of the affected joints; they also have the ability to provide the patient with nutritional counselling, advising the patient on which foods to avoid, suitable supplementation and the importance of physical activity for weight management. This research study focused specifically on chiropractic healthcare providers and how they implemented nutritional education with regards to osteoarthritis within their practice. It focused on how often they prescribed nutritional supplementation and also looked at the outcomes of patient treatment with and without the use of nutritional supplementation for osteoarthritis. Due to the diversity of race, culture and nutrition choices, especially in South Africa, chiropractors have to deal with more broad-spectrum patients, thereby the use of nutritional supplementation and education may vary from patient to patient. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to explore the use of nutritional supplementation and education in the management of osteoarthritis by selected practicing chiropractors in South Africa. Methodology A qualitative exploratory design was utilised in this study. Semi-structured interviews via an online platform were utilised to conduct in-depth interviews with 12 registered chiropractors practising in South Africa. The interviews were conducted in English and were then transcribed. The data were analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of thematic analysis to establish the themes and subthemes. Results There were seven key themes that arose from this study. The study highlighted the importance of including nutritional education and supplementation in conjunction to chiropractic care, noting that it does, in fact, play a role in improving the patient’s outcomes. Practitioners aimed to manage patients with a holistic approach. Using this approach to healthcare, practitioners were able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to further improve patient outcomes. Conclusion The findings that emerged from this study indicate that the use of nutritional education and supplementation, in conjunction to chiropractic care, in the management of patients with OA, is vital. Patients showed greater improvement outcomes when the two were combined. Therefore, it is necessary that not only chiropractors but all healthcare professionals include the use of nutritional supplementation and educate the patient on the long term effects and the importance of nutrition for reduced symptoms to better manage their osteoarthritis.